In a world that moves ever faster, there is something profoundly poetic – almost defiant – in a hand-crafted objet d’art. It carries the weight of time, the imprint of human skill and the spirit of traditions passed through generations. This is precisely what the 2026 Experientialist® Awards trophies embody: created, produced and sponsored by our friends at Inclusive Morocco. More than trophies, they are symbols of travel that celebrate excellence and purpose, while honouring culture, community and craft.
The story begins in Fes, in the heart of Seffarine Square, where the clang of hammer on copper has resonated for centuries. Here, a master artisan takes raw metal and shapes it by hand, using techniques handed down through generations of Moroccan tradition. Each strike of the hammer, each curve, each subtle imperfection is a testament to patience, precision and heritage. In an age where old trades can feel endangered, this work preserves something far larger than what they’re making: it preserves legacy, community and identity.
Fes is a city where centuries seem to breathe through every narrow alley and mosaic-tiled courtyard. The air is fragrant with a mingling of spices, leather, and earth – a scent that has lingered for generations in the labyrinthine medina. Sunlight catches the intricate zellij tiles and carved wooden screens, scattering patterns that dance across stone streets worn smooth by countless footsteps. It is a city of contrasts: the solemnity of centuries-old madrasas alongside the vibrant chatter of bustling markets, the cool stillness of shaded courtyards punctuated by bursts of colour and movement, all quietly removed from the tide of commercialised tourism that sweeps through its more famous counterpart, Marrakech.
To wander Fes is to step into a rhythm untouched by the rush of the modern world, to feel the pulse of human ingenuity and community woven into every corner. It is a city where heritage is lived, a place where each sight, sound and touch is a meditation on time, skill and the enduring beauty of tradition.
From Fes, the copper travels to Marrakech, where contemporary craftsmen reimagine the centuries-old form, shaping it anew to bring Inclusive Morocco’s vision to life.
The 2026 Experientialist® Awards trophies rise from solid marble bases into abstract silhouettes – inspired by the Atlas Mountains. Its flame-like top reaches upward, a symbol of courage, progress and visibility – qualities celebrated in the ethos of our awards, but also in the human spirit. One side gleams with polished shine, the other remains matte, reflecting diversity: different surfaces, different textures, yet part of the same form. No two trophies are identical; each bears the hand of the artisan, a reminder that individuality and heritage are inseparable, and that old ideas and new ones can co-exist.
Inclusive Morocco, the visionary force behind this creation, was founded by Bilal El Hammoumy and Rania Chentouf in Tangier in 2020. From the start, their mission has been to redefine luxury travel in Morocco through inclusion, sustainability, and authenticity. Bilal’s decade-long experience in hospitality and travel has always been guided by a commitment to cultural preservation and community empowerment, while Rania brings environmental expertise and a focus on long-term positive impact. Together, they have transformed Inclusive Morocco into a beacon of purposeful, people-centred travel — recognised at the 2025 Experientialist® Awards as the “Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel.”
By commissioning Inclusive Morocco to craft this year’s trophies, the Experientialist® Awards celebrate more than achievement. They celebrate the hands that shape culture, the artisans who keep traditions alive, and the communities that sustain them. Each hammered mark, each polished curve, each flame-like silhouette tells a story of resilience, continuity and respect for the past while embracing the future.
OutThere and its Experientialist® Awards celebrate travel that is thoughtful, transformative, and inclusive. Just as the 2026 trophies bridge centuries-old technique with contemporary design, the awards highlight experiences that unite luxury with responsibility, exploration with empathy, and adventure with impact. They remind us that the most meaningful journeys are those that honour people, preserve legacy, and respect place.
The 2026 Experientialist® Awards trophies are far more than symbols of excellence; they are a tribute to culture, craft, and the courage to reimagine travel. They embody the shared values of Inclusive Morocco and OutThere, aligned to a vision of travel where heritage matters as much as innovation, people as much as places, and purpose as much as prestige. In every hand-hammered copper curve, that vision is illustrated and illuminated – in a timeless, tangible, and profoundly human way.
Read our interview with Inclusive Morocco founder, Bilal El Hammoumy >
Morocco, as only we know it, as only you’ll feel it
Moroccan at heart, global in spirit, and inclusive by design – Inclusive Morocco creates journeys for those who travel with curiosity and purpose.
www.inclusivemorocco.com
Photography by Evgeny Matveev and courtesy of Inclusive Morocco
