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In ancient Fez, crisis-hit artisans pin hopes on domestic tourism

October 24, 2021 / 12:38 PM
Sharjah24 – Reuters: In a square in central Fez, the steady beat of hammers on copper has returned - a welcome signal for the ancient Moroccan city's thousands of artisans that trade is slowly picking up after a brutal COVID-induced slump.
Activity is still some way below pre-pandemic levels, and master coppersmith Mohammed Kobbi says the high cost of the metal has hit profit margins.

Stretching over 280 hectares, the walled city founded in 789 is home to 40,000 craftsmen including metalwork, brass etching, woodcarving and leatherwork artisans.

A dearth of tourists and domestic visitors during the pandemic forced many to find other work, and some continue to struggle.

But while there are still few foreign tourists wandering the city's narrow maze-like labyrinths, Fez's ancient markets are gradually reviving after domestic travel restrictions were eased and as more Moroccans get vaccinated.

After two years in the doldrums, travel receipts from domestic and foreign tourists are expected to jump to 60 billion dirhams ($6.7 billion) in 2022, according to the central bank, while Fez welcomed 90% more visitors this summer, most of them mostly Moroccans living abroad, than in 2020.

But with direct flights from Britain, Germany and the Netherlands due to be suspended from Friday (October 22) over COVID-19 concerns, trouble is back on the horizon.
October 24, 2021 / 12:38 PM

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