GPU Morocco Photos Tour 2015: A Landmark Celebration of Professional Photography and Cultural Discovery
The GPU Morocco Photos Tour 2015 stands as a landmark event in the world of professional photography, a masterful blend of artistic exploration and cultural immersion. EVENTS ON is immensely proud to have been the organizational force behind this celebrated success.
In close cooperation with the esteemed Photographer Mustapha Meskine and under the direct, visionary leadership of our manager, who served as the General Supervisor, we orchestrated the acclaimed UPI (GPU) Photos Festival Morocco 2015. This monumental gathering was more than just a tour; it was a curated expedition designed to capture the soul of a nation through the lenses of 100 of the world’s most talented professional photographers.
This third edition of the festival was conceived with a powerful and clear dual mission: to authentically showcase Morocco’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and to consciously move beyond stereotypical or folkloric imagery of the country. The goal was to position Morocco not just as a picturesque backdrop, but as a living, breathing muse for serious artistic creation, thereby cementing its status as a premier global destination for cultural and photographic tourism.
Journey Through the Heart of Morocco: The 2015 Photo Tour Itinerary
The GPU Morocco Photos Tour 2015 was an immersive 9-day expedition meticulously designed to traverse Morocco’s most iconic and contrasting landscapes. This wasn’t a simple sightseeing trip; it was a photographer’s pilgrimage. The carefully curated route was a narrative in itself, guiding participants through a visual story:
- Marrakech: The journey began in the pulsating heart of the city, where photographers immersed themselves in the vibrant souks, the historic Medina, and the stunningly colorful architecture, capturing the dynamic energy of urban Moroccan life.
- Ouarzazate & Ait Benhaddou Kasbah: The route then moved to the legendary “Door of the Desert,” where the cinematic scale of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ait Benhaddou, provided breathtaking frames of ancient earthen architecture against a dramatic mountainous backdrop.
- Dades & Tinghir: Here, participants discovered the dramatic, winding roads of the valleys and gorges, encountering the raw beauty of the landscape and the authentic, timeless life within traditional Berber villages.
- Arfoud & Rissani: Acting as the gateway to the Sahara, these locations offered a glimpse into rich traditions and a culture deeply connected to the desert’s edge.
- Merzouga: The undeniable climax of the GPU Morocco Photos Tour 2015 was the golden, undulating dunes of the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. The experience of capturing the sunrise over these vast, silent dunes was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for every participant, creating images and memories that would last forever.
This cultural journey was profoundly enriched through a strategic partnership with the local cultural association Torch for Culture and Theater. They presented captivating performances of traditional regional wedding ceremonies.
These were not staged shows for tourists but genuine cultural presentations that offered photographers unparalleled, dynamic photo opportunities and created a strong emotional connection to Morocco’s living heritage.
Excellence in Execution: A Flawlessly Managed International Festival
Organizing a large-scale international event of this caliber, navigating the logistical challenges of a 9-day cross-country tour during the Moroccan summer, demanded precision, expertise, and meticulous planning. EVENTS ON’s core achievement was ensuring the GPU Morocco Photos Tour 2015 was executed with seamless precision.
We delivered a varied and rich agenda with strict adherence to the schedule, ensured all participants traveled safely and comfortably across diverse destinations, and, most importantly, concluded the entire event without any serious incidents. A notable testament to our attention to detail was that zero cases of food poisoning were reported throughout the entire tour—a critical factor in maintaining the health and energy of the attending artists.
Voted the Best Edition: The Lasting Legacy of the Tour
The resounding success of the GPU Morocco Photos Tour 2015 was ultimately confirmed when it was officially recognized by both the international participants and the UPI (GPU) committee as the best edition of the festival to date.
This accolade was earned through the powerful combination of flawless organization and logistics, deeply immersive and respectful cultural experiences, and truly exceptional, diverse photographic opportunities.
By successfully bridging Morocco’s authentic heritage with international artistic creativity, the GPU Morocco Photos Tour 2015 did more than just create beautiful images; it built lasting connections and set a new, higher benchmark for what a photography festival can and should be.
It remains a proud chapter in the history of EVENTS ON and a testament to the beauty that unfolds when world-class talent meets a country of unparalleled inspiration.
