ASTA Destination Expo (ADE) 2015

Morocco.

ASTA DESTINATION EXPO 2015 M ARR AKECH, MOROCCO FEB 26 - M ARCH 1, 2015 Join us in this captivating, exotic and colorful destination!

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Experience for yourself the mystical desert, sumptuous luxury, bustling markets and ancient culture of

Morocco

ASTA DESTINATION EXPO 2015 M ARR AKECH, MOROCCO FEB 26 - M ARCH 1, 2015

EVENT OVERVIEW ASTA Destination Expo (ADE) Morocco 2015, Feb 26 – March 1 is a destination training program like no other where you’ll not only learn how to sell the destination … you’ll live it. You will make personal connections with local suppliers you won’t meet at any other tradeshow. Morocco’s top guides will escort you through the city’s properties and historical attractions, ensuring that you experience the real Morocco.

ADE equips you with the crucial tools and vital know-how you will need to close the sale, and the industry-recognized certification will help you secure new clients upon your return home.

Register at www.ASTADestinationExpo.org Register by January 1 and get $75 off. Use discount code: TreatYourself

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING ӹӹ Create lasting, professional relationships with local suppliers to help maximize your business’s profitability

ӹӹ Gain first-hand destination knowledge with a series of out-of-classroom experiences and pre and post tours so you can return home with the tools you will need to sell Morocco

ӹӹ Earn your ASTA Morocco Destination Specialist Certification with ADE’s on-site education to give you an expanded, professional portfolio and an edge over the competition

ASTA’s Destination Expo is made possible with the support of the following companies.

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SHOW PROGRAM

Thursday, February 26 Opening Night - Fantasia Friday, February 27 Coffee General Session Breakout Sessions { Group A } Trade Show with Lunch International Travel Professionals Summit Breakout Sessions { Group B } Breakout Sessions { Group C } Evening Entertainment Saturday, February 28 Coffee General Session Breakout Sessions { Group D } Trade Show with Morning Snack on Floor Half Day Sightseeing Tours with Lunch Closing Reception Sunday, March 1 Full Day Sightseeing Tours with Lunch

The expo will be held at the Palais des Congrès de Marrakech Convention Center on Boulevard Mohammed VI.

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GETTING THERE Royal Air Maroc is pleased to offer discounts to ASTA Destination Expo 2015 attendees on flights from New York and Montreal to Morocco.

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer ADE attendees discounted airfares to Casablanca.

For booking codes and details visit www.ASTADestinationExpo.org

You also might consider adding ADE 2015 to a trip to Europe, as there are an abundance of low cost carriers that operate flights from Europe direct to Marrakech. On a single day in November, the following low-cost carriers offered 17 direct flights to Marrakech: • Ryanair (MAD, NRN, EIN, BGY, STN, LTN) • Easyjet (LGW, CDG, STN, LYS, CDG, MXP, BSL) • transavia.com (SXB, AMS and ORY) • Vueling (BCN)

EDUCATION AND SEMINAR TOPICS Learn how to increase sales to Morocco through a series of education seminars. Morocco and ASTA are bringing in leading subject matter experts to provide you with strategic sales and destination training.

Morocco 101 After experiencing the sights, sounds and aromas of Morocco, you will forever hold powerful memories and experiences that will benefit you personally and professionally. So it’s no wonder that Morocco’s new tagline is “the country that travels within you.” Start your visit with the basics of Morocco – from culture and history to politics and geography.

Morocco’s Other Cities: Fez, Casablanca and Tangier Casablanca still retains the charm of its 1942 movie namesake, and is now combined with modern sophistication, Fez hosts the best-preserved medieval cities in the Arab world, and Tangier is strategically positioned across from Spain. Learn more about these fascinating cities and their tourism roles.

Marrakech: An Insider’s Guide to the Best Souks, Hammams and Experiences Learn what makes Marrakech the ideal base for exploring the wonders of Morocco.

Selling Spa/Wellness Travel Morocco has it all, from the historic Moroccan hammam experience, to the world famous and luxurious spas of the Four Seasons, Royal Mansour, La Mamounia and the Selman. Morocco is a world class spa/wellness destination – one your customers want to experience. Learn

all there is to know about this rapidly expanding niche.

