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Report on the organization by ALGA of the 3° Study Tour for

the Students of Florida International University of USA

Kingdom of Morocco, from 26 February to 2 March 2018

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UCLG-Africa Headquarters - Rabat

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In the framework of the strong partnership between UCLG-Africa/ALGA and FIU since 2015, ALGA has facilitated and organized the third Study Tour to Morocco for a group of 17 participants (see the list below).

The agenda of the Study Tour was as following:

Together for an Effective Local Africa

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PRESENTATION AND AGENDA OF THE STUDY TOUR

Ecole Nationale Supérieure de l’Administration

(ENSA)

In Partnership and with the Support of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Public Administration Reforms and Civil Service, Al Akhawayn University (AUI) & the National

and High School of Administration (ENSA)

The African Local Governments Academy (ALGA) of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-Africa)

and the Florida International University (FIU) – USA, are organizing:

The III° Study Tour to the Kingdom of Morocco for Florida International University (FIU) Students

From 26 February to 2 March 2018 On

"Contemporary issues of Public Administration and

Governance,

Including at Regional & Local Levels »

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The III° Study Tour to the Kingdom of Morocco for Florida International University (FIU) Students

From 26 February to 2 March 2018 On

"Contemporary issues of Public Administration and

Governance,

Including at Regional & Local Levels »

CONTEXT

- In the framework of the implementation of the Memorandum of

Understanding signed between the UCLG-Africa and the International

Commission on Accreditation of Public Administration Education and

Training (ICAPA) on 21 December, 2016 in Morocco;

- Based on the very positive evaluation of the organization of the first and

second Study Tours organized in Morocco in 2014 and 2017 for the benefit

of a group Master and Doctorate students of FIU;

- Recalling the firm determination of the African Local Governments Academy

(ALGA) of UCLG-Africa to be a globally engaged Academy;

- Based on the mutual determination of ALGA and FIU to open up their

environment and strengthen their collaboration, partnership and cooperation;

- Within the framework of their respective Strategic Plans;

- In the context of the promotion of the Moroccan-American relationships and

partnership, especially through exchanges, collaboration and partnership

between their Universities and High Schools;

- Based on the proposal of FIU;

ALGA and FIU are organizing the Third Study Tour for another group of FIU

students in 2018.

GENERAL THEME OF THE STUDY TOUR

The Study Tour will focus on the general theme of "Contemporary issues of Public

Administration and Governance, including at Regional & Local Levels".

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

The general objective of this activity is to enable FIU students to know the main

issues facing Public Administration and Governance, both in the African and the

Moroccan Administration, and the fundamental reforms experienced to redress

them, at central, regional and local levels.

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SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

- Presentation of the main challenges facing decentralization, Local

Governance and Local Development in Africa and how UCLG-Africa is

working to redress them, mainly through training and capacity building;

- Presentation of the place of Public Administration in the dynamics of reform

in Morocco, at central, regional and local levels;

- Visit to several Institutions contributing to the anchoring of Good Governance

in Morocco;

- Visit to two Moroccan Schools and Universities: ENSA and AUI.

- Discovery of different aspects of the Moroccan Heritage and Culture.

PEDAGOGICAL METHODS

The Study Tour includes:

- Several Seminars animated by Policy-makers, Lecturers, and high-level

Experts;

- Visits to the Public Institutions and NGO,

- Cultural and Touristic visits.

PARTICIPANTS

FIU mobilized a Group of 17 Students and participants to benefit from this Study

Tour which was accompanied by Professor Allan ROSENBAUM, Director of the

Institute of Public Management and Community Services in FIU, President of the

American Society of Public Administration, President of the International

Commission on Accreditation of Public Administration Education and Training

(ICAPA), Former Vice-Chair of the UN Committee of Experts on Public

Administration (UN-CEPA).

DATE AND VENUES

- From 26 February to 02 March, 2018.

- Rabat, Ifrane, Azrou, Tangiers, Casablanca and Marrakech.

LOGISTIC MATTERS

Logistically, students and FIU will support the travel, accommodations, transport

and translation expenses of the whole group, while ALGA, in close collaboration

with its Partners will organize the Study Tour, identify and mobilize the lecturers,

give the educational spaces, and facilitate the trip.

