Tourism

Marrakech for the First Time: What You Need to Know and See

Marrakech is a major city in Morocco, the most important of the four imperial cities, and as a major tourist destination is likely to be your first impression of Morocco.

Marrakech is far from the hippie mecca of the 1960s, but it still charms and offers some of the best travel experiences in Morocco.

The tourism industry here is quite developed and affordable for a budget tourist. Known as the Red City of Morocco for its pink and ochre fortress walls, Marrakech is equally alluring, energetic, colorful, and stunning. Here’s a list of things to do in Marrakech, Morocco.

What to see in Marrakech?

To enjoy Marrakech to the maximum, we recommend spending at least three or four days here before traveling to other cities.

Marrakech has a dry and sunny climate, close to the desert and the Atlas Mountains. In addition, Marrakech is very easy to reach from European capitals, and there is a new airport here.

Several highways link Marrakech with Casablanca, Fez, and Essaouira, making it easily accessible.

Stroll through the old streets

Getting your bearings in Marrakech is worth taking a local Tours in Morocco. Marrakech is a bustling city with heavy traffic, so getting lost here is easy. A guided tour with a transfer from your hotel will give you a good idea of the main sights and how to navigate the medina.

Jamaa el-Fna

Jamaa el-Fna is a large square on the outskirts of the medina and the cultural heart of Marrakech.

When you emerge from the narrow, covered alleyways, Jamaa el-Fna appears as a grand and lively central square.

Around 1050 A.D. public executions were held there and the name means “Gathering of the Dead”.

Since then, everything has been going on at Jamaa el-Fna: street theater, gnawa musicians, snake charmers, and food vendors will entertain and perhaps overwhelm you.

Up until the 1980s, Jamaa el-Fna was home to a bus station where travelers came and went at all hours of the day. After the bus station closed, the square became quieter and more organized.

In 2001, Jamaa el-Fna was named a UNESCO World Heritage Masterpiece. It paints a complete picture of Moroccan life and culture: you can see street theater and Gnawa musicians in their colorful costumes.

Water vendors in fringed hats attract attention with their colorful clothing and brassware.

These days they are more fond of being photographed and ask for a small fee, but if you manage to get a good picture, it will be a vivid illustration of modern Moroccan life. Gnawa musicians and snake charmers will do the same, and quite insistently.

Jamaa el Fna is a must-see in Marrakech, but it is also a prime spot for all kinds of crooks and pickpockets, so you need to be very careful when walking here.

A quieter way to enjoy the activities on Jamaa el-Fna is from above. There are many rooftop restaurants with great views, we recommend having a drink or dinner while watching the night gradually cover the square.

Many people start the 4 Dias desde Marrakech al Desierto Merzouga

Medina

The medina, also known as “suok,” is a maze of narrow streets and small squares filled with stalls and stores selling all kinds of goods.

The medina is a UNESCO heritage site. In our opinion, Marrakech has the most vibrant, colorful, and rich markets.

The size and quantity of goods are incredible, the market is a fantastic showcase of all Moroccan craftsmanship.

Although the medina of Marrakech is very touristy, it is also a place of work and real life.

Amidst the bright colors of tourist goods, the medina is full of locals going about their business, buying groceries, carrying goods, and trading.

As you enter the medina and walk through the narrow alleys, you may get scared and expect to get lost at some point…

Don’t worry, that’s part of the experience, you can discover some great places as you walk. If you use a local SIM card, Google maps and a map of the city will help.

However, if you need advice from a local, it’s best to go into a store and ask someone.

We don’t recommend trusting random people on the street too much, they may want to act as a guide for a while and steer you in the wrong direction.

If you are staying in Marrakech for a few days, staying within the medina can be a great way to get your bearings.

Majorelle Garden

The Majorelle Garden is one of the most visited places in Morocco and the main attraction of Marrakech.

Located in the “new town” (ville nouvelle) and created by the French orientalist painter Jacques Majorelle, it is a charming garden in the heart of Marrakech. Jacques lived here from 1923 to the 1950s and created a beautiful botanical garden full of trees, exotic plants, bubbling streams, and pools filled with water lilies and lotus flowers.

At Majorelle’s request, French architect Paul Sinoir built a Cubist villa here in the 1930s.

In the 1980s the villa and garden were bought by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. The place, which had fallen into disrepair, was completely restored.

Saint Laurent discovered Marrakech in the 1960s, when it became a “hippie mecca.” It became Saint Laurent’s main place of work and inspiration, and after his death in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the garden.