Nature and Adventure Travel Morocco’s diverse terrain and climate provide a multitude of opportunities for sport and adventure travelers – from waterbased activities, such as diving, surfing, white water rafting and sailing, to terrainbased activities, such as horseback riding, trekking, biking and even skiing. Learn what exciting opportunities exist for your customers in Morocco.

Cultural Tourism Morocco is a melting pot of cultures: Berber, Arab, Jewish, Muslim, African and European. Its hospitality, vibrant society, diverse geography, religious and ethnic tolerance, as well as its Monarchy, which, by the way, is the longest reigning in the world, are just some of the reasons why Morocco is one of the most culturally diverse destinations you will ever experience. Learn more about Morocco’s rich history and culture.

The Unique Cuisine of Morocco There’s more to Morocco than couscous and mint tea. The eclectic but intensely flavorful gastronomic delights of Morocco are a fusion of Berber, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and French cuisine. Come learn what makes Moroccan cuisine – from tagine to B’stilla – so special.

HOTELS ADE delegates can experience for themselves the gracious way of living synonymous with Morocco. Take advantage of the exclusive rates offered at these official ADE host hotels.

Transportation will be provided to and from hotels 1-7 to the Palais des Congres de Marrakech. Transportation specifics based on conference schedule.

If you select to stay in a local riad, transportation to the Palais des Congres is on your own.

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Hotel

Room Rates USD (Approx)

 Atlas Medina & Spa Marrakech Hotel  Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech  Le Méridien N’Fis  Es Saadi Gardens & Resort - Hotel  Hôtel & Ryads Naoura Barrière  Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa  The Pearl Marrakech  Hôtel La Mamounia  Raid Papillon B&B  Kenzi Menara Palace  Selman Marrakech  Royal Palm Marrakech

Single $120/ Double $140

Distance to Congres

500 feet

Single $265/ Double $294

.5 mile

Single $131/ Double $155

.5 mile

Single $153/ Double $165

.8 mile

Starting at $275

1 mile*

Starting at $257

1 mile

Single $235/ Double $140

1.1 mile

Starting at $585

1.3 mile

Single/Double $110

1.6 mile*

Single $107/ Double $119

3 miles*

Starting at $376

4 miles*

Twin/Double $417

9.25 miles*

Taxes are additional. *Transportation to the Palais des Congres is on your own.

Full room rates and booking details are available at www.ASTADestinationExpo.org.

Out-of-the-classroom

It’s one thing to see a video or hear a speaker, but quite another to experience the sights, sounds and culture for yourself.

These out-of-the-classroom training opportunities will allow you to explore the luxurious accommodations, natural resources and wonders of Marrakech and environs.

HALF DAY TOURS • SATURDAY F EB 2 8 The half day tours will depart at 12:30pm and return at 4:30pm. Each tour will include lunch and many include a lot of walking. The average weather for the late February/early March is low 60s F with a 17-degree range. The weather is typically mild enough to enjoy everything the city has to offer in comfort. Half day tours are $25.

Hidden Gems of Marrakech Dive deep into the heart of the medina (old town) and visit the unique sites and often overlooked gems of Marrakech. One stop will be the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former 14th century school that is now a historical site opened to the public. Its 130 student dormitory cells cluster around a courtyard richly carved in cedar, marble and stucco. Another gem you’ll visit is the Almoravid Koubba. Built in 1117, it is the only remaining example of Almoravid architecture in Marrakech. The interior is richly decorated with floral patterns (pine cones, palms and acanthus leaves) and calligraphy.

And finally, you will explore the Museum of Marrakech, which is as much about the building – the Dar Menebhi Palace – as is it is about the artifacts it houses. Built at the end of the 19th century, it is an example of classical Andalusian architecture, with fountains in the central courtyard, traditional seating areas, a Hammam and intricate tile work and carvings. The museum contains exquisite examples of Moroccan art, books, coins and pottery that are representative of Morocco’s diverse cultures.

