Building a Verified Data Ecosystem for Tourism in Fes Meknes
As part of my work with Synergie Media, the Regional Council of Tourism for Fes Meknes reached out to us to create a comprehensive directory of all tourism institutions in the region. What began as a straightforward request evolved into an innovative data ecosystem that transformed how tourism information is verified and presented in the region.
The Challenge
The Regional Council of Tourism for Fes Meknes approached us to create a comprehensive directory of all tourism institutions in the region. They needed both printed and PDF versions of this listing. While this seemed straightforward initially, the project quickly revealed complex challenges: data collection hurdles, verification requirements, and strict compliance with Morocco's CNDP regulations (Law 08-09) regarding information privacy and consent.
My Approach: Beyond the Brief
Rather than simply delivering a static directory, I envisioned and developed a complete data ecosystem that would provide verified, up-to-date information while ensuring full legal compliance. This approach transformed a one-time deliverable into a sustainable resource for the tourism sector.
Phase 1: Intelligent Data Harvesting
I began by developing custom scraping scripts to collect tourism institution data from multiple sources including Google Maps, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor. This automated system pulled essential information such as business names, addresses, and service offerings into a centralized database. The scripts were designed to cross-reference information across platforms, flagging inconsistencies for human review.
Phase 2: Strategic Data Cleaning & Verification
To tackle the massive dataset with efficiency, I designed a role-based verification system. This included:
- Creating reviewer roles responsible for cross-checking online presence and establishing operational status
- Developing specialized scripts focused exclusively on finding contact information across websites, directories, and social media
- Implementing a hunter role for boots-on-the-ground verification when digital information was insufficient
The system tracked verification progress and highlighted conflicting information, allowing for targeted human intervention only where absolutely necessary.
Phase 3: Compliance-Driven Outreach
Moroccan law 08-09 prohibits publishing business information without explicit consent, presenting a significant challenge. I addressed this by:
- Developing an automated mailing system to contact business owners for consent and data verification
- Creating a verification mechanism that checked claimed business identities against official registration data
- Implementing a consent tracking system that documented all permissions for legal protection
This approach not only ensured legal compliance but also improved data quality as business owners often provided updated information during the verification process.
Phase 4: Building the Living Database
The project evolved beyond its initial scope into a comprehensive tourism information system featuring:
- Real-time data updates when businesses modified their information
- Verified contact details with consent records
- Operating hours and seasonal availability information
- Precise geolocation data
- Service categorization and amenity details
- Quality ratings from verified sources
- Ownership and operational status verification
Phase 5: Print Design Excellence
The final phase involved translating this dynamic digital data into an elegant, functional printed directory. I created a design system that:
- Organized listings logically by region and service category
- Featured clear information hierarchies for easy scanning
- Included maps and wayfinding elements
- Utilized QR codes linking to expanded digital information
- Incorporated a visual language aligned with the region's tourism branding
The Results
The project delivered substantial value beyond the initial requirements:
- Verified Institutions: 300+
- Business Owner Contact Rate: 95%
- Legal Compliance: 100%
- Distribution Points: All Tourism Offices in the region
- Sustainable System: Ongoing data maintenance capability
Key Learnings
This project reinforced the value of looking beyond the immediate deliverable to create systems that solve underlying problems. By focusing on data integrity, verification processes, and legal compliance, I transformed a simple directory project into a valuable tourism infrastructure asset.
The greatest challenge—legal compliance with contact information—became the project's greatest strength, as the verification process created relationships with business owners and established a foundation for ongoing data quality.