Taghazout Surf Expo

The Taghazout Surf Expo is a major event held in the surf town of Taghazout, Morocco, spotlighting the country’s growing surf culture and eco-friendly tourism. Established as Africa’s premier surf trade show, it has quickly garnered international recognition, attracting surf brands, industry experts, and enthusiasts. The 2024 edition, held from October 24–27, featured over 80 exhibitors and drew approximately 40,000 visitors from around the world, marking it as a hub for surf culture and tourism innovation​

Wavelength Magazine

Taghazout Surf Expo.

This four-day expo includes workshops, exhibitions, and networking opportunities, focusing on sustainable development in surf tourism. Events at the expo range from professional panels, roundtables, and masterclasses on surf tech and environmental conservation, to yoga sessions and family-friendly activities, such as the Designer’s Souk, which celebrates Moroccan artisans. Attendees also have access to diverse services, including coworking spaces and a food court, all set in a temporary, eco-conscious exhibition village near the famed Anchor Point​

Taghazout Surf Expo

Taghazout Surf Expo.

The Taghazout Surf Expo has become a symbol of Morocco’s commitment to sustainable surf tourism, positioning Taghazout as a leading global surf destination and helping foster the local economy. The event emphasizes the preservation of iconic surf spots while integrating local businesses and culture, making it a unique experience for the global surf community​

Wavelength Magazine.

The Taghazout Surf Expo, held annually in the picturesque Moroccan town of Taghazout, is Africa’s largest surf industry event. This expo has rapidly established itself as an international hub for surfing professionals, industry enthusiasts, and the local community, showcasing Morocco’s unique position in global surf tourism. The 2024 event took place from October 24 to 27, drawing around 40,000 visitors, including surfers, exhibitors, eco-tourism advocates, and local artisans​

Wavelength Magazine

Taghazout Surf Expo.

Taghazout Surf Expo
Taghazout Surf Expo

 

Key Components of the Taghazout Surf Expo

  1. Exhibition and Networking Opportunities:

    • The expo spans a 4,000 m² temporary village set up near the renowned surf spot, Anchor Point. The space brings together 80+ exhibitors, including surf equipment suppliers, surfwear brands, and travel agencies specializing in surf tourism​

      Taghazout Surf Expo

      Taghazout Surf Expo.

    • International brands such as Firewire, O’Neill, and Soöruz join local Moroccan surf camps and associations, providing visitors a comprehensive look at the surf industry. For businesses and professionals, the expo offers networking platforms and a dedicated “Pitch Area” for surf tech showcases, scientific workshops, and new product demonstrations​

      Wavelength Magazine.

  2. Focus on Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Conservation:

    • Morocco’s tourism authorities and local organizations work with expo organizers to ensure that the event promotes eco-conscious practices. This focus includes preserving surf spots like Anchor Point and Boilers, preventing disruptive developments in these areas​

      Wavelength Magazine.

    • Panel discussions and workshops emphasize sustainable tourism, covering topics like conservation strategies and community-driven economic growth. These sessions align with the Moroccan government’s broader goals of sustainable tourism as a key contributor to economic growth, projected to reach a GDP increase of 4.6% by 2025​

      Taghazout Surf Expo.

  3. Cultural and Community Engagement:

    • The Designer’s Souk, a unique feature of the expo, spotlights Moroccan art and craftsmanship, offering a blend of cultural and artistic elements within the surf-centric atmosphere. Local artisans showcase their creations, giving visitors insight into Morocco’s vibrant culture and craftsmanship​

      Taghazout Surf Expo.

    • To foster a sense of community, the expo hosts family-friendly spaces, a yoga zone overlooking the ocean, live DJ performances, and art installations under the “Sea in Colors” program. These activities make the event accessible to both surf enthusiasts and families seeking an immersive experience in Moroccan surf culture​

      Taghazout Surf Expo.

  4. Educational and Professional Development:

    • Taghazout Surf Expo’s program includes workshops, masterclasses, and roundtables that dive into the latest surf industry trends, scientific research, and sustainable tourism practices. Attendees can participate in the “Share My Experience” sessions, where seasoned professionals and surf enthusiasts share stories and insights, enhancing knowledge-sharing within the community​

      Taghazout Surf Expo.

    • The expo also offers a coworking space, catering to digital nomads who wish to work remotely while immersing themselves in the surfing lifestyle, reflecting Taghazout’s appeal as a digital nomad destination​

      Taghazout Surf Expo.

taghazout surf expo2
Taghazout surf expo

The Broader Impact of the Taghazout Surf Expo

The expo has positioned Morocco as a rising leader in sustainable surf tourism. By protecting surf sites and promoting local community growth, Taghazout exemplifies how surf tourism can drive sustainable development while preserving natural and cultural resources. This initiative also boosts Morocco’s visibility in global tourism, making Taghazout a model for other surf destinations that aim to balance growth with environmental stewardship

Wavelength Magazine

Taghazout Surf Expo.

The Taghazout Surf Expo continues to play a vital role in Morocco’s strategy to grow its tourism sector sustainably, blending high-profile surf industry involvement with meaningful cultural and environmental contributions to the local community.

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  • Surfing
  • Tourism
  • Yoga