Morocco steps up tourism push in Western Sahara
Morocco’s National Tourist Office (ONMT) has set out measures to develop tourism in Dakhla in Western Sahara, Moroccan government-friendly Yabiladi reported on 17 April. The move comes as Morocco expands development and economic activity in the region, with plans aimed at improving access and increasing visitor numbers in the disputed territory.
The initiative follows a visit by ONMT teams to the region, where meetings were held with the Regional TourismCouncil, local operators and territorial authorities. The office said discussions focused on access, visitor flows and coordination between stakeholders.
According to the ONMT, the plan includes improving flight connectivity, expanding promotion and strengthening distribution channels. It said it is working with national and international airlines to open new routes, particularly from France and Spain, but did not give details on timing or agreements.
The strategy also includes increased marketing activity through digital campaigns, content production and participation in international tourism events. These include major European travel fairs, where Morocco has sought to promote its destinations to international operators and investors.
The office said it is also working with tour operators, booking platforms and travel agencies to increase visitor numbers, extend stays and improve the local tourism offer. It added that efforts would focus on attracting higher-value visitors, without specifying targets.
Dakhla, a coastal city in Western Sahara, has been promoted mainly as a destination for water sports, particularly kitesurfing. The ONMT said the approach aims to broaden the region’s positioning by highlighting coastal, nature and experiential tourism.
Domestic tourism is also included in the plan, with measures aimed at encouraging more Moroccan travellers to visit the region. The office did not provide details on how these initiatives would be implemented.
The measures come as Morocco has expanded air links and tourism promotion in recent years, including new routesbetween European cities and Moroccan destinations and increased participation in international travel fairs.
They also come as several countries, including Mali, Gabon and the Netherlands, have recently backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Morocco administers most of the territory, but its status remains disputed at the United Nations.
The ONMT did not provide a timeline for the rollout of the measures or confirm any new airline agreements.
Yabiladi, Maghrebi.org
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