Journalism and Tourism at the Heart of Fez: A Global Conference Brings Together 250 Journalists from 70 Countries
Fez-Meknes will host the 70th edition of the World Conference of the International Federation of Journalists and Writers of Tourism (FIJET) from November 19 to 25. This marks the third time the conference is held in Morocco, following editions in 2004 and 2018.
Morocco’s bid to host the event, submitted by the Moroccan Association of Journalists and Writers of Tourism (AMJET), a member of the international federation, was accepted unanimously in January. The bid highlighted the hotel infrastructure and tourist attractions of Fez and its surroundings, along with a diverse and rich program of activities.
The conference is organized in partnership with the Ministries of Tourism, Youth, Culture and Communication, the Moroccan National Tourist Office, and local authorities in the region. The event will bring together more than 250 journalists from 70 countries to discuss the challenges of tourism journalism in a changing world and share experiences regarding Morocco’s growing role in global tourism, with the conference activities kicking off from the city of Fez.
The conference will revolve around the theme “Tourism and Media: What Relationship and What Future?”, focusing on the ethical responsibility of journalists, diversity in newsrooms, and the role of media in promoting tourism.
As part of the preparations, Tijani Haddad, President of FIJET-World, has visited Morocco several times, confirming that the Moroccan Association of Journalists and Writers of Tourism provides “all the guarantees for the success of an event of this magnitude.” He stated that this edition, coming 21 years after the first and seven years after the second in Morocco, represents “a preliminary tasting for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and the World Cup 2030.”
Naciri Al Zarouali, honorary president of AMJET-FIJET Morocco, praised Morocco’s selection to host the conference, emphasizing the importance of tourism journalism in developing the sector. He noted that this event will provide an opportunity to strengthen ties with global media and promote values of openness and tolerance in the Kingdom, while also asserting the need to defend the principles of pluralism and objectivity in a profession facing rapid technological changes.
