RACHID

An absolute native of Marrakesh through and through, Rachid has worked in the tourism field for twenty years. The hospitality industry and then very quickly tourist transport led him to perfect his knowledge of the kingdom. He opened his own minibus business and accompanied travellers throughout all regions of Morocco. « One year ago, the government organised a competition to give the opportunity to the most experienced and most deserving to become national guides. I was lucky enough to be amongst the winners, this allowed me to grow and evolve in my profession ».
His favourite region: « Marrakesh, obviously seeing as it’s my city but also the other imperial cities – Fes, Rabat and Chefchaouen ‘The Blue City’. Every city has its own character and personality and with Mohamed VI’s 2020 vision (to reach 20 million visitors to Morocco) other towns are emerging. In days gone by, we knew of the classic places such as Agadir, Marrakesh and the ‘postcard’ cities. Now, tourism is evolving and expanding, travellers know of Morocco, they often come back and they want to go even further. I accompany them to more remote corners, more in the South and to the Atlantic coast or to the more rural regions which were not on the radar for tourists before. We are heading for a kind of tourism which is more authentic and cultural, towards exploration of Morocco, it’s no longer just a simple visit ». A souvenir to bring back? : « Lots of things! But I would say Argan oil or even the extremely rare and expensive prickly pear oil, for those who can afford it of course ».