Morocco sees surge in Chinese tourists

Chinese tourists flock to the Ksar Aït Ben Haddou, certainly one of many most in vogue tourist destinations in southern Morocco.

They drag along the avenue leading to the ancient village, passing by miniature retail outlets displaying ancient Moroccan crafts.

These mates are known for his or her passion for purchasing ancient items during their travels and point to a distinct appreciation for native handicrafts.

They substandard a bridge to begin their tour of the Ksar.

From a distance, the palace looks with its compact construction on the mud hill, its intently packed homes, and its dusty alleys.

The Ksar Aït Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Dwelling, giving it sturdy attraction for culturally-minded Chinese tourists.

“The main reason I chose Morocco is for multiple cultural reasons,” says Xihao Chen, a tourist from Shanghai.

“Morocco is a blend of Arab, and Berber, and African, and European culture. So the cultural diversity attracted me to come to Morocco,” he provides.

Groups hump by the stone alleys, interested to be triumphant in the tip of the Ksar.

Inside certainly one of many retail outlets, ancient devices equivalent to miniature statues, leather baggage, and copperware are on display veil, and mates stop to find them.

A Chinese tourist and her husband climb a steep path to the tip of the Ksar, the effect they abilities impressive views.

“One of the main reasons I chose to travel to Morocco this time is because I watched a North African film, which made me very fascinated by Casablanca and the customs and culture of Morocco,” says Xiu Meng Qi, a tourist from Binzhou in Shandong Province.

Numerous landscapes

According to the tour guides, it be Morocco’s diverse landscapes that attraction to Chinese tourists.

“The landscapes in Morocco are very different from those in China,” says tour guide Wu Xiao from Shanghai.

“For example, there’s the Sahara Desert described in Sanmao’s writings, the ‘Red City’ of Marrakech, and the ancient city of Fes which, to many Chinese, evokes the feel of an old yellow-hued civilization,” he provides.

No topic it is miles that is attracting Chinese tourists to Morocco, it be working.

According to tourism researcher Zoubir Bouhoute, tourism from China has grown hugely in the final 10 years.

“Before 2016, there were fewer than 10,000 Chinese tourists. However, after the decision by the King of Morocco to cancel visa requirements, their numbers saw a significant increase, rising year after year until reaching over 140,000 tourists in 2019,” Bouhoute says.

Native cuisine

Also excessive on the agenda of most Chinese tourists is sampling the native cuisine.

A community enters a cafe in Aït Ben Haddou and heads to the tables willing for them.

They abilities pumpkin soup, native bread and then a meat and prune tagine.

“This is the first time I try the Moroccan food. And the Moroccan bread, I like it very much, because although it’s hard outside, it’s very soft inside,” says Judy Su, a tourist from Shanghai.

After eating, the community leaves the restaurant and heads in direction of waiting buses and on to the following stop on their Moroccan adventure.