An unforgettable 8-day FAM trip with MNTO and OTOAI through a destination that is straight out of a story book.
By Naina Nath
It’s not often that a destination surprises you at every turn, but that’s Morocco for you. Thanks to a brilliant collaboration between the Morocco National Tourism Office (MNTO) and the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), I was part of an exclusive familiarisation trip that brought together 25 Indian delegates for an 8-day deep dive into the country’s cultural mosaic. Led by OTOAI President Himanshu Patil, our journey took us across eight major cities: from Casablanca and Tamuda Bay to the bohemian blue alleys of Chefchaouen and the sensory overload that is Marrakech.
We may have traversed hundreds of kilometers and ticked off major icons, but it still feels like we’ve only just scratched the surface of what Morocco has to offer. The true beauty of the country lies in its contrasts: each city feels like a different country, with its rhythm, colours, cuisine, and craftsmanship.
Smooth skies with Emirates
Reaching Morocco was easier than expected. For Indian travellers, taking an Emirates flight from Mumbai or Delhi is by far the most seamless option, flying into Casablanca via Dubai with all the comforts one could hope for: great service, Indian food onboard, and a generous baggage allowance.
Casablanca: The Gateway
The name Casablanca immediately evokes thoughts of the classic 1942 film, and yes, Rick’s Café is real and open to visitors! This cinematic city may be Morocco’s economic hub, but it has a charm of its own that is somewhere between the nostalgic and the modern.
Our city tour included the palm-lined Corniche, with breezy beachfront vibes, and the traditional Habous Quarter, where we walked through French-era art deco facades and souks filled with olive stalls, spice shops, and handicrafts. Witnessing the Hassan II Mosque, the tallest religious building in the world, with its striking silhouette on the city’s skyline, reminded us of Casablanca’s magnificence. Dinner was at Clay Oven, a warm touch of India in the heart of the city, before we turned in at the luxe Four Seasons Hotel, the perfect spot to relax and soak in the Casablanca vibe.
Rabat: Full of surprises
The next morning, we headed to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, but not your typical hectic one. It felt calm, stylish, and drenched in history. We walked through the Oudayas Kasbah, a white-and-blue maze with stunning sea views. It felt very Mediterranean, with blooming bougainvillea and quiet courtyards perfect for exploring at a slow pace.
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V was grand yet serene, with guards in traditional dress and intricate tilework beneath a gleaming dome.
The Chellah ruins had a haunting beauty, remnants of Roman columns intertwined with Islamic architecture, and storks nesting quietly above, giving it an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. We also saw the King’s Palace from outside, stately, guarded, and expansive, with beautifully maintained gardens and gates that gave us a peek into Morocco’s regal way of life.
Al Boraq: Speed with Style
Hands down, this was one of the coolest parts of our trip. The Al Boraq is not your average train; it’s one of the fastest in the world, hitting speeds of up to 320 km/h. But it doesn’t compromise on comfort: reclining seats, charging ports, and panoramic windows, it felt more like a business-class flight on rails. Within a couple of hours, we had zoomed our way to Tangier, Morocco’s young-at-heart city. And there we were, at the northern tip of Morocco, just a water body away from Spain, standing at a geographical and cultural crossroads between Africa and Europe.
Tangier: Spanish vibes, Mediterranean tales
Timeless yet ever-changing, Tangier is Morocco at its most cosmopolitan. Separated from Europe only by the slender Strait of Gibraltar, it blends countless cultural and geographical influences into a singular whole.
Tangier has the energy of a port city that’s seen everything, layered with Arab, Berber, and European influences; it’s the kind of place where stories write themselves. It’s known for its literary and bohemian past, but today, it’s a buzzing metropolis with new galleries, seafront developments, and boutique hotels. We visited Cap Spartel, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, a dramatic and poetic spot perfect for photos. A walking tour of the Medina and Grand Socco followed, filled with colour, chatter, and the smell of mint tea.
