Historical, Archaeological & UNESCO Site Protection Policy

Purpose and Scope

This policy establishes the mandatory standards by which Journey Morocco protects historical, archaeological, religious, and UNESCO-designated heritage sites from physical damage, degradation, misuse, or cultural harm arising from tourism activity.

The policy applies to:

• All Journey Morocco itineraries and site visits

• All employees, guides, and operational staff

• All Destination Management Companies (DMCs), transport providers, and site partners

• All historical monuments, medinas, archaeological sites, religious structures, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Compliance with this policy is a condition of engagement and continued partnership.

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2. Preservation Principles

Journey Morocco operates under the following principles:

• Cultural heritage sites are non-renewable assets

• Preservation takes precedence over guest access, photography, or convenience

• Tourism activity must not accelerate physical deterioration or cultural erosion

• Respect for local custodians, religious customs, and conservation authorities is mandatory

Any activity that compromises the integrity, sanctity, or preservation of a site is incompatible with Journey Morocco operations.

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3. Site Access and Conduct Standards

3.1 Physical Protection of Sites

Journey Morocco enforces strict non-interference standards at all heritage sites:

• No climbing, leaning, sitting, or standing on walls, ruins, tombs, carvings, mosaics, or architectural features

• No touching of fragile surfaces, inscriptions, frescoes, or artifacts

• No removal, relocation, or disturbance of stones, tiles, fragments, or archaeological material

• No use of drones, tripods, lighting rigs, or equipment where prohibited

Guests are required to remain on designated paths and within approved visitor areas.

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3.2 Religious and Sacred Sites

At mosques, mausoleums, synagogues, cemeteries, and other sacred locations:

• Appropriate dress and behavior are mandatory

• Silence and decorum must be maintained where required

• Photography is restricted or prohibited in accordance with site rules

• Entry is permitted only where legally and culturally authorized

Journey Morocco does not request or negotiate exceptions to religious access restrictions.

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4. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Journey Morocco recognizes UNESCO World Heritage Sites as requiring heightened protection.

Accordingly:

• Group sizes may be limited to reduce wear and congestion

• Visit timing may be adjusted to avoid peak strain periods

• Activities that risk vibration, erosion, or surface damage are prohibited

• No exclusive or after-hours access is pursued if it conflicts with conservation objectives

UNESCO designation does not imply entitlement to unrestricted access.

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5. Archaeological Sites and Excavation Areas

At archaeological locations:

• No unauthorized entry into restricted or active excavation zones

• No unauthorized  handling of artifacts, tools, or exposed remains

• No disruption of protective coverings, markers, or barriers

Journey Morocco cooperates fully with site authorities, archaeologists, and heritage agencies.

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6. Guide Authority and Guest Management

Journey Morocco guides are authorized to:

• Enforce site rules and conservation requirements

• Refuse guest requests that compromise site integrity

• Modify, shorten, or terminate visits where risk of damage or disrespect arises

Guest compliance with guide instruction is mandatory. Cultural preservation overrides guest preference without exception.

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7. Partner and Operator Standards

Journey Morocco works only with partners and site operators who:

• Adhere to national heritage protection laws

• Respect UNESCO and Ministry of Culture regulations

• Do not facilitate unauthorized access, staging, or misuse of heritage sites

Partners who violate site protection standards are subject to immediate suspension or termination.

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8. Governance and Oversight

Oversight of this policy is assigned to the Independent Ethics, Welfare & Compliance Officer, who is authorized to:

• Review heritage site practices and itineraries

• Suspend activities that pose risk to historical or cultural assets

• Terminate partnerships that result in site damage or regulatory breach

This authority operates independently of sales and commercial considerations.

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9. Enforcement and Sanctions

Violations of this policy may result in:

• Immediate suspension of site visits

• Mandatory corrective action

• Termination of partner relationships

• Permanent exclusion for severe or repeated violations

Cultural heritage protection obligations are non-negotiable.

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10. Training and Operational Guidance

Guides and operational staff receive training on:

• Cultural heritage sensitivity

• Site-specific rules and access restrictions

• Guest management within protected environments

Staff are authorized to intervene to prevent damage, disrespect, or regulatory breach.

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11. Records and Policy Review

Records

Journey Morocco maintains formal records of site protocols, partner compliance, incidents, and enforcement actions in accordance with internal governance and retention requirements.

Policy Review

This policy is subject to formal review on an annual basis and may be amended as required to maintain compliance with applicable heritage-protection laws, regulatory obligations, and recognized international cultural-preservation frameworks.