Carol Prior
Founder
Carol Prior founded BPA after a chance visit to Morocco in 1972 sparked what would become a lifelong connection with the country. Over the following decades, she built BPA into one of Australia's leading Morocco specialists, introducing thousands of travellers to the destination she came to know and love. Although now retired, Carol's passion, knowledge and enduring relationships throughout Morocco remain at the heart of BPA today.
QUICK FACTS
BASED IN: Blue Mountains, NSW
IN LOVE WITH MOROCCO SINCE: 1972
FAVOURITE MOROCCAN DESTINATION: Tangier
FAVOURITE MOROCCAN PLEASURE: A chilled glass of vin gris
Meet Carol
My relationship with Morocco began in 1972 when I visited the country for the first time. What was intended as a trip quickly became something much more significant. I was captivated not only by Morocco's extraordinary landscapes, history and culture, but by the warmth, humour and generosity of the people I met along the way. I found myself returning again and again, discovering new regions, forming lasting friendships and developing a deeper understanding of the country. Eventually, I moved to Marrakech.
That passion became BPA.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of introducing countless travellers to Morocco and watching them experience the same sense of wonder that first drew me there. What has always mattered most to me is helping people move beyond the surface and discover the richness, diversity and character that make Morocco so special.
The relationships built over decades have been one of the greatest rewards of my career. They have also reinforced my belief that travel can create genuine connections between people and cultures. Through BPA, I have always sought to support the communities that welcome our travellers, including projects that contribute to education, livelihoods and recovery efforts in times of need.
Although I no longer travel to Morocco, it remains very close to my heart. Few countries have shaped my life in the way Morocco has, and I continue to take great pleasure in seeing new generations of travellers discover its magic for themselves.
In conversation
What first drew you to Morocco when you visited in 1972?
If I'm honest, I wasn't looking for a life-changing relationship at the time! Morocco simply captured my imagination from the moment I arrived. The colours, the energy, the history, the extraordinary landscapes. It felt completely different from anywhere I had travelled before. But more than anything, it was the people. There was a warmth, humour and generosity that stayed with me long after I returned home, and I found myself wanting to go back again and again.
How has Morocco changed since your first visit, and what has remained wonderfully the same?
Morocco has changed enormously over the years. Roads are better, infrastructure has improved, and destinations that were once quite remote are now much more accessible. The country has embraced modernity whilst retaining a strong sense of identity.
What has remained wonderfully unchanged is the pride Moroccans take in their culture, traditions and hospitality. Whether I first experienced it in the 70’s or on my most recent visit, I was always struck by people's willingness to welcome you, share a conversation and make you feel part of the story.
What inspired you to create BPA and dedicate so much of your life to Morocco?
Quite simply, I wanted other people to experience the Morocco that I had discovered.
When I first began travelling there, very few Australians considered Morocco as a holiday destination. I knew they were missing something special. BPA grew from a desire to share the country's extraordinary diversity whilst introducing travellers to the people, places and experiences that most visitors would never find on their own. What started as a passion became a business, and then a lifelong adventure. Looking back, I consider myself incredibly fortunate that something I loved so much became my life's work.
If you could enjoy a glass of Moroccan vin gris anywhere in the country this evening, where would it be and why?
On a terrace in Tangier overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar as the sun begins to set. Tangier has always had a certain glamour about it, part Morocco, part Mediterranean, part something entirely its own. Add good company, a chilled glass of vin gris and a sea view, and I would struggle to think of a better way to spend an evening.
Looking back on your years with BPA, what are you most proud of?
Without question, the relationships that have been built along the way. Over the years, many of our clients became repeat travellers, and many of those became friends. The same is true in Morocco, where BPA developed lasting partnerships and friendships with people across the country.
I am also proud that BPA has been able to support communities that have given so much to us over the years. During the period when tourism came to a standstill, we raised funds to assist members of our Moroccan team and their families. Then following the 2023 earthquake, we were able to raise a considerable amount and contribute to recovery efforts through the Eve Branson Foundation located in the Atlas Mountains, and we have proudly supported the Jarjeer Mule and Donkey Refuge over many years.
Travel has always been about more than places. At its best, it creates genuine connections between people. Knowing that BPA has helped foster those connections, while also giving something back to the country that has given me so much, is probably what I am most proud of.