Homestays in the Fez Medina

A new project to promote homestays in the Fez medina has now been launched. Helen Ranger takes a look.

Long mooted, this idea gives visitors the chance to stay with a family in a traditional house, and take part in the everyday life of the medina. Ziyarates Fes is now operational, but it's taken some time for all the aspects to be brought together into an opportunity for families to contribute to the preservation of the medina, not only physically, but to share the soul of the city in a spirit of openness.

Thirty families have been carefully chosen to take part. The Conseil Regional de Tourisme (CRT) has drawn up a code of ethics and the criteria for selection. They've also set up a website, and made a promotional film that's been shown locally and in France. Virtual visits to the houses are available on the website.

The Agence de Developpement Social has provided training for the families, including hospitality, security, tourism, hygiene, culture and spirituality, and communication. Where necessary, families have been given loans to allow them to furnish and equip their homes ready for foreign tourists.

Development Director, Layla Skali, reports that the project has already won the Couleur Trophy at the Salon Riad Art in Marrakech. This prize is awarded to Moroccans who participate in the preservation of their heritage. The organisers are now considering this as a pilot project that could be extended to all the historical cities in Morocco.

And the price is right, too. As an example, take a look at the Mostakim family house in Laayoune. They have two family-sized rooms available, each with a double bed and two single beds. At Dh350 for two people or Dh450 for four, including breakfast, it's a good deal.

Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news