ONMT Steps Up Efforts to Boost Dakhla as a Key Tourism Destination

Rabat – The Moroccan Tourism Office (ONMT) has intensified its efforts to strengthen and accelerate the development of Dakhla as a leading tourism destination.

During a field visit to Dakhla, ONMT teams held a series of meetings with the Regional Tourism Council, local operators, and territorial authorities. The goal was to align priorities and activate practical measures to support growth, according to an official statement.

At the center of this effort is the ambition to move Dakhla-Oued Eddahab to the next level by reinforcing its position in high-value tourism segments, particularly sports, nature, and experiential travel, said ONMT in a statement.

The office has built its strategy around four main pillars, including air connectivity, marketing, digital promotion, and distribution, it added.

Since improving access is a key priority, ONMT has launched partnerships with national and international airlines to connect Dakhla directly to key markets, especially France and Spain, through new point-to-point routes. This is expected to reduce isolation and support steady growth in international arrivals.

In addition, the destination will benefit from stronger digital campaigns, content creation, and influencer marketing, with a focus on strategic markets. ONMT is also promoting Dakhla through international tourism events such as IFTM Top Resa and FITUR.

At the same time, efforts are underway to build a broader identity for Dakhla beyond kitesurfing, including spotlighting its coastal appeal, nature and outdoor appeal, and experiential tourism offer.

Read also: Dakhla: The Pearl of the Sahara

ONMT is also working to strengthen commercial partnerships with tour operators and booking platforms. The aim is to increase visitor numbers, extend the length of stays, and enhance the value of local tourism services to target higher-spending travelers.

Domestic tourism is another key focus. ONMT plans to encourage more Moroccans to visit Dakhla through targeted campaigns and tailored offers.

Through these actions, ONMT has identified Dakhla as a high-potential destination that requires priority support. The initiative relies on close coordination between public and private stakeholders to address challenges, speed up projects, and ensure controlled growth.

ONMT says this approach reflects its broader commitment to developing Morocco’s destinations into competitive, sustainable, and high-value tourism hubs.

The tourism office has significantly increased its international outreach in recent years through large-scale promotional campaigns across Europe and other key markets, alongside strategic partnerships with airlines and global travel platforms. 

These efforts have contributed to Morocco’s strong tourism performance. Morocco welcomed a record number of tourists in 2025, with nearly 20 million visitors, exceeding expectations and confirming the country’s growing appeal as a global destination.

The number represents a 14% increase compared to 2024.