Fez, one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities, embodies a unique balance between historical heritage and modern development. A city of knowledge and tradition, it has been shaped by an exceptional cultural legacy that continues to define its identity and appeal. At the heart of this heritage are its ancient medina, historic institutions, and thriving craftsmanship, making Fez a major cultural and spiritual crossroads, further strengthened today by its growing tourism sector.
Considered one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities, Fez is today a crossroads between historical heritage and modern development. Founded in the late 8th century, the city stands out for its rich cultural legacy, diverse population, and growing tourism sector. Its medina, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, is regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval urban complexes in the world.
« Morocco is now establishing itself as a planned destination, driven by a tourism strategy aimed at structuring and diversifying the tourism offering nationwide. Moroccan tourism is no longer limited to traditional destinations. »
Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism – Morocco
The city is also shaped by the presence of Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 and considered the oldest university still in operation. It also stands out for the richness of its craftsmanship, with more than 30,000 artisans working in traditional trades such as leather tanning, zellige tilework, woodworking, and copper craftsmanship, which serve as both an economic pillar and a key element of the city’s identity.
« In the roadmap, we identified many more sectors, meaning the sectors in which Morocco has strong potential and that are sought after by international tourists. If I remember correctly, we had around thirty of them. »
Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism – Morocco
Beyond craftsmanship, tourism is also one of Fez’s main economic activities. In 2025, the capital of the Fez-Meknes administrative region recorded 1.67 million tourist stays. Among its most iconic attractions are Bab Boujloud, the symbolic gateway to the medina, as well as its famous traditional tanneries, historic madrasas, and palaces that have been converted into riads.
« We have worked closely together to accelerate the overall performance of the sector and enable all regions to benefit from the positive impacts of their tourism activity. I call on all public and private stakeholders to strengthen their collective collaboration in order to further consolidate the results achieved, particularly with the arrival of major sporting events that Morocco will host. »
Hamid Bentahar, President of the National Confederation of Tourism – Morocco
With its 312 km² area and nearly 1.19 million inhabitants in 2025, Fez is striving to balance heritage preservation with urban modernization through rehabilitation projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing its human capital.
