Alastair Fernie
Owner
Originally from Scotland, Alastair has spent much of his career helping people discover the world through travel. As Owner of BPA, he combines a lifelong passion for exploration with a particular appreciation for Morocco's culture, landscapes and remarkable diversity. Whether reviewing new properties, refining tour experiences or hosting BPA's annual small group tour, Alastair enjoys helping travellers experience Morocco in a way that is both authentic and memorable.
QUICK FACTS
BASED IN: Sydney NSW
YEARS IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY: Over 40
FAVOURITE MOROCCAN DESTINATION: Marrakech
FAVOURITE MOROCCAN INGREDIENT: Lamb tagine
Meet Alastair
Travel has been a constant throughout my professional life, taking me across different countries, cultures and corners of the world. Yet despite the countless destinations I have experienced, Morocco remains one that continues to draw me back.
What first captured my interest was the country's extraordinary diversity. Within a relatively short distance, you can move between imperial cities, mountain landscapes, Atlantic coastline and desert scenery, each offering a completely different perspective on Morocco. Combined with its rich history, vibrant culture and renowned hospitality, it is a destination that rewards repeat visits.
As Owner of BPA, I am committed to ensuring we remain true to the company's founding philosophy of creating thoughtful, personalised journeys. I particularly enjoy discovering new properties, experiences and hidden gems that can add depth and character to our itineraries.
One of the highlights of my year is hosting BPA's small group tour to Morocco. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing guests experience the country for the first time, whether that is navigating a medina, sharing a meal with locals, or simply watching their perceptions evolve as they gain a deeper understanding of the destination.
In conversation
What attracted you to Morocco and to BPA?
Having worked in travel for most of my career, I had visited many destinations around the world but had never made it to Morocco. When the opportunity to become involved with BPA arose, I was curious to experience the country for myself and understand what had inspired such loyalty from both clients and the team. What struck me from my first visit was the sheer diversity. BPA was equally appealing because it is a specialist business built on genuine passion for the destination. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, it focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well.
What makes Morocco different from other destinations travellers might consider?
What makes Morocco different is the sheer variety it packs into a relatively compact country. In a single trip you can move from imperial cities to mountain villages, Atlantic coastline and desert landscapes, with each region feeling distinct from the last. But diversity alone doesn't explain Morocco's appeal. What I find particularly compelling is the balance between familiarity and discovery. It offers the comfort of excellent hospitality and tourism infrastructure, while still providing genuine cultural immersion and a sense of adventure.
What do you believe distinguishes BPA from other Morocco travel specialists?
Many companies can book a trip to Morocco. What sets BPA apart is the depth of destination knowledge that comes from focusing on one country for more than four decades and having our team of drivers and guides. We know which experiences consistently exceed expectations, which properties suit different styles of traveller, and how to bring the various elements of a journey together in a way that feels seamless. We also remain a deliberately small business. That means clients receive individual attention rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, which is increasingly rare in the travel industry.
What do you most enjoy about hosting BPA's small group tours?
What I enjoy most is watching people's perceptions of Morocco evolve throughout the journey. Most guests arrive with a picture of Morocco in their minds, but the reality is often far richer and more diverse than they expected. Over the course of the tour, you can almost see their understanding of the country expanding as they experience different regions, meet local people and discover aspects of Morocco they hadn't anticipated. Being part of that journey and seeing guests return home with a completely different perspective is incredibly rewarding.
What keeps Morocco interesting, even after multiple visits?
What keeps Morocco interesting is that no two visits are ever quite the same. The variety within the country you can return repeatedly and still experience something new, whether that’s a different region, a different season, or simply a different way of travelling through it.