Welcome to the African Regional Conference
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Spring, which comes late by European standards in Marrakech
(around April to May), is perhaps the best overall time to
visit with average temperatures ranging between 72.6° F
(22°C) and 82.4°F (28°C). |
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Full delegate passes: EUR 1.700, includes accommodation for the
nights of Monday 18 May, Tuesday 19 May, Wednesday 20 May,
Thursday 21 May 2009. This fee also includes access to all
conference sessions, breakfast, coffee breaks, lunches,
welcome cocktail and dinners on Tuesday 19 May, Wednesday 20
May and Thursday 21 May 2009. All extra costs incurred at the
hotel during the conference and not included in the
aforementioned will be charged to the delegate.
Day passes: EUR 300. This fee includes access to all conference sessions, coffee breaks and lunch of the chosen day(s).
Note: Day passes do not include hotel accommodation, dinners or social events.
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The official currency of Marrakech is the Moroccan Dirham
(MAD).
Notes are in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200.
Coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 MAD and 5,
10, 20 and 50 centimes.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited; all
local currency must be reconverted prior to departure. The
import and export of foreign currency is unlimited but must be
declared if in excess of the equivalent of MAD15,000.
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Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Morocco.
However, it is advisable to clarify with your credit and debit
card companies on outlet acceptability and any special
promotional offers available.
ATMs are available in the larger towns, but can be unreliable;
currency can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de
change. The Dirham cannot be obtained or exchanged outside
Morocco and traveller's cheques can be used in tourist areas.
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| Gentlemen: |
Conference: |
Business attire |
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Social events: |
Smart casual |
| Ladies: |
Conference: |
Business attire |
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Social events: |
Smart casual |
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110 or 220 Volts AC, 50 Hz, depending on the age and the
geographic location of the building. |
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Exercise caution when eating food sold at the main
marketplace Djemma El Fna, and other small restaurants. Many
of the dishes, including goat head and bowls of local snails
may be too adventurous for the unaccustomed palate. Salads
prepared haphazardly have caused cases of diarrhoea.
It is highly recommended that visitors to Marrakech DO NOT
drink tap water and avoid ice in drinks.
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Founded in the 11th century, Marrakech was once the capital
of an empire that stretched from Spain to Senegal. In days of
old, Marrakech's location on the crossroads of ancient caravan
routes from Timbuktu made it a key destination for trade and a
reprieve for weary sub-Saharan traders carrying gold, salt and
slaves bound for Europe.
Today, Marrakech is a reverberating collision of Africa and
Europe, West and East, bohemia and high culture, Arab cities
and Berber villages. Framed by the snow-capped Atlas
mountains, thousand-year-old palm groves, and wrapped in faded
red, ochre walls, Marrakech casts a magic spell. One's senses
are stimulated by the brilliantly coloured spices, entrancing
music, rich folds of carpets, delectable cuisine, whirling
dervishes, intertwining tile geometries and perfumed gardens
shimmering in the still waters of reflecting pools.
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The Palmeraie Golf Palace
Circuit de la Palmeraie
BP1488 - 40000
Marrakech
Morocco
Tel + (212) 24 (0) 30 10 10
Fax + (212) 24 (0) 30 50 50
www.pgpmarrakech.com |
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No travel insurance has been provided, you must arrange your
own travel insurance. |
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Arabic is the official language of Morocco. Nevertheless, due
to its close relations with France in recent times, almost all
of the Moroccan population speak French. |
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In an emergency a doctor is contactable through the hotel
reception. Should you have any specific medical requirements
you are advised to bring a supply of prescribed medicines with
you, as it may not be possible to source the same medication
under the same brand name locally. |
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Marrakech has something of a reputation for its nightlife,
which covers groovy Ibiza-style discos to belly-dancing. The
medina provides traditional evening entertainment in the form
of cafes, food stalls and street entertainment, with
everything revolving around Jemaa el Fna. Several hotels have
rooftop cafes overlooking the square, while a number of riads
have been converted into upmarket restaurants offering the
full Moroccan experience, including a vast feast, music and
entertainment.
Although Morocco is an Islamic country, there is a
laid-back attitude towards alcohol, which is widely available,
with bars in most tourist areas staying open late. In the
medina, law and etiquette dictate that alcohol should not be
consumed openly within view of a mosque, so drink discreetly
indoors or on roof terraces.
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Although there have been no recent terrorist attacks in
Morocco, it is regarded as one of the countries where there is
an increased threat from international terrorism and it is
wise to be vigilant when away from your hotel. Violent crime
is not a major problem but sensible precautions such as
avoiding badly lit streets at night should be adhered to.
Guides offering their services should display an official
badge from the local tourist authorities.
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Although Marrakech is still Morocco there is a great deal
of western influence. Unlike in smaller more rural parts of
Morocco, most women, especially the younger ones, wear western
clothes during the day and in the evening.
Many of the manners and social customs emulate French
manners, particularly amongst the middle class. Handshaking is
the customary form of greeting. The visitor may find, in some
social situations, that patience and firmness will pay
dividends.
Casual wear is widely acceptable, although swimsuits and
shorts should be confined to the beach or poolside.
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The international country dialling code for Marrakech is +212
followed by the city code which is 24. |
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