Shopping Tour This tour will guide you through the rich history, exotic labyrinths and open-air theater of the medina (old town) and allow you to discover the heart and soul of Marrakech. It begins in Djemaa el-Fna Square, just as the snake charmers, story tellers and entertainers awaken, and just as the local food vendors begin to fire up their stoves for the day.

As you continue, you will be guided deep inside the Medina to corners you simply could not find on your own. And along the way, you’ll visit the bustling souks (open air

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markets), mosques and other prominent architectural features. While at the souks, you have the chance to shop, taste and even haggle over the price of Moroccan garments, jewelry, spices and oils. By the time you finish all of your senses – sight, sound, taste, touch and most definitely smell – will be stimulated.

History Tour Immerse yourself in the culture and deep history of Marrakech, which, founded in 1062, is the second oldest imperial city in Morocco. You’ll start out at the Koutoubia Mosque, whose 250 foot minaret was completed in the 12th century, and is said to have inspired other buildings such as the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat.

You’ll stroll by the Bab Agnaou gate, which is the entrance to the royal Kasbah. You’ll also see the Bahia Palace, which was built in the late 19th century. Bahia Palace’s name, translated as “brilliance,” captures the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan style it contains. While they say you can’t take it with you, some have tried, as you’ll see when visiting the Saadian tombs. After the tombs were walled off by the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in 1603, this amazing treasure remained unseen by anyone until its discovery in 1917.

Culinary Experience You’ve tasted tagines and mint teas, so you’ve no doubt experienced the rich aromas of Moroccan cuisine. Now it’s your chance to learn the secrets so you can take them home with you and share with those that you love.

During this session you will learn about the rich aromatic spices and oils used to prepare Moroccan meals. You’ll also get a chance to prepare a Moroccan meal with guidance from a local expert. You’ll make a tagine, bake local bread, and be taught the secrets of couscous.

FULL DAY TOURS

• SUNDAY MARCH 1

The full day tours will depart at 9:00am and return at 5:00pm. Each tour will include lunch and many include a lot of walking. The average weather for the late February/early March is low 60s F with a 17-degree range. The weather is typically mild enough to enjoy everything the city has to offer in comfort. Full day tours are $50.

Marrakech: On the Path of Carrie Bradshaw If you’ve seen Sex and the City 2, then you have a good idea as to what this tour is about.

If you haven’t seen it, let’s just say you’ll walk a mile in Sarah Jessica Parker’s shoes…well, maybe not Manolo Blahniks, but in her footsteps at least.

Regardless of whether you can identify with the movie or with any of its main characters – Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte or Miranda – you will certainly identify with its set – Marrakech. While the film claimed to be in Abu Dhabi, in reality, the fabulous setting was, indeed, Morocco.

This tour will take you to the famous Djemaa el-Fna square and medina. It also will take you to a number of luxury hotels, such as the Taj Palace Marrakech, La Mamounia and Amanjena that were used when making this film. So, if you want to see Morocco like a movie star, and have a glimpse at the more luxurious side of Marrakech, this is the tour for you (Cosmopolitans not included).

Atlantic Coast Tour Essaouira – on the Atlantic Coast – will on one hand feel French, as it was designed by the Frenchman (Nicholas Théodore Cornut) who designed Saint-Malo in Brittany, and also feel Portuguese, as the Castelo Real de Mogador (fortress) was constructed by the King of Portugal in the 1500’s, yet it won’t take long for you to see that its soul is definitively Moroccan. UNESCO has described the town as “a multicultural center as proven by the coexistence, since its foundation, of diverse ethnic groups, such as the Amazighs, Arabs, Africans, and Europeans as well as multiconfessional (Muslim, Christian and Jewish).”

While in Essaouira you’ll visit the Museum of Essaouiral, experience the Castelo Real de Mogador (fortress), where you will have the option of climbing its tower.

You’ll also have free time to visit local craftsmen and merchants, or to check out the local catch-of-the-day as fishermen offload their catch. You’ll also get to experience the coastal winds, or the alizee, that are unique to Essaouira. Essaouira, and its famous alizee winds are a world renowned host to kite and windsurfers. On your way to and from Essaouira, you’ll also get to see the Argan Forest, where you’ll likely stop and see how Moroccan argan oil is made.

