Tourism development in the Sahara: opportunities and obstacles
- International support: an economic boost that benefits everyone
- Bureaucratic obstacles versus real progress that transforms lives
- Conclusion: the future takes off from Dakhla
Despite attempts to block them by entities that prioritise political agendas over the welfare of local inhabitants, these air routes are positively transforming the economic and social reality of the territory.
International support: an economic boost that benefits everyone
The opening of direct routes between European cities such as Madrid and Paris to Dakhla is generating an unprecedented tourist boom in the territory. For just around thirty euros and three hours in the air, these flights not only facilitate tourism, but also open the door to investments that create jobs and opportunities for the inhabitants of the area.
The Moroccan Minister of Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, has proudly emphasised that ‘the latest connections launched have allowed the international capacity of Dakhla airport to be doubled to around 47,000 passengers annually’. This expansion of air infrastructure is not simply a statistical achievement, but a direct injection of development for an area that deserves prosperity after decades of stagnation.
The increasingly broad support for the Moroccan position is no coincidence. Countries with a historical perspective on the region such as Spain and France have evolved their diplomatic positions with the aim of supporting the proposal for autonomy over the Sahara and settling a dispute that benefits no one except those who stand in the way of a solution, such as the Polisario Front, Algeria and its political and media satellites abroad. This change of position reflects a realistic recognition of those countries that are truly committed to the development of the territory, beyond empty rhetoric and positions anchored in the past.
European airlines such as Ryanair and Transavia have not hesitated to take advantage of this business opportunity, offering connections that benefit both their passengers and the local inhabitants. Travellers' testimonies leave no doubt as to the quality of the experience: “It was a very complete trip, good accommodation, good food and fun,” says a satisfied tourist in the reviews of a well-known travel website.
Bureaucratic obstacles versus real progress that transforms lives
It is regrettable that while Morocco invests in infrastructure, generates employment and improves the quality of life in the Sahara, certain entities insist on raising barriers based on obsolete legal technicalities. The Polisario Front, from the comfortable and lucrative position of its leaders, describes these development initiatives as an attempt to ‘impose a fait accompli’, when what is really being imposed is an opportunity for prosperity for a region that has been held hostage to political disputes for too long.
The European Commission, trapped in its own bureaucratic labyrinth since the latest rulings of the CJEU regarding fishing agreements, has reiterated that ‘the Euro-Mediterranean aviation agreement between the EU and Morocco did not apply to routes connecting the territory of an EU Member State with the territory of the Sahara’. However, countries such as Spain have shown pragmatism in validating these connections based on the Chicago Convention, prioritising economic progress over administrative obstacles.
Afterlife of diplomatic and legal discussions, the reality on the ground is undeniable. Hotels under construction, restaurants opening their doors and families improving their standard of living thanks to tourism are tangible proof of the positive impact that these air connections are generating.
‘We travelled across Morocco from north to south for 20 days, starting in Tangier and finishing in Dakhla. The travel agency was great, you don't have to worry about anything and they take care of everything’, said another tourist delighted with his experience on the aforementioned website. These positive impressions are multiplied among those who discover the hospitality and beauty of the region, disproving with facts the negative narratives that some try to promote under spurious interests.
While some cling to past disputes, Morocco looks to the future, committed to the sustainable development of all its territories. It is time to build, not obstruct. Investments in infrastructure, tourism and renewable energy in the Sahara demonstrate a real commitment to the well-being of its inhabitants that goes far beyond political declarations.
It is time for the international community to recognise who is truly working for the progress of the region. Direct flights from Europe are not a problem, they are part of the solution for an area that needs to integrate into global economic circuits. Criticism from those who have been blocking any progress for decades without offering viable alternatives only shows their lack of genuine interest in the social and economic progress of the Saharawi people.
Conclusion: the future takes off from Dakhla
The air connections between Europe and the Sahara represent much more than commercial routes, they are bridges towards a future of shared prosperity. While some insist on raising legal and political walls under resolutions or anachronistic legal texts, Morocco is building air terminals, hotels and opportunities. The Saharawi population needs solutions and not resolutions, and the choice between the two visions is evident to any impartial observer.
Tourism is flourishing, investment is increasing and life is improving for the inhabitants of the Moroccan Sahara thanks to these initiatives. Criticisms based on technical arguments cannot hide this transformative reality. Those who oppose these flights should ask themselves whether they are really defending the interests of the local population or simply perpetuating a conflict that only generates stagnation and isolation.
It is time to leave behind sterile disputes and support what works: economic development as a path towards stability and prosperity. And in this, Morocco is demonstrating with facts its unwavering commitment to the prosperous future of its southern provinces.