Reservations Supervisor Update on Morocco: 10 Questions with Bijal Kana
Bijal Kana, our Reservations Supervisor for Africa, recently visited Morocco. Since Morocco is one of the top destinations in North Africa, we chatted with Bijal about her trip to get some insight on Morocco that you can share with your clients and that will help you sell Moroccan vacations.
1. Where did you travel?
I travelled to Morocco and visited Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fez, the Atlas Mountains, and Marrakech.
2. What is the number one thing agents should know about Morocco?
Morocco is very diverse and each city is very unique. Each city has its own speciality, whether it be pottery or industrial work or agriculture. So travellers will experience something different in every place they go. It’s by no means a monolith.
3. What is the biggest misconception about Morocco?
There are two big misconceptions. One is that Morocco isn’t safe. In fact, Morocco is a safe country that is very accommodating of visitors. Another misconception is that it’s entirely a desert country. It actually has a variety of natural environments within its borders, from coastal beaches to lush mountain oases.
4. What was your favourite place you stayed?
We stayed at a couple of riads and hotels, but the one that stood out for me was the Widiane Resort in Bin El Ouidane in the Atlas Mountains. The resort is set on a beautiful lake and has a lovely tranquil surrounding. It’s a great place to connect with nature and rejuvenate.
5. What new things did you learn about Morocco?
Morocco has the best and sweetest oranges I’ve ever had. Also, Moroccans don’t use a lot of spices in their cooking, which surprised me, as one would think they did considering it’s one of the most renowned countries for spice shopping. I also learned that the cities are very diverse, with some more conservative than others. You can have very different experiences depending on where you go.
6. What was your favourite local experience?
We had a henna party, which was a way to support the local women who had lost their husbands due to COVID-19 or other issues. I was happy to contribute so that the women can support their children. It was a great example of how travel can positively impact the lives of people.
7. What was your favourite individual destination?
Marrakech! This city is different from all the others I visited in Morocco. It is vibrant and liberal. Depending on where you stay, you can either get a feeling of staying at a resort destination or living like a local as you indulge in walking in the medina and enjoying the freshly squeezed orange juice any time of the day.
8. What were your favourite local dishes or drinks?
The harira soup was my favourite. It had the right balance of flavour and was a meal on its own as it had lots of lentils and vegetables. The other one was tagine with couscous and vegetables, which is cooked on a very low heat and the vegetables are so fresh and flavourful.
9. What would be the perfect complement as an extension to this trip?
It’s a simple answer, but the best extension to a trip to Morocco would be to go to either Spain or Egypt. You can easily do both with Goway.
10. What are your top three tips for agents who want to sell Morocco vacations?
1. Manage client’s expectations, so they are aware that it does take a long time to get from one city to another. But the scenery is great and you get to see different landscapes, so it’s worth the time spent travelling.
2. Morocco is a destination where you can experience a stay in the desert and also at the higher elevation in the Atlas Mountains. It offers two different worlds and experiences.
3. Morocco has some of the best architecture and historical monuments in the world. The artwork you witness at all the sites is unique and has a story of its own, which helps you understand more about the country’s history and culture.
