Culture

Eco-tourism expands in Morocco

Published

4 months ago

September 2, 2024

The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism says eco-tourism is slowly expanding in the country, especially in the Agafay region, which is approximately 35 kilometres from the city of Marrakech, the tourism hub of the North African country.

The Minister of Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, had announced in June that sustainability is a paramount focus for the country’s tourism sector and as such, the country was taking deliberate steps to harness its potentials.

“Here in Morocco’s Agafay region, tourists get ready for the ultimate desert experience – a camel ride,” Ammor had said.

“It’s’s the best mode of transport for exploring the local area, and an example of the eco-tourism activities the North African nation is trying to promote.

A statement by the Minister noted that during the first half of June, Morocco received 17.6 million tourists, with eco-tourism accounting for 5% of this number. Around 3% of the ecotourism is here in the Agafay region.

One of the region’s first eco-tourism projects was Kasbah Agafay Hotel and Spa – a traditional-style Kasbah, offering guests the opportunity to soak in the local culture through various activities, the statement said.

The owner of the spa, Abdessalam Damoussi bought the centuries old stone house in 1996 and spent four years renovating it as sustainably as possible, using natural materials sourced locally.

It opened in 2000 and was the first project of its type in the Agafay desert – a hotel celebrating the nature and community surrounding it.

Damoussi, speaking on the project, said it the was inspired by a book he read highlighting the importance of the connection between humans and the land.

“I have relied on a book written by a friend of mine, Prince Sultan bin Salman, who wrote an extraordinary book called ‘Back to Earth,’ and this was like my instrument that I used to do this work, I studied it, I did research, and in it, he really goes profoundly on why man should be back to Earth,” he says.

Since 2018, other tourism businesses have begun to apply similar ideas in the same area, which is currently witnessing an influx – Damoussi’s Kasbah welcomes around 5,000 tourists per year.

Damoussi receives tourists from all over the world, showing them how to embrace and preserve the natural environment surrounding them.

“The experiences offered to guests here include camel and horse riding, hiking, performances by local musicians, spa and hammam treatments and cooking classes.

“The cooking class includes access to their garden, which is rich in organic vegetables, fruits and natural herbs. These ingredients are picked and then used to prepare meals.

“Guests, with the help of a chef, prepare the food in an open kitchen in the middle of the garden. The experience allows visitors to learn about the source of the food and its cultural significance,” he added.

Related Topics:Eco-Tourism Featured Morocco Tourism

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

23 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The iconic Ghanaian Kente, a piece of clothing, has been recognized as a cultural heritage on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The global recognition, according to the UN body, is coming under the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights the cultural and historical significance of the vibrant, handwoven textile.

In a citation on its website, UNESCO describes the Kente cloth as “originating from Ghana’s Asante and Ewe communities and renowned worldwide for its bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep symbolic meanings, embodying the creativity and identity of the Ghanaian people.”

Ghana’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, described the recognition as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

“This achievement places Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard and celebrate cultural traditions,” he noted.

In a statement acknowledging the recognition, Mercer said the “Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, UNESCO, and the artisans, cultural institutions, and traditional authorities who contributed to this milestone.”

“Special acknowledgement is given to the Bonwire and Agotime communities for their enduring role as custodians of the craft.

“As Ghana celebrates this historic moment, MoTAC reaffirms its dedication to promoting and preserving the nation’s rich cultural legacy.”

Culture

Ghanaian singer Afua Asantewaa takes another shot at GWR with sing-a-thon

Published

5 days ago

December 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghanaian singer, Afua Asantewaa, is set to take another shot at the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest singing marathon by an individual.

In December 2023, Asantewaa had embarked on the sing-a-thon aiming to surpass the existing record held by Indian Sunil Waghmare, who sang for an impressive 105 hours from March 3 to March 7, 2012.

But despite her determination, her attempt fell short, resulting in her disqualification by the GWR from claiming the title.

In a statement announcing her second attempt for the sing-a-thon, Asantewaa’s manager, Gladys Osei Owiredu, said the songstress was determined to break the existing record as preparations are in full swing for her to take on the challenge.

According to Owiredu, the sing-a-thon which is scheduled to take place from December 21 to 25 at the Heroes’ Park, Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, will once again focus on Ghanaian songs with the aim of promoting local music to a global audience.

“I can confirm that she is ready for the task ahead. It’s been challenging, by way of preparations, but I can say she is ready,” said Owiredu.

“And like the first attempt, we are doing strictly Ghanaian songs. The objective is to promote our songs. We succeeded in doing so during the first attempt in Accra, and we believe it will reach greater heights in the second attempt,” she said.

Owiredu added that Asantewaa’s second attempt aims to exceed her previous achievement and further amplify the cultural significance of Ghanaian music on an international stage.

Asantewaa’s record-breaking endeavour has garnered the backing of several corporate organisations in Ghana including International Maritime Hospital, Ike’s Cafe and Grill, Ghana Gas, Nasco Electronics, Perla Natural Mineral Water, Anointed Electrical Engineering, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and Angel Group Limited.

“With the unwavering support of these sponsors and the determination of the Singathon team, all eyes will be on Kumasi as Afua Asantewaa takes to the stage for this monumental feat.
Ghana awaits with bated breath as she strives to make history,” Owiredu stated.