Fake guides arrested in the medina of Fez

There is certain news that can be reassuring without rejoicing in the misfortune of others. Indeed, tourism development attracts opportunists seeking easy profits as well as people in need trying to earn enough money daily to, at times, feed a family. The reverse view corresponds to that of a traveler in the medina of Fez who discovers this impressive centuries-old architecture and an impeccable state of mind, but also a few fake guides who sometimes spoil the serenity of a Western stroll, an easy and well-meaning prey.

Good news in the medina and all the riads of Fes

The tourism development of Fez should enable the creation of jobs and new services around tourism, the discovery of Fez, and the well-being of visitors. Tourism professionals, whether local authorities, tourism institutions, or hotels, riads, dars, and guesthouses, all approve of the approach to regulate professions related to tourism.

The police arrested 160 fake guides during the month of June, which is an absolute record. Plainclothes officers patrol the medina to monitor and catch these young offenders in the act.

This is a major focus of work for all professionals, as this issue is particularly harmful for all the riad fez in the medina, since every week clients report having been influenced to eat at a certain restaurant, buy from a certain shop… In short, a self-interested steering by fake guides looking to make a quick buck.

Regularly, several hundred fake guides are arrested by the police, with an average of 220 people, so the approach of the city of Fez is to support the opening of the medina to tourism and all the registered professionals who make a living from it. It is not uncommon to see some riad guests change their minds about their initial booking wishes.

Only rely on riad staff

Of course you might say, but it is important to remember the significant differences that exist between civilizations, and the lure of profit is, for some, a daily motto. Riad Jamaï works in this direction by recruiting staff from within the medina itself and gives every one of its employees a chance. This is precisely the goal: to develop stable and sustainable employment through skill and the transmission of Moroccan know-how. Fake guides are the opposite of this philosophy of merit; they thrive on the difficulties faced by foreigners in the medina, acting as guides on drawn-out routes and visits to family-run shops.