ORGANIZATION AND COORDINATION OF THE PROGRAM

The preparation and the coordination of the project were leaded by:

- From UCLG-Africa: Dr Najat Zarrouk, Director of the African Local

Governments Academy (ALGA), Former Member of the UN-CEPA (2010-

2017), Program Coordinator.

- From FIU: Professor Allan Rosenbaum.

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- From the Ministry of the Reform of Administration and Civil Service:

Mr Mohamed Laamoumri, Secretary General of the Ministry.

- From ENSA: Dr Chafika Agueznay, Professor and Director, Program

Coordinator for ENSA.

- From AUI: Mr. Taoufiq Abdelouahab, from the Department of Development

and Communication of AUI, Program Coordinator for AUI.

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AGENDA

SATURADY 24 & SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2018 Arrival to Rabat based on the itineraries of the participants RIVE HOTEL (4*) Address: N° 1, TINDOUF STREET, HASSAN District, RABAT, ZIP CODE 10020 Phone: (+212) 537 205826/29 Fax: (+212) 537 205833 Web Site: rivehotel.com Email: contact@rivehotel.com

MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018 9:15am

- Departure from the Hotel 10:00am

- Visit to the Ministry of the Reform and Administration and Civil Service

Presentation by Mr Ahmed Laamoumri, Secretary General of the Ministry under the Chief of Government, in charge of the Reform of the Administration and Civil Service on the place of the Civil Service and the Reforms to modernize the Public Administration

Welcoming Cocktail 12:00pm

- Lunch at the Hotel La Rive 14:30pm

- Visit to the National High School for Administration (ENSA) 14:35pm

- Welcoming Speech of Mr Rachid Melliani, General Director of ENSA. - Address of Prof. Allan Rosenbaum, Director of the Institute of Public Management

and Community Services, FIU, Chair of the ICAPA/AISIA, Former Vice- Chair of the UN-CEPA – USA.

15:00pm - Session I – Overview on the organization and the missions of the ENSA, by

Mr Rachid Melliani, General Director of ENSA. 15:30pm

- Session II – Presentation of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Morocco, by Prof. Rachid Lemdouar, Professor of High Education

16:00pm - Discussion

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16:30pm

- Session III – Presentation of the Institutional and Administrative Organisation of Morocco, by Prof. Brahim Zyani, Permanent Lecturer in ENSA, Chair of the Moroccan Observatory on Public Administration (OMAP)

17:00pm - Discussion

17:30pm - Coffee break and Group Picture

18:00pm - Visit to the Monuments, Shopping

TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2018 09:30am

- Visit to Wassit Al Mamlaka (the Ombudsman of Morocco) 11:30pm

- Visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

The Moroccan Policy and Strategy on Migration

The place and the role of the Moroccan Academy of Diplomatic Studies 13:30pm

- Visit to the Parliament – The House of Representatives and Lunch in the Restaurant of the Parliament

15:30pm - Visit to the Moroccan Association of Mayors (AMPCC) - Visit to the Headquarters of UCLG-Africa and Meeting with the Secretary

General, Mr Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi 17:00pm

- Departure to Ifrane - Accommodation in Training Center of AUI

WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2018 8:30am

- Departure to AUI 09:00am

- Visit to Al Akhawayn University of Ifrane (AUI) Seminars on :

- Presentation of the Learning & Community Services of AUI, by Dr. Cherif Bel Fekih

- Presentation on the Moroccan History and Culture, Islamic Art and Civilisation, by Dr John Shoup

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13:00pm

- Group Picture - Visit of the Campus of AUI - Lunch at AUI Restaurant

14h00pm - Visit to the City Hall of Ifrane

16:00pm - Visit to the Centre of Social and Community Services of AUI in Azrou

18:00pm - Departure to Rabat

THURSDAY 1 MARCH 2018 8:00am Departure to Tangiers from Rabat 11 :00am

Visit to the Regional Council of Tangier-Al Hoceima and presentation on the potential of the Region and its Vision

Visit to the American Consultate in Tangiers, one of the oldest American one in the World.

