Visit Morocco - Moroccan National Tourist Office reviews

1278718223

Abdelhay Elanbassi

google

5

Morocco or Bust By Jennifer Michels Abdelhay Elanbassi parlayed his knowledge of this Mediterranean country into a new career What do you do after hanging out for a few years in your native Morocco, driving Hollywood film crews around the country, and growing up as the child of a Club Med employee? Abdelhay Elanbassi started to believe he should be in the travel business himself. Elanbassi, now president and owner of Sahara Soul Travel in New York City, had his own rental car agency in Marrakech and would subcontract out his services to various agencies and tour companies. He would take actors on photo shoots or provide them with transportation to and from the airport, and he would offer his expert knowledge on the country as a tour guide. He realized he had many connections in the luxury travel business, such as knowing all of the local drivers and the restaurant owners. Elanbassi says travel and tourism have been in his blood since he was young. His father is about to retire as a restaurant manager for Club Med, and the movie production business was tied to his car rental agency business, which also took him places. While he still owns that business, he moved to New York five years ago and began working from home, where he and his wife, Christine, who has lived and worked in 30 different countries, founded the travel agency. Sahara Soul now sells one niche only-tours to Morocco. "I think I'll stay in the business," Elanbassi says. "My business is booming, and I am competing with people who have been in the business for 15 years." The reason it is going so well is the level of service Elanbassi provides and his connections, he says: "I used to work for companies like Abercrombie & Kent because I subcontracted to a local travel agency. So I'm giving the same service, but for less money." His specialty is small customized tours in which he sets up teas or dinners with Moroccan families in their homes. He also does a good wedding business. The rest of his agency is built on pluck and confidence. A friend of his who is a computer genius started his own computer programming business and helped him build his website. And the rest has fallen into place. He relies on friends and contacts for whatever he needs. He does not do airline ticketing but says he does all the rest. And he is a member of ASTA, OSSN, IATA and IATAN. It also helps that Elanbassi speaks English, French and Berber, a tribal mountain language from Morocco. Agents who have never been to Morocco do not understand the language barriers or how to get around and arrange things, he says. "I specialize only in Morocco. I can do other countries, but I like to do things I'm really good at, and that's Morocco," he says, adding that he puts together "a whole experience" for the traveler. "I know everything-the area, the people, the villages and the restaurant managers." He also sells various theme trips, such as a "Jewish Heritage" tour, a "Grand Golf" tour, a "Magic Marrakech" package, the Sacred Music Festival and an "Ultimate Morocco" package. The latter starts with a private pick up at the airport in Casablanca, a visit to Rabat and to gardens and beaches, and on to the ancient fortresses of Meknew. It includes the holy city Moulay Idriss, the ruins of Volubilis, Fez, the Royal Palace and the Jewish Quarter. The trip also features a Sahara Desert experience on camelback with a Bedouin guide, visits to Berber villages and possible sightings of Barbary apes, and a night under the stars in a nomad tent. It continues on with a stop in the Todra Gorge, popular with rock climbers, and through the High Atlas Mountains. Even though the trips he arranges are grand, Elanbassi likes to keep the groups small. "I do mostly first-class and luxury trips, so most of our trips are private," he says. But he also books family reunions, corporate events and other group trips. Part of his business philosophy is, "Whichever wonderful journey you choose, you will benefit from Sahara Soul Travel's exceptional quality and expertise. "

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Outmane Beraouz

google

5

Very helpful staff and got all information I need when I planned my trip to morocco

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John A Pavlik

google

5

A very helpful, knowledgeable staff that goes out of their way to provide detailed and relevant info about traveling in Morocco. Brochures and a road map available upon request.

1459818349

Achour Achour

google

4

1499679678

Houda G.

google

5