Morocco wants tourists to visit Western Sahara. Some say it's tightening its control
Summary
Morocco is encouraging tourists to visit Western Sahara, especially the city of Dakhla, through new flight routes from Europe and tourism developments. Western Sahara is a disputed territory mostly controlled by Morocco but considered by the United Nations as a non-self-governing area where the local people cannot govern themselves.Key Facts
- Western Sahara is claimed and mostly administered by Morocco, which calls it its "southern provinces."
- The United Nations classifies Western Sahara as a territory without self-government.
- Tourism to Morocco-controlled Western Sahara has increased over 50% in seven years, reaching over 740,000 visitors in 2025.
- Airlines like Ryanair and Transavia offer direct flights to cities in Western Sahara from European hubs.
- Some airlines label Western Sahara destinations as part of Morocco, while others use the territory's name separately.
- Human rights groups warn that referring to Western Sahara as Moroccan territory risks legitimizing Morocco’s occupation against international law.
- The Moroccan government has invested in tourism infrastructure in Western Sahara, building resorts and other accommodations.
- Local people in Western Sahara have never been allowed to vote on their political future despite calls by the UN for a referendum.
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