The Medina of Marrakech now in your home.
How wonderful it is to travel to Marrakech and walk through its Medina, with all the artisan stalls and shops of small merchants, right? If you are one of those who regularly travels to the city to visit its markets, you are in luck because ** Intrepid Travel ** has launched an experience to bring all those products from the Medina to buyers from all over the world.
through the platform Local Purse Designed to connect shoppers with local guides and artisans who have been affected by travel restrictions during the pandemic, now** you can get closer to the Medina from home**.
The first pilot was launched at the beginning of December with two experiences to which 60 people signed up. With Marrakech Spice and Wellness Experience you could meet Abdeljalil Raqas, a native of Marrakech who runs Koutoubia Herbal , a small shop in the Medina where he sells the most precious products of Morocco: argan oil, spices and herbs. Abdeljalil presented online skin care products, perfumes, hamam and local spa based on argan, as well as herbs and spices.
While in experience Traditional Moroccan Berber Rug Experience , Aziz Mejbar unveiled his rug shop, Dar Mjber, where he has been working for six years. His rugs come from different tribes all over Morocco and are handmade by the women of the tribes, which makes each rug unique.
Dar Mjber's rug shop.
This idea was launched by two entrepreneurs Sara Mansouri and Lola Akinmade Akerström , from Local Purse, with high regard for local trade and artisans. “Local guides and artisans are often the most memorable people we meet when we travel. They teach us about culture, traditions and share the crafts they created with love . This is a way to give something back without having to leave the house."
During the month of January, more experiences will be launched in Marrakech . “Those who register in January will be able to participate in a private or group version of the Marrakech shopping tours. Guided by a local leader, you will tour the Medina and visit Al Nour , a women's project that preserves artisan traditions. They can explore a traditional cosmetics and spice shop, where they will learn about the essential elements of Moroccan natural cosmetics, such as rose water, argan oil, Ghassoul clay, Beldi soap and henna. They can also choose to visit a store that sells handmade Moroccan rugs by women from different tribes”, its creators explain to Traveler.es.
Koutoubia Herbal Cosmetics in the Medina.
The tours are virtual tours that have previously been done in person . “Our local team selects the best shops that offer high quality, authentic local products and offer expert advice. We also make sure the tours benefit as many local people as possible by working with stores that employ larger teams and have an ethical supply chain. All products are made in Morocco and sold in the Medina”, underlines Zina Bencheikh, CEO of Intrepid Travel.
In fact, by 2021 they are already planning to extend them to Lima, Istanbul and Ho Chi Minh City. In order not to lose sight of them, visit the Local Purse website.