13:00

Back to the Hôtel and Lunch 15:00pm

Visit to the Port TANGER-MED 17:00pm

Visit to the American Legation Museum & Shopping in the Medina

FRIDAY 2 MARCH 2018 9:00am

Visit to the Association Al Boughaz 10 :30am

Visit to the Free Zone of Tangiers 13:00pm

- Lunch 15:00pm

- Departure to Rabat

SATURDAY 3 MARCH 2018 Several options : Visit of Rabat Monuments, Shopping, SPA, Visit of Marrakech or Casablanca, or departure from Morocco

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DELEGATION OF FIU 3° STUDY TOUR TO MOROCCO ORGANIZED BY

UCLG-AFRICA/ALGA AND FIU (From 26 February to 2 march 2018)

Last Name First Name COUNTRY

1. PROF. ROSENBAUM ALLAN USA

2. Ms ROSENBAUM JUDY USA

3. DR RODRIGUEZ-ACOSTA CRISTINA ARGENTINE

4. BARRETT MELISSIA MELDES USA

5. Ms HANSON SHANNON ANN USA

6. Ms HARRIS DANIELLE CHARMAINE USA

7. Mr HERNANDEZ OSCAR OMAR USA

8. Mr HERNANDEZ RENE LAZARO USA

9. JAMES SHARRONDA RISHGE USA

10. Ms JONES ERICA SHERVON USA

11. Mr LAURISTON MAC-KINLEY USA

12. Ms MC KAY TAMECKA M USA

13. Ms MONTES DE OCA FRANCIS USA

14. Ms OLIVERA SANCHEZ SOLANGE MARIA HONDURAS

15. Ms SHAKIR NANOTTE ETIENNE USA

16. THOUEZ TERENCE PIERRE USA

17. WALKUP SARA ELIZABETH USA

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SOME PICTURES

Visit to the Headquarters of UCLG-Africa and Meeting with Mr Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, the Secretary General of UCLG-Africa

Visit to the Ministry of the Reform and Administration and Civil Service

Visit to the High National School of Administration (ENSA)

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VISIT TO AL AKHAWAYN UNIVERSITY (AUI) OF IFRANE

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VISIT TO THE CITY HALL OF IFRANE

VISIT OF THE TANGER-MED PORT AUTHORITY

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VISIT TO THE REGION OF TANGER-TETOUAN-AL HOCEIMA HALL AND WELCOMING BY THE HONORBALE ILYAS EL OMARI

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VISIT TO THE FREE ZONE OF TANGIER

VISIT TO THE AMERICAN LEGATION IN TANGIER

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Here after the Link to Google Drive for more Pictures of the 3d Group of FIU

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kVyqRAH1kuuic6ACxS1Vo_TGQAAo9jt1

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Information Note

The Kingdom of Morocco at a Glance….

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The History Matters….

Sultan Alaouite

Mohammed III of the

Cherifien Empire

(From 1757 to 1790)

On December 20, 1777, the Kingdom of Morocco became the first Country in the world to recognize United States

Independence, only a year and a half after the U.S. Declaration of Independence was

issued. The War of Independence was still in progress, and the result was still far from certain. In 1786, under Sultan

Mohammed III, Morocco became the first African State, and the first Muslim State to

sign a treaty with the USA. Formal U.S. diplomatic relations with Morocco began in 1787 when the United

States Senate ratified the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the two Nations which had been negotiated earlier in 1786.

Renegotiated in 1836, the Treaty is still in force, constituting the longest unbroken

Treaty relationship in U.S. history. Tangier is home to the oldest U.S. diplomatic property in the world. Now a

museum, the Tangier American Legation Museum is also the only building outside

of the U.S. that is now a National Historic Landmark. Morocco is also one of the few Countries

in Africa to extend visa-free travel to American citizens.

Morocco gained its Independence from French and Spanish rule on

March 2, 1956. The Government is chosen from an elected legislature

and is currently run by the Chief of Government Mr Saaddine Othmani

from the moderate Islamist PJD (Party of Justice and Development).

Morocco’s area of 710.850 sq km makes it slightly smaller than France

or Spain, slightly larger than California. The population of just over 33.9

million compares with just eight million at independence in 1956.

The political regime of Morocco is a Constitutional Monarchy. The present

Sovereign is His Majesty the King MOHAMMED VI (May God Assist Him),

who succeeded his Father Hassan II on July 30, 1999.

Morocco is a member of the African Union, the Arab League, the

Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Arab Maghreb Union and the

International Organization of Francophonie, among others.

