DATILINE: Rabat, Morocco – May 25, 2026
LEDE: Morocco’s tourism sector is experiencing a surge in visitors to the Western Sahara, a move that has sparked international debate over the region’s sovereignty and Morocco’s influence.
NUT GRAF: The increase in tourist arrivals, up by over 50% in the last seven years, reflects Morocco’s integration of the region into its tourism strategy, despite ongoing disputes with Algeria and the Polisario Front over the territory’s status.
According to Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism, the rise in tourist numbers from 490,297 in 2019 to over 743,133 in 2025 is attributed to improved connectivity and investment, with airlines like Royal Air Maroc and low-cost carriers now offering direct flights to destinations such as Dakhla.
International booking platforms, including Expedia and Booking. Com, classify some Western Sahara accommodations as part of Morocco, while airlines display destinations in Moroccan-controlled territory, reinforcing the narrative of the region as an integral part of the country.
Rabat’s approach to economic integration in the region is seen by some as a strategic move to strengthen its administrative claim, a stance that has been supported by France and opposed by Algeria and the Polisario Front.
As the situation in the Western Sahara remains unresolved, the international community is closely monitoring Morocco’s tourism expansion and its potential impact on the region’s political and economic dynamics.
KICKER: The growing tourism presence in the Western Sahara could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the region, with implications for peace and stability in North Africa.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Chinedu Okafor