Today, the Majorelle Garden is an unrivaled landmark in Marrakech. The garden is a bird’s paradise and the combination of colors adorning the buildings makes for stunning photos.

There is a café, the Berber Museum, and the Yves Saint Laurent memorial. The museum’s bookstore has very good books, and the Majorelle boutique has beautiful (and expensive) pieces that feel inspired by Saint Laurent.

The Majorelle Garden is beautiful and inspiring, but it is also a victim of its success, it is completely crowded with tourist buses and it is quite difficult to take photos without strangers. The entrance fee is 70 dirhams per adult, it’s not cheap, and it can get pretty crowded.

All in all, Marrakech is a great place to start the desert tour to ride a camel and do the camping.

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Tourism

Interior Ministry Introduces New 180 Day Destination Thailand Visa

People from more nations will be now able to enter Thailand without a visa beginning Monday. This is part of an effort to increase tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Friday.

According to Ms. Traisuree, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed four documents that will make it easier for foreigners to travel. These modifications will all take effect on Monday, provided they are published in the Royal Gazette.

The instructions include 93 more nations on the list of individuals who can visit Thailand without a visa, up from 57 previously. People from these countries can stay for a maximum of 60 days. Additionally, from 19 to 31, nearly twice as many nations will be able to obtain visas on arrival in Thailand.

To attract digital nomads, artists, and tourists interested in learning or practicing skills such as cooking and Muay Thai, the country will also introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service.

The new form of visa, which is valid for five years, allows travelers to stay for up to 180 days.

According to Ms. Traisuree, students holding visas for master’s degrees or higher will not be required to leave Thailand immediately upon graduation. They will be able to stay for an additional year to hunt for work or vacation.

In order to enhance the economy and tourism, the cabinet took a general decision on these additional measures in May. The statement was meant to be released in June, but it was pushed back.

Ms. Traisuree believes that this is the greatest sort of visa for persons who want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and explore the nation without the various restrictions and complications that come with conventional tourist visas.

Getting a DTV will give you a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with the opportunity to stay for another 180 days.

Ms. Traisuree said that the Destination Thailand Visa is great if you want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and see the sights without the many restrictions and problems that come with a regular tourist visa. The Destination Thailand Visa will cost 10,000 THB.

Qualifications for the Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)

According to Thai Embassy, to be eligible for the visa, you must fulfill the following conditions (which could change):

You have to be 20 years of age or older
You have to be able to afford the cost of the visa
To sustain your stay in the nation, you must demonstrate that you have at least 500,000 THB in your bank account
Proof of your employment with a recognized company is required.

For digital nomads or remote workers who want to make the most of their travels and yet have the opportunity to work while they’re there, the Destination Thailand Visa is designed just for you. Additionally, it is ideal if you are traveling to Thailand in order to partake in any of the following activities:

Thai food prepared with Muay Thai
Instruction and conferences
Sports medicine therapy
International talent International music and art events

Thailand DTV Visa Benefits

Additionally, there is uncertainty about these details and they could change:

In comparison to other Southeast Asian nations that provide comparable visas, Thailand has less stringent income requirements and charges for the visa. For another 10,000 THB, you can extend the visa once, for a maximum of 180 days.
There are ninety-three foreign nations that qualify for the Thailand DTV Visa.
With this visa, you can lawfully operate remotely for foreign clients and companies while in Thailand.
Your spouse and any children under the age of twenty may accompany you.
You are exempt from paying taxes on your foreign income because the visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days.

Drawbacks of a Thailand DTV Visa

You are unable to work for a Thai company that needs a Thai work visa, even though you are still able to engage in some activities and make money. Your DTV will end if you decide to change the kind of visa you are currently on.

Additional information on the visa’s release date and application process will be available in late June or early July of 2024. You will most likely be able to apply for it via the Thai immigration office, a Thai embassy, or a Royal Thai Consulate.

Tourism

Hotels in Thailand Fret as German Itravel Group Files for Bankruptcy

Thailand’s Hotels Association (THA) reports that another German tour operator has gone bankrupt, but that this will have a far less effect than the recent bankruptcy of FTI Touristik.

Following notification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai Hotels Association has now confirmed that the Cologne-based luxury tour operator Itravel Group has formally filed for bankruptcy.

Southern Thailand is home to numerous high-end resorts, which Itravel aims to attract, according to Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun.

As a result of Itravel’s bankruptcy, he said, the hotels association is currently collecting data from its members.

On Monday, the organization wrote to the TAT and the Foreign Ministry, requesting that they assist hotel operators in keeping up with legal developments surrounding the bankruptcy of the German tour operator FTI, which resulted in a loss of almost 111 million baht for hotels around the country.