Atlas Mountain Tour This tour has it all – breathtaking Atlas Mountains, gorgeous valleys, spectacular waterfalls, authentic Berber culture, a short hike, as well as a break from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.

Oh, did we mention the fresh air? On this tour you’ll go through the Asni Valley, pass through traditional Berber villages built from adobe and stone, and even experience Berber customs by drinking mint tea with locals.

After breaking bread and eating in true Berber style (no fork or knife), you’ll have the chance to visit a Berber co-operative where traditional rugs, pottery, and jewelry are made on site. Depending on our timing, we might even visit a local school.

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PRE AND POST

Tours

There’s much more to see of Morocco than Marrakech, so we hope you will take this opportunity to visit other regions and cities.

For the adventuresome, consider creating your own customized post tour with the vendors you meet in Morocco at the ADE trade show. For those who want to book their pre and post tours in advance, we encourage you to review the following tours created for ADE participants.

Detailed information can be found at www.

ASTADestinationExpo.org.

PRE TOURS

Fes, Meknes & Volubilis—Feb. 23-26 or March 2-5 This four-day, three-night tour includes transfers from Marrakech to the Les Merinides hotel in Fes (or similar accommodation) on the first day. On Day 2, a guide will drive participants to the imperial city of Meknes, the holy town of Moulay Idriss and the Roman city of Volubilis to learn of their rich history and culture, tour monuments and museums and see the Bab El Mansour gate built in 1680. After lunch, the tour includes a drive to the mountain of Zerhoun. All three nights are spent in Fes. Stops on Day 3 and 4 include the Karawouin old university and an “alive museum” of tanners, dyers, blacksmiths and carpenters. You will experience the Moroccan lifestyle during lunch with a local family, visit the Jewish quarter, The Mellah, and walk through the jewelry market and historical gardens of Jnan Sbil and 19th century palaces. The tour ends with transfers to Fes Airport for departure to Casablanca.

Magical Morocco—Feb. 22-26 Starting in Casablanca at the 4-star Imperial Hotel 20 minutes from city center, the first night of this tour is dinner at the famous Rick’s Cafe. Casablanca will be explored from the shopping areas to the League of Arab States Park to the famous Hassan II Mosque.

Then it is on to Rabat to see the famous gate, kasbah, Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum. Continue on to Rabat’s twin city and see the Belghazi Museum of Sale.

Overnight in Fez at the La Perle de la Medina in the Douh District one block from the famous Bab Boujloud. Spend an entire day in Fes (comfortable walking shoes advised) learning about the old schools, mosques and King Moulay Idriss, as well as the modern Fes with its potter’s district and arts museum of Batha. Dine at the Maison Blanche riad. Tour Meknes including the royal gardens, stables and famous gate. See the Dar Jamai Museum, then on to the ruins and ramparts of Volubilis. After a long day trip through the Atlas Mountains and ski resort of Ifrane, return to Marrakech.

Morocco Discovery—Feb. 19-26 Discover much of Morocco on this 8-day, 7-night tour as you spend one night each at the Casablanca Hyatt Regency, Rabat Tour Hassan, Erfoud Chergui, Merzouga Dunes camp, Ouarzazate Berbere Palace and two nights at the Fes Les Merinides. The tour includes traveling by private car or van, entrance fees and all local taxes. It starts in Casablanca with a visit to the Hassan 2 mosque, a stroll through the central market and then on to the other cities where the tour will take in palaces, Koran schools, tanneries, drives through cedar forests and along lakes near the Middle Atlas Mountains. See one of the largest oases in Morocco after taking a 60-minute drive in a Land Rover to the dunes where guests will spend the night in a private tent, dine by candlelight and be entertained by local Bedouins around a camp fire.

