Tifrouine (Al Haouz province) – In the heart of the majestic Atlas Mountains, a guesthouse and a tourist refuge nestle, like two pearls in their settings, in the middle of an exuberant plantation, as if to testify to their resilience in the face of the violent earthquake that struck the region almost a year ago.

“Aylal”, the bird in Amazigh, was on the verge of collapse after being badly shaken by the earthquake of September 8, 2023, says Latifa Lamzoughi, the owner of the guesthouse.

‘In the midst of every difficulty lies an opportunity,’ explains Latifa in a philosophical tone, supporting her words with a smile that reflects an iron will to transform the ruins and rubble into a solid foundation to rebuild everything anew.

And there is reason to be. Latifa, a woman with a strong character, did not give up and did not give in to difficulties. With her soul anchored to her body, she immediately set to work, setting herself the goal of resuming her activity and giving ‘Aylal’ its flight again.

In the proces
s, the tragic scenes of the night of the earthquake are only a distant memory for her. ‘The Aylal guesthouse has continued to gain notoriety since then,’ she continues, expressing her determination to expand this dream project and to build this accommodation establishment into a major tourist destination in the years to come.

‘We offer tourists several activities including paragliding. It is an invitation to all those who visit Al Haouz to feel the freedom and the desire to explore the grandeur, the expanse, and the diversity of the Atlas Mountains,’ she says.

Rachida Kissabi, owner of the tourist refuge ‘Le Mouflon’ perched in the heart of the Ouirgane mountains, relates with the same verve another story filled with courage, bravery and perseverance. Of course, her refuge was completely destroyed, but not her dreams.

‘I rebuilt and restored everything myself. The dream never dies if we continue to believe in it,’ she says, her air of determination and her will intact.

‘The Ouirgane mountains taught me a
lot of passion and patience. This is what I want to pass on to all those who visit Le Mouflon,’ she continues in a confident voice.

She explains that her establishment offers tourists a range of activities, including mountain hikes, “which allows them to explore the fascinating nature and breathtaking landscapes that the region has to offer”.

According to her, these excursions allow visitors to interact positively with the environment and live a unique tourist experience at every moment.

More than just individual exploits, the journeys of Latifa and Rachida are, more than success stories in terms of promoting ecotourism in the province of Al Haouz, a lesson in hope, endurance and dedication.

As such, their stories represent two living examples of success and resilience and testify, if need be, to the ability of Moroccan women, even in the most difficult circumstances, to overcome challenges and build a better future for themselves and for the surrounding society.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse