New Moves to Promote Fez

The municipal council of Fez will meet tomorrow (Wednesday, February 1), with a total of 29 items on the agenda including the approval of a number of cultural projects

The R'Cif entrance to the Fez Medina

The cultural projects include a 5000 seat congress centre (5,000 seats), an institute of fine arts, a large theatre and a museum. These projects are estimated to cost some 366 million DH (approx S36 million) and will be financed by the Commune, the Regional Council, and other ministerial departments.

There are also a number of unfinished projects, notably that of the Palais des Congrès (2,400 seats) in the Champs de Courses district presented to the King in March 2008, and the proposed Institut des Beaux Arts. Observers also question the plans for the "great library of Fez" and an opera house.

Fez to be given a "brand name"

Numerous PR advertising and communication campaigns have been initiated by the national tourist office (ONMT), to boost the image of Fez as an "open-air museum".

The Fez Mayor

"We are putting in place a marketing plan for the city, a four-year plan that will mobilise all the components of the tourism sector of the spiritual city for its success," stresses Abderrafie Zouiten, Director General of the National Tourist Office. The region of Fez will acquire a distinctive brand. This approach is part of a global plan linked to the advanced regionalisation of the Kingdom and aims to equip each region with a brand.

Fez expecting King to Visit

Meanwhile, the people of Fez are expecting a visit from HM Mohammed VI. It is hoped that the King will inaugurate various projects including the Seffarine Madrassa, the library Khizanate Al Quaraouiyine, the Bouanania Madrassa and the new terminal of the Fez-Saïss airport.


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