Morocco Launches Direct Madrid-Dakhla Flight Route to Boost Tourism Growth

Friday 10 January 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco Launches Direct Madrid-Dakhla Flight Route to Boost Tourism Growth

Morocco's ambitious tourism expansion has taken a significant step forward with the launch of a new direct flight route connecting Madrid to Dakhla, marking the first-ever direct air link between the coastal city and the Iberian Peninsula. The inaugural Ryanair flight took off on January 8, 2025, operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

To capitalize on this new connection, the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) has orchestrated a strategic campaign by inviting 100 influential travel professionals from Spain and Portugal. This carefully selected delegation comprises 70 travel agents, 23 journalists, and 7 influencers, including notable figures such as Carlos Garrido, President of the Spanish National Confederation of Travel Agencies, and Antonio Guerra, CEO of Luxotour. Representatives from major media outlets, including El Mundo Viajes and El País Viajes, are also participating in the initiative.

The visiting group will embark on a three-day exploration of Dakhla, examining its tourism infrastructure and cultural heritage. This promotional effort aims to enhance the region's visibility in the international tourism market and attract visitors from the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

Ryanair's involvement represents a significant milestone, becoming ONMT's fourth partner to establish direct international routes to Dakhla, joining Royal Air Maroc, Binter Canarias, and Transavia. The airline is further expanding its presence by introducing an additional route connecting Dakhla to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, with bi-weekly flights scheduled to commence in January.

Ahmed Abdellaoui, President of the Regional Tourism Council, emphasized that the Madrid-Dakhla route would substantially enhance the region's tourism appeal while attracting foreign investment. These new air connections align with Morocco's broader tourism strategy, particularly focusing on developing the southern provinces.

The initiative comes as Morocco experiences robust growth in its tourism sector, having welcomed nearly 16 million visitors this year. The country has set ambitious targets, aiming to attract 17 million tourists by 2026 and expand to 26 million by 2030, positioning itself as a major Mediterranean tourism destination.

This strategic expansion of air routes and targeted promotion demonstrates Morocco's commitment to enhancing its tourism infrastructure and establishing stronger connections with European markets, particularly Spain and Portugal, as it works toward achieving its long-term tourism development goals.