The Kingdom of Morocco is presently in a phase of rapid and widespread development. Since the current King, Mohammed VI came to power in 1999 the country has gradually been opening its doors to new possibilities allowing large scale foreign investors in the areas of Construction, Industry, Catering and Tourism in general to begin projects in the country. Both local and foreign media corroborate this.

Morocco is emerging from a socio cultural situation similar to that which Spain witnessed in the 70’s and 80’s, marking a before and an after. Driven by a progressive Government, the relevant changes amongst which are important improvements in the statute for women both within the family and in social and public life, were well received by the international community allowing in this way to strengthen the diplomatic links between their leaders.

Morocco, about to experience a huge tourism "boom" is becoming the favourite destination of many Europeans and North Americans. Their virgin beaches, scenery and meridian climate together with an unknown, but not for that less fascinating culture, have attracted the attention of Tour Operators worldwide.

The country’s airport infrastructure (12 International Airports, the most important being: MARRAKECH, Menara; CASABLANCA, Mohammed V; RABAT, Sale; AGADIR, Al Massira; TANGIER, Boukhalef; FEZ, Saiss) and its important road network under continual development allow tourists to reach any part of the Kingdom of Morocco. This is a very attractive option for discovering exotic places and the tunnel which will connect the European continent with Africa will change from fantasy to reality, bringing two different cultures closer and strengthening links. Recently signed agreements indicate that in the not so distant future Morocco will have the first High Speed Train Line in the Arab world.

The exchange rate still allows trying traditional dishes for less than 3.00 Euros and the markets offer all kinds of autochthonous fruit and vegetables with all their flavour and in the most natural of conditions at a very reasonable price.

Very soon Morocco will be a tourism reference point.

The hospitality and generosity of the Moroccan people will without doubt fascinate you. A greeting and a few words are enough for them to invite you in to drink tea, have dinner or even sleep in their home and if you have the opportunity to enter one, you may observe the lack of luxuries; what’s more, perhaps, and in view of our western culture, the lack of comforts. You will then feel that this occasion becomes a privilege. The Moroccans greatly value friendship and give very little importance to where you are from.

If you are invited, you should be aware that drinking tea is one of the most characteristic customs of Morocco; it is the much waited for social moment for chatting to friends or guests and refusing such an invitation is not polite given that the host wishes to spend this time with you.

Haggling is another of the country’s customs and the prices which sellers offer tend to be somewhat "inflated". Moroccans expect you to make a counteroffer and to leave without doing so or accept without bargaining is not part of their culture. The correct thing to do is propose a lower price and take part in the bargaining until you reach an agreement. Generally you will be able to buy the product for which you are bargaining for between 40 and 50 % less than the original price.

The climate varies from one region to another. The coast enjoys a warm, Mediterranean climate, temperate on the east coast due to the south-westerly winds. Inland the climate is hotter, dryer and more continental. The south of the country is very hot and dry during most of the year; the coolest nights are during the months of December and January. The rainy season on the coast is from November to March. Summers are quite dry with high temperatures. The climate is much cooler in the Mountains. In Marrakech and Agadir the average temperature in winter is 21°C and the average annual temperature in Tangier is 20°C.