The rugged landscapes of Tinghir province — home to some of Morocco’s most dramatic canyon scenery — are about to take center stage. On April 4 and 5, 2026, the southeastern Moroccan city will host the second edition of the Gorges & Oases Forum, a multi-day event built around a bold premise: that oasis and mountain tourism can serve as a genuine engine of local development.
What’s Behind the Forum
Organized by the Provincial Tourism Council with backing from the Tinghir Provincial Authority, the forum is designed to spotlight a region that remains one of Morocco’s best-kept secrets. The Todgha and Dadès gorges — soaring canyon walls carved through the eastern High Atlas — sit alongside palm-fringed oases and high-altitude terrain that most international travelers have yet to discover.
The organizers’ vision goes beyond simple promotion. The event is built on an integrated approach to sustainable tourism, one that weaves together innovation, academic research, and community-driven initiatives to unlock the region’s full potential.
The Bigger Picture: From Local Gem to Global Destination
According to a statement released by the organizing committee, the forum has set its sights on raising Tinghir’s profile both nationally and internationally. The ambition is to establish a sustainable development model that balances heritage preservation, environmental stewardship, cultural identity, and economic opportunity — all at once.
There is also a strong emphasis on youth engagement. The event aims to inspire young locals and regional stakeholders to invest in projects with a clear environmental and digital dimension, positioning the next generation as key players in the province’s tourism future.
Trail Running Through Gorges and Oases
One of the headline attractions is the second edition of the Gorges & Oases Trail — Todgha Dadès, a trail running race that unfolds in two stages across Tinghir’s mountains and oases. The first stage takes runners through the Todgha Gorges on a 12-kilometer course with 249 meters of elevation gain, while the second stage ups the ante with a 16-kilometer route through the Dadès Gorges and a more demanding 463 meters of positive elevation. For runners and adventure sport enthusiasts, this is a rare chance to compete amid landscapes where red-rock gorges meet lush valley floors — a setting few trail events anywhere in the world can match.
Expert Talks, Hands-On Workshops, and Digital Content Competitions
The program extends well beyond athletics. International conferences featuring both Moroccan and foreign experts will explore the role of oasis and mountain tourism as a lever for sustainable development. Alongside the panel discussions, the forum offers practical training workshops in mountain rescue and safety — critical skills for a region that is actively building its adventure tourism infrastructure.
Digital content creators will also get their moment, with dedicated competitions designed to harness the power of social media storytelling. And for those looking to tap into government support, networking sessions will walk participants through the available programs for tourism funding and development.
A Spiritual Evening Celebrating Local Women and Heritage
In a distinctive cultural touch, the forum will feature a women-led spiritual evening, bringing together more than 200 women from across the region. The gathering promises a deeply atmospheric experience rooted in local tradition — a window into the spiritual and cultural identity that defines Tinghir’s oasis communities.
Artisan Showcases in Tinghir and Boumalne Dadès
Traditional craftsmanship will be front and center at two artisan exhibitions, one in Tinghir and another in Boumalne Dadès. A dedicated oasis heritage space inside Tinghir’s artisan complex will round out the offering, giving visitors a curated look at the region’s centuries-old craft traditions.
A Broad Coalition of Institutional Partners
The forum is backed by an impressive roster of institutional supporters, including the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT), the Provincial Council of Tinghir, and the National Agency for the Development of Oasis and Argan Zones (ANDZOA), along with several local municipalities across the province. It is the kind of cross-sector collaboration that signals serious intent — and that could set the tone for how Morocco develops its lesser-known destinations in the years ahead.
For more information and trail race registration, visit www.forumgorgesetoasis.com or the official registration page at timingspirit.com.
Read also:
