A recent promotional email from Irish airline Ryanair inviting travellers to explore “Morocco’s hidden gem” of Dakhla has drawn renewed attention to one of the world’s longest-running territorial disputes, where tourism growth is unfolding alongside unresolved questions of sovereignty.
Dakhla lies in Western Sahara, a territory classified by the United Nations as “non-self-governing,” meaning its political status remains unresolved. Around 80% of the region is currently administered by Morocco, which refers to it as its “southern provinces,” while the Polisario Front continues to demand full independence for the Sahrawi people.
Once a sparsely visited coastal area where the Sahara meets the Atlantic, Dakhla has been increasingly marketed as a tourist destination. Low-cost flights from Madrid now start from around €30, and new accommodation ranging from hostels to luxury resorts has emerged as part of a broader push to develop the region’s tourism sector.
Visitor numbers to Morocco-administered Western Sahara have risen significantly, increasing by more than 50% over the past seven years, according to Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism. Airlines including Ryanair, Transavia France and Binter Canarias now operate routes into Dakhla and Laayoune from European cities.
Tourists describe a rapidly developing destination still in its early stages. One British visitor, Tom Ruck, said the area had a small number of travellers and ongoing construction of resorts, though many remained under-occupied. He noted that Morocco’s flag was visible throughout the city and that passport stamps were issued as part of standard entry procedures.
However, the expansion of tourism has sparked criticism from legal experts and rights groups, who argue that presenting Western Sahara as part of Morocco risks undermining international legal positions. Dr Andrea Maria Pelliconi of the University of Southampton said companies should clearly distinguish Western Sahara’s disputed status to avoid misleading consumers and potential legal consequences under international and EU law.
Campaign groups such as Western Sahara Resource Watch have also raised concerns, saying airline and booking platform descriptions may contribute to normalising Morocco’s control over the territory. Several major travel platforms list accommodation in the region as being in Morocco, although some companies say they provide travel advisories where territorial disputes exist.
The Polisario Front, which controls a small eastern portion of the territory, has accused tourism development of reinforcing Morocco’s claims. Its representatives argue that international visitors are often unaware of the political situation and that economic investment does not replace the right to self-determination.
Western Sahara was formerly a Spanish colony until 1976, after which Morocco asserted control, leading to armed conflict with the Polisario Front. A UN-brokered ceasefire in 1991 included plans for a referendum on independence, but the vote has never taken place.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and shifting international positions, the territory’s final status remains unresolved, with tourism growth continuing alongside a dispute that has lasted for nearly five decades.