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Morocco is also hosting the Headquarters of the UCLG-Africa since 2010.

Morocco has adopted a new Constitution in 2011, the Preamble of which

(as an integral part of it) states in paragraph 1: "True to its irreversible

choice to build a democratic constitutional State, the Kingdom of Morocco

is resolutely pursuing the process of consolidating and strengthening the

institutions of a modern State, based on the principles of participation,

pluralism and good governance".

Nearly 99 percent of Moroccans are Muslim, with 1 percent Christian and

a tiny minority (an estimated 6000 people) Jewish. The literacy rate is

56.1 percent (68.9 percent for men, 43.9 percent for women).

The main official languages are Arabic, Berber (Tarfit, Tamazight and

Tashelhaït) and French. English is increasingly spoken by young people,

especially in tourist areas.

36 Political Parties are recognized, among which Istiqlal (Independence)

Party, Morocco’s oldest political group, Al Haraka Chaabiya, the RNI

(National Rally of Independents) and the Party of Authenticity and

Modernity (PAM).

Morocco Weather and Climate

The Moroccan climate varies according to season and region. The coast has a

warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by southwest

trade winds. Inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. In the

south of the country, the weather is very hot and dry throughout most of the

year, though temperatures can drop dramatically at night, especially in the

months of December and January.

Rain falls from November to March in coastal areas, and the country is mostly

dry with high temperatures in summer and a cooler climate in the mountains.

Marrakech and Agadir enjoy an average temperature of 21°C (70ºF) in the

winter.

Travel to Morocco: Getting There by Air

The national Airlines are Royal Air Maroc (AT) (www.royalairmaroc.com).

Approximate Flight Times from New York to Casablanca is 6 hours 30

minutes.

Morocco is also served by foreign Airlines Companies such as Air France.

Main Airports

o Casablanca (CMN) (Mohammed V) is 30km (19 miles) south of the

city (journey time - 35 minutes). To/from the airport: There are taxi

services into Casablanca and train services available to Rabat.

Facilities: Outgoing duty-free shop, banking and bureau de change,

restaurant, tourist help desk and car hire.

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o Tangier (TNG) (Boukhalef Souahel) is 11km (7 miles) from the city

(journey time - 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Bus and taxi

services are available into Tangier. Facilities: Outgoing duty-free shop,

banking and bureau de change, restaurant, bar, tourist help desk and

car hire.

o Other international airports include Fes (FEZ), Marrakech (RAK) and

Rabat-Salé (RBA).

Departure Tax: None (included in the air ticket price)

Getting Around in Morocco

Getting Around by Air

Royal Air Maroc (AT) (www.royalairmaroc.com) operates regular services

from Casablanca Airport to Agadir, Dakhla, Fes, Marrakech, Ouarzazate,

Oujda and Tangier.

Getting Around by Rail

The Moroccan rail system, run by Office National des Chemins de Fer

(ONCF) (www.oncf.ma) provides regular services. Rail fares are very

reasonable.

The network runs from Oujda in the northeast to Casablanca on the west

coast, Tangier on the north coast and Fes and Marrakech in the interior.

There are two daily trains and one overnight train that run from Casablanca

to Marrakech, and Monday to Friday, a train runs every 30 minutes from

Kénitra to Rabat.

Getting Around by Road

The major Moroccan roads are all-weather highways, particularly those

covering the north and northwest of the country.

- Coach (Bus): The main centres are connected by a wide variety of coach

services, many of which are privately run. The two main firms are: CTM

(tel: (+212) 522753 677; www.ctm.co.ma), covering the whole country

and Supratours (tel: (+212)537 686 297; www.supratourstravel.com),

which complements the train network.

- Taxi: Metered petit taxis are available in major towns. Larger, grand

taxis are usually Mercedes cars, used for travel outside medinas and to

areas outside towns. These can be shared, but fares should be agreed

before departure, as they do not have meters.

- Car hire: International and local car hire companies have offices in

major towns and cities. Car hire is generally expensive. The minimum

age for driving a hired car is 21.

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Regulations:

- Traffic drives on the right in Morocco.

- The wearing of seat belts is compulsory.

- The speed limit is 40kph (25mph) in cities and built up areas, rising to

80km (50mph) on more major roads, up to 120km (75mph) on

motorways.