Dinner was hosted at Barcelo Tangier, serving Moroccan and Spanish fusion cuisine. We also did a walkthrough of their newly renovated 200-room hotel, a contemporary space with stunning rooftop views of the Tangier Marina. It’s polished, spacious, and ready to host Indian leisure and business groups with ease. That night, we checked into the Fairmont Tazi Palace, a property straight out of a Bond film. Secluded in the forested hills above the medina, this grand palace was once the residence of the king’s advisor.
Tétouan & chefchaouen: A journey in blue
The next day took us to Tétouan, smaller and lesser-known, but rich with deep Andalusian roots. Its UNESCO-listed medina was a maze of whitewashed lanes, and we had the chance to visit Place Hassan II, the main square lined with vibrant markets and locals going about their day.
Chefchaouen, Morocco’s postcard-perfect town is popularly known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco. Set atop the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is almost unreal.
Every lane is drenched in shades of cobalt, turquoise, and powder blue. It’s peaceful, slow, and magical and is believed that the blue helps keep mosquitoes away, but locals also say it brings them closer to the heavens. We stayed the night at Dar Ba Sidi, a charming, locally run property; rustic, comfortable, and traditional, adding to the overall magic.
Fès: The spiritual & cultural heart
From Chefchaouen, we made our way to Fès, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual hub. The city is raw, real, and unlike anywhere else. Our guided walk through the ancient Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest car-free zones, was like stepping back in time. Copperware workshops clanged in alleys, while the smell of leather wafted from the tanneries. It was chaotic, authentic, and entirely unforgettable.
That evening, we dined at Riad Al Amine, a stunning 19th-century Arabic-Andalusian building tucked within the Medina. The interiors were exquisite, the food rich and flavourful, and the conversations flowed as we met tourism professionals from the region. Our over-night stay at Hotel Sahrai was the perfect mix of modern comfort and traditional style. With its rooftop bar and sweeping views of the city below, it was the ideal setting to unwind.
Marrakech: The grand finale
We began with a visit to the Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum, beautifully curated spaces that combine colour, art, and fashion, whether for taking visually appealing photos or simply relaxing in the thoughtfully designed gardens.
Every corner was Instagram-worthy, but also a great place to slow down and breathe.
Lunch was at The Oberoi Marrakech, where we were treated to Indian food with a Moroccan flair in one of the most opulent settings imaginable. And after so many days of delicious but unfamiliar Moroccan food, you know how we Indians crave our ‘ghar ka khana’, and I promise, The Oberoi did not disappoint. The butter chicken and dal makhani, served in a regal indoor dining room, were exactly the comfort we didn’t know we were missing.
Later that evening, we attended a workshop and high tea networking event with local tourism stakeholders – a great way to understand how the destination is evolving for Indian travellers, especially in the luxury and wedding space.
Beyond the Itinerary
Beyond the sights and sounds, what stood out was the effort MNTO and OTOAI put into curating a trip that was immersive, educational, and truly representative of Morocco’s potential for Indian travellers. Every experience, every hotel, and every interaction was carefully chosen. The networking dinners, especially in Fès and Marrakech, offered solid ground for future collaborations.
Morocco isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination. Whether it’s FITs, group travellers, wedding planners, luxury seekers, or culture enthusiasts, there’s something here for everyone. It’s the right time to put Morocco on your radar. With talks underway for a direct Air India flight, and with the constant efforts of MNTO to boost tourism from India, they’re not just marketing to us – they’re truly working to make us feel at home.
“We were thrilled to collaborate with OTOAI on this successful FAM trip to Morocco. The interest from Indian travel agencies exceeded expectations, making selection tough. In just under a month, we built a dynamic itinerary covering eight cities in eight days. This journey marks the beginning of a stronger Morocco–India tourism partnership.” — Jamal Kilito, Country Manager, India, Moroccan National Tourism Office
