Errachidia – The Ziz Vélo Oasis d’Aoufous project aims to develop cycling tourism in Errachidia Province, offering visitors a new way to explore the region’s oasis landscapes while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
The initiative was among several development projects presented to Morocco World News journalists during a field visit organized by the National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and Argan Trees (ANDZOA) in Errachidia Province on Friday.
Launched on July 14, Ziz Vélo is the first bicycle-based ecotourism initiative of its kind in the Drâa-Tafilalet region.
The project seeks to attract visitors to Aoufous by combining outdoor activities with the discovery of its natural landscapes, cultural traditions, and oasis heritage.
Cycling tourism to support local communities
Developed in partnership with the tourism destination management association La Route du Mejhoul and the Provincial Tourism Delegation, the initiative includes plans to establish environmentally friendly cycling routes across the region.
It also involves training local guides to accompany visitors, providing residents with opportunities to benefit directly from tourism activities.
By encouraging tourists to explore the oases by bicycle, the project aims to introduce a more sustainable form of tourism while supporting local businesses and employment.
Ziz Vélo is part of ANDZOA’s broader efforts to diversify economic activities in oasis communities, where agriculture remains an important source of income.
Other tourism initiatives in Aoufous include plans for a panoramic viewing platform and support for rural tourist accommodation powered by solar energy.
Broader efforts to develop Morocco’s oases
The cycling project forms part of the Sustainable Management of Oasis Ecosystems in Morocco Project (PROGEDOM), implemented with support from the Ministry of Agriculture and the World Bank.
The program aims to strengthen the resilience of oasis communities, improve living conditions, and protect natural resources.
In July, ANDZOA announced additional development initiatives worth more than MAD 25 million in Errachidia Province.
These include improvements to irrigation systems and water infrastructure, alongside plans for a marketplace dedicated to dates and other local products in Aoufous.
The agency has also supported cooperatives, palm waste recycling projects, and initiatives designed to create employment opportunities for women and young people.
Together, these projects seek to strengthen local economic development while preserving the environmental and cultural heritage of Morocco’s oasis regions.