Moroccan Jewish Heritage—Feb. 22-26 This tour starts with a full day in the 9th century old Medina of Fes El Beli with its old Islamic school, colorful souks, handicraft centers and town squares and monuments. An afternoon is spent in the Mellah (the Jewish quarter) built in the 14th century by the Jews who were driven out of Spain. You will see the old cemetery, the Moorish architecture of the town, and the Synagogue Aben Danan. You will then travel to the Roman archaeological site of Volubilis, the old capitol of Morocco Meknes with its famous gate, granaries and horse stables and overnight in Rabat. The next day you will see the Royal Palace, the Necropolis of Chellah and the Roman ruins of Sala Colonia. You finish the tour in the Kasbah Oudaya with its beautiful gardens and Mausoleum of King Mohamed V. Finally, you will go to Casablanca to see the Shrine of Rabbi Eliahou as well as see the art-deco architecture of the old French quarter.

MOROCCO ISN’T A SINGLE TOURIST DESTINATION. It’s six or seven, or more. There’s desert, the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean and mountains. There’s Casablanca, reeling with the charm of its 1942 movie namesake, and now combined with modern sophistication. There’s Fez – with the bestpreserved medieval cities in the Arab world.

There’s Tangier – strategically positioned across from Spain.

And of course, there’s Marrakech – with its old city, markets and riads – nestled beneath the stunning Atlas Mountains.

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Taste of Morocco—Feb. 23-26 This private tour embarks for the Ourika Valley in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, stopping at local butchers, blacksmiths and lunch at the Bio Aromatic Garden. Then it is back to Marrakech and the 17-room Aladdin riad and dinner at Dar Ghizlane Restaurant.

The next day it is cooking classes at La Maison Arabe with a traditional Moroccan chef and the class dines on their meal. Return to the riad and have a farewell meal at the famous Yacout Restaurant. After breakfast transfer to a tadelakt workshop for five hours, decorate your own piece of pottery in this class limited to six people, end the tour at your conference hotel in Marrakech.

POST TOURS

The Caravan Roads—March 2-5 If you want to see the country by car and take in the Atlas Mountains via the pass of Tizi n’Tichka, then this is the tour for you. You will see small villages and green valleys all the way to the pre-Saharan region where you stop at a UNESCO-protected Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou seen in many films. Then travel south to canyons and desert along the Draa Valley with its blend of Berber, Arab and African locals. You will see tribes living next to their oasis, visit the Saharan town of Rissani and then on to Merzouga where you will take a camel-riding adventure, dine by campfire and sleep under the stars in a tent. You will see a lush green oasis on your way to Bourmaine Dades, known as the Valley of roses, and lunch in Ouarzazate before crossing the Atlas Mountains back to Marrakech.

Canary Islands—Tenerife,—March 2-5 Fly from Casablanca to Tenerife, the most populated island of the Canary Islands, home to the Teide volcano and its National Park and La Laguna, both UNESCO heritage sites.

A visit to Puerto Colon, home of up to 21 species of mammals, for whale and dolphin watching and a visit to the water theme park Siam Park. Lunch at the The Ritz Carlton

Abama in Guia de Isora, and later dinner will be in a luxury residential complex in the Grand Hotel Bahia del Duque. Visit La Laguna, a college town with many shopping opportunities, take in a winery visit at El Lomo in Tegueste, and another with lunch in Bodegas Monje in El Sauzal. This tour includes a visit to La Orotava, a town with interesting architecture and churches and the former convent of San Benito Abad. Take a cable car to the top of the volcano for dinner and stargazing. Drive on windy roads to Masca at the foot of the Teno Mountain range, and take a guided tour of the port town of Garachico, once a gateway to trade between Europe and the New World. Dinner is at Playa de Las Americas. On the fifth day, depart for flight back to Casablanca.

Exotic Morocco—March 2-7 This tour begins with a drive from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi N’Tichka Pass at 7,400 feet. Along the way you will tour the ancient kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Atlas Studios known for filming Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and others.

Overnight in Ouarzazate at the Berbere Palace, a 5-star property with three restaurants, piano bar, pool and tennis courts, and night clubs and shopping. A four-hour drive on paved and unpaved roads takes you to Zagora. See verses of the Koran written on gazelle skin at Tamegroute and a potter’s area. Overnight at Azalai Dessert Lodge with 8 guest rooms. The next day, board a 4x4 for a long drive through the desert ending with a camel ride, dinner under the stars and a stay in a luxurious tent in Camp Erg Chegaga. The next day is an 8-hour drive to the old walled city of Taroudant and stay at the peaceful Dar Zitoune with a swimming pool. End in Marrakech at the Kniza riad.