Hotels having issues with Itravel

On Monday, during the THA monthly meeting, Mr. Thienprasit noted that they also emphasized the case’s urgency to Minister Sermsak Pongpanit of Tourism and Sports.

In response to allegations that hotel operators with business partnerships with Itravel were experiencing issues with financial transactions, the agency issued an alert to the industry, according to Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

He speculated that the losses might be lower with Itravel, an online travel agency that focuses on the niche luxury market, than with FTI, the third operator.

According to the Bangkok Post, at Monday’s THA meeting, Mr. Sermsak stated that the ministry will look into measures to assist hotels, especially since the goal of 3.5 trillion baht in tourism earnings for this year is still very ambitious.

According to Mr. Thienprasit, the organization is opposed to the government’s plans to increase the legal foreign ownership of condominiums from 49% to 75%. This, he added, might lead to an increase in unlawful accommodations and make other condo residents feel uneasy about having more guests around the clock.

Unscrupulous investors

He said that some international investors are already breaking the law by renting out their rooms to day guests, even though the Hotel Act only permits rentals of at least 30 days.

An increase in the foreign ownership quota for condos, according to Mr. Thienprasit, could entice unscrupulous investors and lead to the construction of even more unlawful rooms, which now exceed the number of registered hotel rooms by a factor of two.

The success of Thailand’s hotel industry is highly dependent on the business of tour operators. These collaborations bring in a constant flow of visitors, particularly during busy seasons.

It is more convenient for passengers to book comprehensive packages offered by tour operators, which include hotel accommodations and activities. Because of this arrangement, hotels may anticipate a specific amount of bookings without having to spend a lot on advertising.

Additionally, hotels are able to provide more affordable rates, which appeals to guests who are mindful of their budget. But if tour operators go through slumps or start focusing on other places, this dependence might be disastrous.

Source: Bangkok Post, Thai PBS

Tourism

Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos emerges as a paradise where the desert meets the sea, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, luxurious accommodations, and vibrant culture. Whether you seek serene relaxation, thrilling adventures, or cultural explorations, Los Cabos promises an idyllic escape that exceeds expectations.

Discovering Pristine Beaches

Los Cabos is renowned for its stunning beaches, each with its own charm and allure. Sink your toes into the soft sands of Medano Beach, a bustling stretch perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. For a more secluded experience, explore the rugged beauty of Santa Maria Beach, ideal for snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters. Enhance your beach experience with guided tours and snorkeling excursions offered by https://boattripsloscabos.com/, where you can explore the coastline and underwater wonders with expert guides.

Embarking on Aquatic Adventures

Venture into the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean for thrilling water activities. Dive into snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions to discover underwater treasures like colorful coral reefs and curious sea creatures. Set sail on a whale-watching tour during the winter months to witness majestic humpback whales breaching against the backdrop of the Pacific horizon.

Exploring the Baja Desert

Beyond its pristine coastline, Los Cabos boasts dramatic desert landscapes waiting to be explored. Take an ATV or jeep tour through the rugged terrain of the Baja desert, where towering cacti and unique rock formations paint a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. Visit the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve for hiking trails that lead to hidden oases and panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert.

Indulging in Culinary Delights

Los Cabos is a culinary paradise, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with international influences. Sample fresh seafood tacos at local taquerías or dine on gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs at upscale restaurants overlooking the ocean. Savor authentic Baja cuisine with dishes like fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled octopus paired perfectly with locally produced wines and craft cocktails.

Experiencing Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets, Los Cabos transforms into a lively nightlife destination. Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Cabo San Lucas with its array of beachfront bars, live music venues, and pulsating nightclubs. Dance the night away under the stars or enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the marina, where the atmosphere buzzes with energy and excitement.

Relaxing in Luxury Resorts

Los Cabos boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels that cater to every traveler’s desire for relaxation and indulgence. Unwind in infinity pools with panoramic ocean views, rejuvenate with holistic spa treatments inspired by ancient Mexican traditions, or tee off on world-class golf courses designed by golf legends amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Immersing in Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Los Cabos with visits to historic landmarks like the Mission San Jose del Cabo Church or art galleries showcasing local and international artists. Browse through vibrant markets selling handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, or attend cultural festivals and events celebrating Mexican traditions, music, and dance.

Planning Your Los Cabos Escape

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Los Cabos offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Los Cabos ensures a memorable vacation that leaves you rejuvenated and inspired, promising a return to its paradise shores time and again.