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by Helen Broadus More than 100 individuals representing tour operators, travel professionals, travel educators, and individuals who are interested in learning more about Morocco as well as considering visiting Morocco participated. There was plenty of delicious Moroccan food, refreshing drinks and live entertainment provided by a fantastic belly dancer. Special thanks to Venue International Professionals, Inc. for coordinating the event as well as to the DC Chamber of Commerce's International Trade Committee, the Africa International Trading Center Association, and the Africa Travel Association for assisting with the great turnout of participants. According to Ms. Helen C. Broadus, President of Venue International Professionals, Inc. and Chairperson of the Education and Training Committee of the Africa Travel Association, this event was a great start toward furthering the awareness of Morocco as a safe and affordable destination to the North American tourist market. Moreover, she stated that Mr. Hassan Samrhouni, President of Casablanca Travel and Tours will be collaborating with VIP on a Destination Specialist Certification Program for Morocco scheduled to commence in mid-October 2003. Morocco, North Africa is home of the continent's oldest monarchy and is one of Africa's main tourist destinations, bringing in more than 3.3 million tourist representing an estimated 1.8 billion in foreign currency in the year 2000. Morocco, while blessed with very beautiful beaches, is most famous for the world renowned marvels of art and history represented by its Imperial Cities of Fes, Meknes, Marrakech and Rabat. The Kingdom of Morocco is located in Northern Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco is slightly larger than California, with a similar lengthy coastline (3,500 km) and separated from Europe by the Straits of Gibraltar. Interestingly, the link between Africa and Europe could be finally completed by the construction of a gigantic viaduct across the Straits of Gibraltar. This bridge will start from Cape Malabat to the east of Tangier and reach the southern coast of Spain at Cape Paloma. This engineering feat would enable 10-15 million passengers to cross annually, along with 2 million vehicles and 5 million tons of freight. This would definitely speed up the union between Morocco and the European Union. Morocco received its independence from France on March 2, 1956 and has a population of more than 30 million with Rabat as the official capital. Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco has the largest port of the Maghreb (North African) nations and was modeled after the seaport in Marseille, France. Casablanca is a very cosmopolitan city with both "old world charm and new world pleasures". While Arabic is the official language, French is often the language of business, government and diplomacy. English is also widely spoken and many American and European tourists visit Morocco for vacation and/or business purposes all year round. There are four Imperial Cities in Morocco: Fees, Marrakech, Rabat, and Meknes. Fees, the oldest of the Imperial Cities, is often described as the "spiritual and cultural center" of Morocco. As the kingdom's original capital (808 A.D.), Fees is known as the most Imperial City of them all in Morocco. Marrakech, the second oldest of the Imperial Cities founded in the 11th century, was twice the capital of Morocco. Marrakech's often called the "voluptuous city" and is full of many historical sites as well as exquisite shopping bazaars. It is a scenic city of ochre colors spread out in a huge palm grove set against the background of the snow covered Atlas Mountains. The first thing that strikes you upon visiting Marrakech is that everything is pink - from the ancient castled ramparts around the old town, the town buildings within, and the modern buildings in the new quarter are all in varying shades of the same color. Interesting sites include the venerable Monument of Koutoubia, known as the masterpiece of Almohades Art and the richly decorated rooms of the Saadian Tombs. Also not to be missed is the Bahia Palace which is built in Andalucian style. It is built around a large central courtyard with gracious colonnades, fountains and a green and white mosaic floor patio which creates an effect of infinite coolness on hot summer days. Also, there is the enormous Djemaa El Fna Square, which abounds with storytellers, soothsayers, snake charmers, acrobats and vendors of mystic potions as well as local people squatting around the ever present tea kettles producing the fragrance of fresh Mint Tea. A short driving distance away, one can take an excursion to the Ourika Valley to visit the Berber Souks and Jewish Shrines. Rabat, also known as the "Garden City" is the administrative capital of Morocco and the third oldest of the Imperial Cities. In many ways, Rabat is a traditional yet modern and elegant city, with wide and harmonious boulevards with trees, flowers, gardens and luxurious boutiques. Interesting sites include the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower, an impressive masterpiece of Almohades architecture. This unfinished Minaret, contemporary with Giralda of Seville and the Koutoubia of Marrakech, is part of a Mosque that was intended to hold the entire Moorish army for worship. Also, see the exquisite craftsmanship of the Mohamed V Mausoleum, raised in tribute to Morocco's contemporary king and liberator. Meknes, the youngest of the Imperial Cities, is famous for its picturesque and exotic souks (markets) with colorful displays of foods, handicrafts and textiles. The former seat of government, it is the fourth of the Imperial Cities and was built by the 17th century Sultan Mulay Ismael, founder of Meknes and contemporary of Louis XIV of France whose grandiose building scheme he imitated. Interesting sites include the monument gateway Bab El Mansour, the Palace Tombs of Mulay Ismael (the only Mosque in which non-Muslim visitors are allowed to enter), and the ruins of the vast imperial stables which were capable of stabling 12,000 horses. Within a short driving distance of Meknes is Volubilis, the most important Roman ruins in all of Morocco. Volubilis was the former capital of the Roman province of Mauritania Tingitana, home of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra's daughter Sylene, who married Berber King Juba II. Visit the Olive Press, the House of Orpheus, the Basilica, the Baths of Gallienne, the Forum, the Triumphant Arch of Caracalla, and the House of Venus. In 1997, this rich legacy won Volubilis the classification as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Also nearby is the holy city of Moulay Idriss, founded in the early 8th century. About the Author: Helen C. Broadus is the President of Venue International Professionals, Inc. (VIP) - an African-American owned full service travel and tourism company based in the Washington Metropolitan Area. VIP specializes in providing escorted and customized travel and tourism packages for individuals and groups interested in visiting the African continent. She is also the Executive Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Africa Travel Association (ATA) and has conducted numerous travel and tourism programs to twenty-five countries in Africa over the past ten years. For more information about the Destination Training Certificate Program for Morocco, please contact her at: mailto:vipinc@erols.com
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