Promotion of tourist circuits integrating handicrafts: The programme reaches its final phase

The project aimed at promoting tourist circuits integrating handicrafts in Fes and Marrakech is entering its final phase. More than a month left to put in place the promotional tools. From this day until next June, particular importance will be given to the heritage handicraft attractions existing in the Medinas of the two imperial cities. This project, registered within the framework of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) programme implemented with the Agency for Partnership and Progress (APP), essentially aims to promote memory tourism by highlighting the know-how of Fassi and Marrakchi artisans. Thus, the promotional tools on which the initiators of this programme are working will allow for better identification, good location, and detailed description of handicraft sites with tourist and cultural attraction. The Medinas of Fes and Marrakech have therefore seen the implementation of three types of signs, namely those aimed at indicating the route of the circuit, the interpretation of the cultural and historical connotation, as well as information signs in the form of large general maps of all the circuits of the Medina, installed at each entrance and exit of the circuits. Since the launch of this project in June 2012, the city of Fes has seen the installation of 236 orientation signs, 70 interpretation signs, and 10 information signs. In contrast, Marrakech has been equipped with 172 orientation signs, 20 interpretation signs, and 7 information signs. Furthermore, a website has been put online to accompany the actions undertaken on the ground. Adaptable to all media supports, the website includes an interactive map while awaiting the publication of a tourist guide dedicated to circuits integrating handicrafts. Innovation has its say in this process. The project in its digital version will include the "quick response" which will allow tourists to exploit new functionalities. The initiators cite in this sense: virtual visits to sites and monuments, the location of the attraction on the interactive map, the posting of comments and sharing of experiences, as well as access to the attraction's media library. Eventually, 4,440 artisans will benefit from this programme in Marrakech compared to 2,163 in Fes, whose know-how will be valued through the orientation of tourists towards spaces and zones of production and sale of handicraft products. In this regard, the average expenditure per tourist on the purchase of handicraft products will increase. Similarly, the cities of Fes and Marrakech will strengthen their tourist animation, which will allow for the extension of the length of stay in these two destinations.

Provider / Source : Kawtar Tali, Aujourdhui.ma