- No alcohol at all is allowed in the bloodstream when driving.

Where to Stay in Morocco

Hotels in Morocco are cheap, good value, and usually pretty easy to find. There

can be a shortage of places in the major cities and resorts (Tangier, Fez,

Marrakesh and Agadir) in August, and in Rabat or Casablanca when there’s a

big conference on. At other times, you should be able to pick from a wide range

of accommodation.

In winter, one thing worth checking for in a hotel is heating – nights can get cold,

even in the south (and especially in the desert), and since bedding is not always

adequate, a hotel with heating can be a boon. It’s always, in any case, a good

idea to ask to see your room before you check in.

Prices quoted for hotels in the guide are for the cheapest double room or dorm

bed in high season, and are for the room only, except where we specify BB for

bed and breakfast, HB for half-board, or FB for full board. Camping prices are

for a pitch and two people.

Morocco’s trendiest accommodation option is in a Riad or Maison d’hôte. Strictly

speaking, a riad is a traditional house built around a patio garden – in fact, the

word riad correctly refers to the garden rather than the house – while maison

d’hôte is French for “guest house”. The two terms are both used, to some extent

interchangeably, for a residential house done up to rent out to tourists, but a

riad is generally more stylish and expensive, while a maison d’hôte is likely to be

more homely. In a riad, it is often possible to rent the whole house.

Food and Drink

- Bottled water is the best bet.

- Meat and fish should be freshly cooked and served hot.

- Vegetables are typically served cooked.

- Eat fruit that can be peeled.

- National specialities:

o Harira (a spicy tomato-based soup).

o Pastilla (a chicken-meat pie layered with flaky dough and dusted with

cinnamon and sugar).

o Couscous (a savoury semolina dish cooked with local vegetables

and/or meat).

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o Tajine (a rich, fragrant stew, with some combination of lamb, chicken

or fish with onions, olives, almonds, tomato, herbs or dried fruit).

o Mechoui (slow-roasted stuffed lamb or beef).

- National drinks:

o Mint tea is strong green ‘gunpowder' tea mixed with fresh mint and

heavily laced with sugar.

o Coffee is French press, espresso or Turkish style.

Health Care

There are good medical facilities in all main cities, including emergency

pharmacies (see postings in pharmacy windows listing the nearest pharmacie du

garde, or after-hours pharmacy) and clinics in major hotels outside normal

opening hours. Government hospitals provide free or minimal charge emergency

treatment.

Shopping

- About as far as you can imagine from the typical department store, the

souks are a maze of stores and artisans' workshops loosely organized by

trade: leatherwork, basketry, carpets, jewelry, herbal remedies,

metalworking or ceramics. These local handicrafts are produced by

artisans and Maalems (master craftsmen) whose techniques and tools

have been handed down through generations, and the handiwork can

range from charmingly rustic to flat-out astounding.

- Bargaining is essential in souks, and good buys generally work out at

around a third of the asking price, or whatever you're happy paying.

- Shopping hours:

o Mon-Thurs 0900-1230 and 1530-1900, Fri 0900-1100 and 1530-

1900;

o Large stores are open Mon-Sat 0900-1300 and 1530-1900;

o Souks (traditional markets) are open Mon-Sun 0900-1300 and 1530-

1900.

o Shops in new towns are often open Friday afternoons and Sundays.

Currency & Exchange Rate

- The currency used in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD: symbol Dh).

- Notes are in denominations of Dh200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in

denominations of Dh10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.

- Currency Exchange Moroccan Dirhams can only be obtained in Morocco.

- The most convenient way to obtain Dirhams is through an ATM, where

official rates automatically apply, but daily withdrawal limits can seem low for customers paying cash for rugs in the souks.

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- Exchange Rate Indicators (Approximate Currency conversion rates) o 1.00 USD = 8.91 MAD

o 1.00 EUR = 11 MAD

o 1.00 GBP = 12.85 MAD

- National currencies should be exchanged at official bureaux de change

only (identified by a golden sign); changing money in the street is illegal.

- There is no commission charge and visitors will be issued with a receipt

which they must keep in order to exchange Moroccan currency back into

the original national currency upon departure.

- The Euro and US Dollar are widely accepted, even preferred.

- Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs Some credit cards are accepted in larger

restaurants, hotels, guest houses and the occasional shop in the souks.

- Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in larger towns.

- Banking Hours Mon-Frid 08:15-15:45.

Morocco Visa, Passport & Entry Requirements

- Passport valid for intended period of stay required by all nationals referred

to in the chart above. Visitors should ensure that their passports are

stamped when they enter the Country.

- Visas are not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for

stays of up to three months.

Electricity supply and voltage

In Morocco the power sockets are of the following types. The standard voltage

is 220 V European standard plugs. and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Make

sure to bring an Adapter if necessary.

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Telephone & Internet

Telephone Country code: 212.

Mobile Telephone Roaming agreements exist with international mobile

phone companies. Coverage is mainly available in the cities in the west of Morocco. (Free Sim Cards are offered in the airport)

Internet Access is widely available in business centres, hotels and in Internet cafes.

It is in theory obligatory in Morocco to carry official ID at all times. In practice, a photocopy of the important pages of your passport will do, so

long as the real thing is in your hotel in the same town. When travelling between towns, you should always have your passport on you.

The Cities proposed to be visited in Morocco during the Study Tour

Rabat Morocco’s Political and Administrative Capital may be short on top-drawer tourist attractions, but it compensates with plenty of charm and Monuments. The ville nouvelle's palm-lined boulevards are clean, well kept and relatively free of traffic –

a blessed relief for those who have spent time in Casablanca. There's a clean central beach, an intact and evocative kasbah, and an attractive walled medina that is far

less touristy than those in other large cities. All in all, the city is a good choice for a short trip. The Main Monuments are The Mausolée Mohammed V, Hassan Tower, the City of Oudaya, the City of Chellah, the Medina, the Consul Street, the

Bourerger Valley, the Museum Mohammed VI of Modern Art (MMVI), etc….

Casablanca Though not as atmospheric as other Moroccan cities, Casablanca, the Economic

Capital of Morocco, is the best representation of the modern nation. This is where business is being made, where young Moroccans come to seek their fortunes and where business and the creative industries prosper. The number of construction

projects currently under way here is simply extraordinary – major redevelopments include those at Pl Mohammed V and the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, and new public

buildings include the Grand Théâtre de Casablanca. The city's handsome Mauresque buildings, which meld French-colonial design and traditional Moroccan style, are best admired in the downtown area.

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Visitors who spend time there, in the Quartier Habous and in the beachside suburb of Ain Diab, are sure to get into the local swing of things and realize that

this old pirate lair is looking towards the future, embracing the European-flavoured urban sophistication that has underpinned life here for the past century.

Tangier is the gateway to Africa for many travelers. While the city doesn't have

quite the charm it did in the 1940s and 1950s when you could rub shoulders with the likes of Truman Capote, Paul Bowles, and Tennessee Williams, there's still a lot

to see. Highlights include the Medina, the Kasbah Museum, and the Ville Nouvelle. The harbor also offers interesting views of the Strait of Gibraltar and distant Spain.

Tangier American Legation Museum

Ifrane is a city in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco (population 73,782 in

November 2014).It’s a part of the Region of Fès-Meknès, located at an elevation of 1,665 m (5,463 ft). In Tamazight, the regional Berber language, "ifran" means caves. The modern town of Ifrane was established by the French

administration in 1928 during the protectorate era for their administration due to its Alpine climate. Ifrane was conceived as a “hill station” or colonial type of settlement. It is a resort town set high up in the mountains, and also a popular

altitude training destination and a “Garden city”. It’C a college town where is located Al Akhawayn University (AUI).

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Marrakech : Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the imperial city of

Marrakech is popular, atmospheric and full of history, culture and heritage. There's a lot to see and do in Marrakech. Highlights include the central square of Djemma

El-Fna, the Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace, Al Koutoubia, and the bustling souks and bazaars. For the most authentic Marrakech experience, consider staying within the medina walls in one of the city's traditional Riads.

Essaouira, a windy city, is a great place to get away from the heat and bustle of

the bigger cities. In the 1960s, the seaside town was a popular beach hangout for icons like Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley. Other than the beach, highlights include strolling through the town's narrow streets filled with red and blue painted houses,

exp loring the ramparts and souks. The city is well known popular for its annual Festival of Gnaoua music which gathered more than 300.000 visitors and travelers.