Fes is the historical and religious center of Moroccan culture. Its busy medina is exciting, but a challenge for tourists. The medina also is a challenge for its residents, particularly in transportation and access to recreational space. While I would not want to affect the unique character of the medina at Fes, some changes just outside of it should bring big benefits to both tourists and residents. Here are three of them:

1. Organize a lively central plaza in Fes. The large plaza in Marrakesh's medina is one of the most active in the world. It brings together for fun people of many types and is what visitors remember most vividly about Marrakesh. In contrast, Fes has few busy public spaces, and little activity after dark. The mostly unused triangular area within Fes walls (see photo) near the Mahrouk gate could become a lively central gathering place. Instead of the current informal flea market and car parking there, imagine well-lit food stalls brought in each afternoon, as is done in Marrakesh. A few entertainers use the area now; many more would move in if eating stalls attracted crowds. Perhaps the plaza might be ringed with semi-permanent quality shops, enabling Fes merchants to do business into the late evening. Both tourists and residents of Fes would welcome the more active plaza, bringing additional money and excitement to the city.

2. Shopping bus. The central shopping and historic part of the medina in Fes is a long way from tourist hotels and homes of most residents. There are some buses and taxis across the nearby dry riverbed. But they are not easy to use, especially with bulky purchases. Instead, imagine large, colorful Shopping Buses with lots of space for packages or baggage. The buses could travel a well-advertised loop on the outside of the medina, including stops at the railway station and the bus depot near the Mahrouk gate. The route might largely follow the red circuit of city walls on the Carte Touristique de Fez. Thus a ride on a Shopping Bus could also be a scenic tour of Fes, while it facilitated shopping in several areas, including Ville Nouvelle and the Semmarine gate of Fes J'did.

3. Develop green areas around the Fes medina. With the additional monies raised by the Shopping Bus and stall rentals in a central plaza, Fes could develop some landscaped recreational areas just ourside the medina walls. Soccer fields and community gardens would be welcome places for those living in the crowded medina. Local schools might participate in planning of the new green areas and help manage their use. Life in the Fes medina is exciting, but limited. Residents would benefit greatly from sports on a nearby green lawn, in seeing their own vegetables grow, or simply relaxing in a nearby green space.

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To: Prime Minister, Palais Royal, Touarga, Rabat, Morocco - http://www.pm.gov.ma/fr/ecrire_pm.aspx

Subject: Low cost/ high benefit improvements to Fes

Recently, I returned from a three week trip visiting Tangier, Rabat, Fes, and Marrakesh. It was my first time in Morocco - a stimulating, fascinating experience. In several ways, Moroccan tourism officials have begun to make useful steps to help vsitors enjoy the unique features of their country. More could be done, especially in Fes.

Here are some ideas on big payback Fes improvements, designed to help both tourists and residents. They should be of interest to tourism, merchants, and city officials. Let me suggest that you pass on this message to the National Office of Tourism and to Fes officials in both the public and business sectors.

Thank you!

Van Sloan from USA

Please excuse my mistakes in translating this into French. This information, with photos, is also available on the Internet at www.geocities.com/FesImprove