Brazilian Operators Journey to Marrakech
After a night at the Marriott Casablanca, a group of travel operators associated with Braztoa embarked on a journey to Marrakech as part of the Mission Braztoa. The travel from Casablanca to Marrakech, covering approximately 240 kilometers, took about 2.5 hours and allowed participants to enjoy Morocco's well-maintained roads while taking in the stunning arid landscape dotted with hay crops and framed by distant mountains, all under the classic desert climate.
Casablanca, being the largest urban center and economic heart of Morocco, showcased its grandeur to the operators despite the brief visit. This cosmopolitan city beautifully blends modernity with Moorish traditions, with its main attraction being the monumental Hassan II Mosque, the 14th largest mosque in the world, the largest in Morocco, and the third largest in Africa. Remarkably, it is one of the few mosques that welcomes non-Muslim tourists and boasts the tallest minaret globally, standing at an impressive 210 meters. The mosque was strategically built over the Atlantic Ocean, as King Hassan II envisioned that worshippers would pray facing the horizon.
The Allure of Marrakech
By late morning, the group arrived in Marrakech, also known as the Red City, famous for its authenticity, tourism appeal, and creativity. It serves as a paradise for visitors seeking something distinctly different from the Western world. With 6 million tourists visiting annually, Marrakech is characterized by its friendly locals, enchanting gardens, museums, monuments, mosques, the renowned Agafay Desert, and exquisite traditional crafts, making it a shopper's delight and a feast for the senses.
Marrakech was chosen by Morocco's tourism board as the primary destination for the Mission Braztoa. Here, Brazilian operators will spend most of their time exploring its attractions, savoring the local cuisine, and immersing themselves in the unique Moroccan spirit. This experience is designed to prepare them for a business meeting with local suppliers at the end of the trip, ensuring they are well-acquainted with the destination to facilitate smoother communication and product selection for their portfolios.
Amine Eljoudani, a representative from the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), expressed his excitement about welcoming Brazilian operators to Morocco. He has formed friendships with many of them during his time in São Paulo, and this trip signifies a dream come true. "I have always dreamed of introducing my home country, Morocco, to my adopted country, Brazil. This mission marks the first collaboration with Braztoa, and I believe this partnership will only grow in the future. I am immensely grateful for Braztoa's efforts in bringing the best operators here to experience our culture and history," said Eljoudani.
He further noted, "Despite the geographical distance, Brazil feels very close to Morocco. When a Brazilian visits us, it feels like welcoming a distant cousin into our home. We share a familial bond." He highlighted the similarities between Brazilians and Moroccans, particularly emphasizing the renowned hospitality of Moroccans. "We love to host and showcase our country and culture. A tourist in Morocco does not merely visit; they connect with the warmth and humanity of our people, which compels them to return, as they identify with this characteristic of our culture."
Furthermore, Morocco welcomed a record 60,000 Brazilian visitors in 2025, doubling the number from two years prior. The ONMT aims to further boost this figure, with a goal of reaching 100,000 Brazilian visitors by 2028 and 120,000 by 2030, coinciding with Morocco's role as a host nation for the upcoming World Cup. "With this objective in mind, we are working diligently with Brazilian operators, organizing familiarization tours, and conducting roadshows across various cities. We strive to reach as many operators as possible to promote Morocco and expand our presence throughout Brazil. I often say, 'out of sight, out of mind.' It is crucial for us to maintain visibility in the media, B2B engagements, and marketing materials. This is our strategy," Eljoudani concluded.
In the afternoon, the group explored the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Mellah Jewish Quarter. The Bahia Palace, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture and design built in the late 19th century, features expansive gardens, richly decorated rooms, and intricately detailed courtyards. The Koutoubia Mosque stands as one of Marrakech's most iconic monuments and a hallmark of Islamic architecture in Morocco. As the day came to a close, the operators returned to the Mövenpick Hotel where they are staying to unwind by the pool, as the city’s intense heat persisted.
As reported by panrotas.com.br.
