The first edition of the ”Oriental desert express of gastronomy” festival took place on November 9 and 10 in the Oriental region, at the initiative of the Association of Ambassadors of Hope for the development and tourism in the Oriental.
This is a culinary festival aboard the legendary desert train “Oriental Express” to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the Glorious Green March, explained on the occasion the promoters of this initiative aimed at highlighting the multiple tourist attractions of the Oriental region.
Organized in partnership with ”Maroc voyage”, this unique event which marks the tourist and gastronomic agenda of Morocco, offers a unique experience, combining the exploration of the desert landscapes of this region and a celebration of local cuisine, -they point out.
The Oriental express tourist train establishes the connection between Oujda and Bouarfa (Figuig province). The line, extending over more than 300 km, offers a striking visual dive into the heart of the eastern desert landscape, enhanced by strategic stops in towns such as Tendrara, Béni Oukil, and Aïn Béni Mathar.
The fame of this line crossed borders thanks to “Spectre”, an episode of the James Bond saga, which chose this natural setting as the backdrop for an unforgettable scene. Although an adapted version of the train was designed for the purposes of the film, the essence and authentic beauty of the line remains preserved.
According to many people, Moroccan and foreign, who took part in this trip marking the first edition of the festival, this adventure offered them the opportunity to discover the cultural, natural, artisanal and gastronomic riches of this region, steeped in history. and symbols.
The journey began on Saturday departing from Oujda railway station with several stopovers in Béni Oukil, the Tiouli tunnel, Ain Beni Mathar and Tendrara, before reaching Bouarfa and Figuig by coach.
On board the legendary train, world-renowned chefs have prepared refined dishes that celebrate local flavors, transforming each meal into a true feast for the senses.
This culinary journey was a unique sensory experience where luxury meets authenticity, noted a member of the organizing committee, noting that each stage offers unusual culinary discoveries, inspired by local traditions.
Many Moroccan chefs participated in this event, including chef Moha, famous for his modernization of Moroccan recipes, and Khadija Bensdira, a passionate advocate of regional cuisine.
On the second day of the festival, participants were treated to a guided tour of the town of Figuig and its surroundings, to discover its ancestral heritage, and the mix of charm, modernity and sure values that it enjoys.
The day was also punctuated by captivating culinary activities, notably the cooking competition for local women, highlighting the famous figugui couscous, as well as competitions for young talents from the OFPPT. Show cooking demonstrations offered participants a gourmet show, where tradition meets culinary creativity.
The trip was also marked by musical entertainment and exhibitions of local products and crafts.
In a statement to MAP, Ikram Daif, from the event organizing team, emphasized the role that the “Oriental Express” desert train can play in promoting and enriching the The tourist offer in the Oriental region is full of assets and potential.
For his part, Youssef Zaki, president of the Regional Tourism Council (CRT) of Oriental, indicated that the trip aboard the desert train allows you to discover magnificent landscapes and meet locals who welcome tourists with great hospitality.
“We must multiply this type of initiative because this train can represent a considerable asset for the development of remote areas, as well as for maintaining economic and tourist activity outside the summer seasons,” he said, adding that It is “our duty, as leaders, to think about diversifying tourist products to attract other tourists, especially since the province of Figuig is rich in history and authenticity”.
For his part, Mohammed Khadraoui, representative of ”Maroc Voyage”, highlighted the role that travel agencies can play in encouraging this unique experience of its kind in order to contribute to the diversification of the tourist offer of the region and strengthen its attractiveness.
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