Essaouira Named World’s Best Creative Living Heritage Destination

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Artisans selling traditional goods inside the stone ramparts of Essaouira’s medina

Daily life unfolds inside Essaouira’s medina, where artisans work beneath centuries-old stone ramparts shaped by wind and sea. Photo by Rigel via Unsplash

Global Recognition: Essaouira has been crowned the “Best Creative Living Heritage Destination” at the 13th Creative Tourism Awards. Outshining 223 candidates worldwide, the “City of the Winds” was honored for its focus on intangible heritage over mass tourism. In 2026, Essaouira will make history as the first African/Arab city to host the UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Conference.

Essaouira has officially secured the prestigious title of “Best Creative Living Heritage Destination,” an international accolade that validates the city’s long-term vision of prioritizing culture, craftsmanship, and local soul over traditional mass tourism models.

Selected from a pool of 223 candidates across 28 countries, Essaouira’s victory at the 13th Creative Tourism Awards highlights its unique ability to transform ancestral traditions—from Gnaoua music to intricate thuya wood carving—into a sustainable engine for modern economic growth.

Essaouira’s 2026 UNESCO Milestone

The timing of this award coincides with a historic moment for the Kingdom. In 2026, Essaouira will host the Annual Conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). This global summit will gather representatives from over 350 cities to discuss culture-driven urban development.

Year	Key Recognition / Milestone
2001	Medina listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2019	Joined UNESCO Network as a “Creative City of Music.”
2025	Ranked among Top 10 Retirement Spots for international seniors.
2026	World Best Creative Living Heritage Destination & Host of UCCN Global Summit.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Cultural Tourism

Unlike other coastal destinations, Essaouira has positioned itself as a “living museum.” The organizing network of the Creative Tourism Awards praised the city’s strategy of empowering local artisans and young entrepreneurs. By encouraging visitors to participate in cultural workshops, culinary classes, and music festivals, Essaouira ensures that tourist revenue stays within the community.

The “Creative City of Music”

Since joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2019, the city has leveraged its Gnaoua heritage to build a global reputation for coexistence and artistic diversity. This “City of the Winds” is now a world-class example of how creativity can serve as both a diplomatic and economic asset.

“Essaouira proves that preserving intangible heritage is the most powerful way to build a resilient, future-proof city.” — MoroccoBeat Analysis