The Great Atlas and Imperials Cities—March 1-6 This tour starts with a trip along the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate. Visit the Ait Ben Addou Village, lunch at Ouarzazate and overnight at the Berbere Palace. Visits include the kasbah of Tifoultoutte and the School of Handicrafts and a famous film studio. Road trips that follow include to Erfoud through the Dades Gorges and Tinejdid Road. Switch to a Land Rover for a ride through the dunes of Merzouga and sleep in a deluxe tent.

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Ride a camel the next day before departing for Fes via the Ziz Valley. Lunch in Midelt and continue on through Cedar forests and enjoy the barbary apes and the Azrou handicraft center. Spend two days exploring the age-old city of Fes, including seeing the oldest university in the world, mosques and other famous sights. The tour hits Meknes (known as the Moroccan Versailles), Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Rabat, with final transfer to Casablanca Airport.

The Imperial Cities —March 2-5 Drive across the central plains of Morocco to Casablanca where you will see the Habous Quarter, the Cathedral, Hassan II Mosque and the main square, as well as the Kasbah of Chellah, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, the Hassan tower, the Kasbah of the Oudaya and the Royal Palace gardens. Drive inland to Meknes and visit the impressive granaries and stables, the Shrine and the mosque of the king, the monumental gate Bab Mansour, as well as the Dar Jamai. Then it is on to the archaeological sites of Volubilis, a drive to Fes where you will spend one day exploring the oldest capital of Morocco. Experience the markets, synagogues, tanneries and pottery workshops and the Batha Museum and Royal Palace Square. Dinner and accommodation in the hotel and next day transfer to Fes Airport for outbound flights.

Magical Morocco—March 2-6 Start with a long day trip to Fes through the Tadla Valley and lunch in Beni Mellal, through the Middle Atlas Mountains and ski resort Ifrane until arrival at the La Perle de la Medina riad. Spend a day getting to know Fes in-depth with its Koranic schools, cobbled alleys and mosques and embroidery, carpets, jewelry and coins. Then drive to Meknes and see the old ramparts, royal stables, and famous gate, the Bab El Mansour. Afterward visit Dar Jamai Museum, an old military hospital from 1912. Continue on to Volubilis and its eight 2nd century gates, then return to Fes for overnight. See Africa’s first private museum the Belghazi Museum of Sale, and continue to Rabat and the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the medina and the Mohamed V Mausoleum. Then it is a 1.5-hour drive to Casablanca for a city tour and stay at the 4-star Imperial hotel. Depart from Casablanca Airport.

Mountains and Beaches—March 2-6 Tour the Imlil Valley in the Atlas Mountains 40 miles from Marrakesh. See Berber villages and lunch at Kasbah Toubkal reached by a short donkey ride. Spend an hour walking around the village and having tea with the locals. Overnight at the Kasbah Toubkal Hotel. Enjoy a little leisure time in the morning then visit a walled city known as Little Marrakech. Overnight at the Dar Zitoune riad with 14 bungalows and eight suites. After a six-hour drive the next morning, arrive at Taghazout on the Atlantic Coast. Stay at

the Paradis Plage Resort, a surf, spa and yoga resort. The next day drive for three hours to Essaouira and its active fishing harbor. Stay at the 4.5-star riad Villa De L’O. Spend a relaxing morning on your own, make the three-hour drive to Marrakech at noon and stay at the Kniza riad before departing the next morning for the airport.

Royal Touch—March 2-8 This trip starts with a drive to Ouarzazate in the High Atlas Mountains, crossing through the Tiza N’Tichka Pass. Tour an ancient kasbah complex and stay at the Dar Chamaa riad.

