Fès transforms monuments into tourism powerhouse ahead of 2030 World Cup

The Agency for the Development and Rehabilitation of the City has just published a call for tenders worth three million dirhams to finance studies on enhancing its architectural heritage. After a vast preservation program initiated in 2013 that made it possible to rehabilitate nearly 400 buildings, the authorities now aim to economically exploit these former mosques, schools and fondouks. The objective is to convert these historic buildings into vibrant spaces dedicated to creation, art and tourist activities before the major international events to come.

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To achieve this, experts are planning a roadmap in four stages, starting with a comprehensive diagnosis leading to the selection of investors and private operators. The challenge is to extend the length of visitors’ stays by moving away from the logic of "isolated monument visits" in favor of an "integrated cultural destination." Several renovated sites will benefit from these new management models, including Dar Al Makina, Borj Sidi Bounafaa and Souk Semmarine. Other historic gems, such as the water clock and the Merinid tombs, will be incorporated into these unprecedented circuits.

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This large-scale project is based on a broader regional dynamic. The city and its surroundings indeed have three sites listed on the Unesco World Heritage, including the old medinas of Fès and Meknès as well as the ruins of Volubilis. By promoting public-private partnerships, the local administration seeks to generate sustainable revenue while preserving the integrity of its buildings. This overall strategy ultimately aims to boost the job market and establish the international reputation of the city.