My recent adventure was to the 'Morocco Travel Mart' (MTM) in Marrakech, Morocco - invited as a 'hosted buyer' by the tourism board. Here along with 500+ other agent/buyers from all over the world, but primarily Europe and France in particular-in attendance of the 3rd annual event.
We were spread out over several 4-and 5-star resorts and 'riads' (B&B) and mine was the 5-star "Eden Andalou Resort & Spa", the most remote, but well-situated with a spectaculour view of the Atlas Mountains. Rooms are Moroccan-French themed with arched doorways and bathroom/bidets, featuring either a large sitting roo
m or a balcony overlooking the two swimming pools or the gardens.The spa I heard was pretty awesome however due to time constraints, I was unable to partake - it also consisted of an 'entry fee' for those just wanting to use the treadmills or sauna.
After our flight from JFK via Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc, we had the first day to take the
complimentary shuttle into the city center to "El Jamaa Fna" to do a 'hop-on/hop-off' city tour for about $16. It included two separate tours of the 'inner and outer Medina' - the old - walled city and the surrounding areas including the 'Palmerie' areas where miles and miles of palm trees dotted the landscape as well as areas for camel-rides. There were beautiful gardens and museums one could hop off to visit as well.
Before or after the pickup point of the tour, one could visit the square for shopping or eating in one of the many shops and restaurants or just people watch - what lovely children!
One of my colleagues and I had lunch in a 'riad' (B&B) roof-type restaurant which consisted of several courses of delicious and colorful food. It was complete with a cup of hot Moroccan tea.
Later that night, after we returned to our hotel to unwind and see Marrakech by night, we again took the complimentary shuttle to "El Jamaa Fna" in the city center for the "Night Market".
Here vendors sold vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices in one area, while another area was devoted to prepared foods such as fish, meet, vegetables, hummous, desserts and of course,
hot tea- some laced with mint. Yuuummmm.
hot tea- some laced with mint. Yuuummmm.
There was also live entertainment, snake-charmers and just a lively area full of good smelling food and spices.
The following two days it was down to business at MTM, with pre-arranged appointments with a host of hoteliers, DMCs, tour companies and operators, spa products, and coveted Moroccan oils and local arts an crafts as well as visiting and networking with colleagues over lunch in a private area for 'hosted buyers'.
In the evening, luxury hotels hosted 'dinners', but I would call them 'receptions'as there were no seated tables, but rather buffet-style setups with hot and cold 'fnger-foods' with lots of drinks
flowing all evening.
Networking involved invitations to 'private functions' at other hotels and riads to enjoy a Moroccan dinner as well as belly-dancing.
Attendees had the opportunity to spend one night at a Marrakech nightclub-"Panach" where many dance until the wee hours of the morning.
The closing gala event was at the ultra-luxury 5-star "Palmiere Palace & Golf Resort" in a self-contained village community on the outskirts or outer medina. With live entertainment and Moroccan-flamenco dancing and hot and cold buffet appetizers and a seemingly endless open bar with champagne and other beverages served in glasses fit for royalty; it put the finishng touches on a beautiful moon-lit evening.
Marrakech - Morocco, definitely has something to offer everyone - especially with such lovely people who are anxious to make your visit memorable and carefree... 