Have a late morning tour of Ouarzazate and tour its famous film studio. Drive through Tinejdad, Tineghir and the Todra Pass, shop for rose products such as body milk before arriving in Erfoud for a tour of a date market and fossil factory. Drive 1.5 hours by Land Rover to the Merzouga dunes Berber camp on the edge of the Sahara. Settle into your bivouac tent for dinner and overnight. Be entertained by four local singers. The next day is a camel ride and drive to Rissanito to see a mausoleum. Return to Erfoud and board a mini-bus to continue to Fes with a stop at Midelt for lunch. You will spend an entire day in Fes learning about its history and culture. You also will see Meknes and Rabat before arriving in Casablanca. Final departure is to Mohamed V International Airport.

Taste of Morocco—March 2-5 This private tour embarks for the Ourika Valley in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, stopping at local butchers, blacksmiths and lunch at the Bio Aromatic Garden. Then it is back to Marrakech and the 17-room Aladdin riad, dinner at La Cour de Lions. You will visit a tadelakt workshop for five hours, decorate your own piece of pottery and return for dinner at Dar Ghizlane Restaurant. The next day it is cooking classes at La Maison Arabe with a traditional Moroccan chef and the class dines on their meal. Return to the riad and have a farewell meal at the famous Yacout Restaurant. Transfers in the morning to Marrakech Airport.

PRE AND POST TOUR COMBINATION

Morocco Imperial Cities—Feb. 22-March 3 You will see all the major Imperial Cities on this trip—Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, El Jadida and Marrakech. This trip includes three nights in Fez at the Park Palace Hotel, one night in El Jadida at the Mazagan Beach Resort and three nights in Marrakech at your conference hotel. All meals are included. The main highlights of each city will be seen by car or on foot, such as the old schools, palaces and mausoleums. It includes an optional excursion on Day 4 to the holy city of Moulay Idriss or Volubilis, Meknes. On the regular tour, you will see the second largest mosque in the world, the Hassan II Mosque. Take in the picturesque fishing port of Essaouira and have an outdoor seafood lunch.

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OPENING DINNER EVENT

Fantasia

You will not want to miss this magical evening where you will be transported to a page from One Thousand and One Nights.

The fantasy begins as you walk through torch-lit palm groves to a collection of colorful and exotic Berber tents. Once inside, you’ll pull up a cushion and prepare to be entertained and feted. You will be offered a sumptuous feast of Morocco’s best cuisine, and entertained by skilled folk dancers, musicians and entertainers.

But that’s not all. As you exit your magical tent, you’ll take a ringside seat for the main event – “Fantasia” – a show like no other. Fantasia, based on an ancient war ceremony where tribesmen from around the country would display their horse and rifle skills, is a cultural art. You’ll experience a dizzying, and at times thunderous, synchronized dance between riders and their Arabian horses. Imagine a starry night in an open field lit only by torches, as two groups of traditional warriors on horseback race toward each other from opposite ends of the field.

HOLD ON TO YOUR FEZ AND

PREPARE TO BE AMAZED

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Morocco

ABOUT

Travel back to a slower time of aromatic mint tea in cool courtyards and sun-drenched bazaars overflowing with handmade jewelry and colorful tagines during ASTA’s Destination Expo - Morocco. With a history stretching back nearly 10,000 years, Morocco has been crisscrossed by Roman legions, Berber caravans and Muslim scholars. The country’s great cities — Marrakech, Tangier, Fez and Rabat — offer a delicate balance of ancient traditions and modern-day conveniences.

Treat Yourself

Register by Jan 1 and receive $75 off Discount code:

TreatYourself

This is a destination that you can sell over and over again.

Registration Rates ASTA and NACTA Member Travel Agent ....................$479 Non-Member Travel Agent .............................................$579 Non-Industry Guest ...........................................................$579 Add-ons Half day sightseeing...........................................................$25 Full day sightseeing............................................................$50 Hotels with transportation to and from conference center start as low as $110 per night.

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Explore

Special ADE rates on pre and post tours are available for registered delegates.

ASTA - American Society of Travel Agents 1101 King Street, Suite 200 Alexandria, VA 22314 U.S.A.

A destination training program like no other.

You’ll not only learn how to sell Morocco …

Morocco ASTA Destination Expo Feb 26 - March 1, 2015 ASTADestinationExpo.org

Treat Yourself

TreatYourself

Register by Jan 1 and receive $75 off Discount code:

you’l l live it.

PRST STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 6418 DULLES, VA