Some think that tourism in Dakhla cannot be anything other than the sea, water sports, or what derives from them. Olivier Delesalle, an expert in communication for the tourism sector, thinks the opposite. He believes that Dakhla enjoys other tourist potentials that only need to be developed. This is what he confirms in this interview.

Libé: Who is Mr. Delesalle?

Olivier Delesalle: A man who loves life and people. A lover of Morocco and who, for more than 10 years, has been operating in the promotion of hotels and Riads in every corner of this country that he loves.

How did you get the idea to explore this sector in Dakhla?

At the request of my friend Nicolas De Vahia who partnered with other partners and who operates in Dakhla at the Bab Al Bahr hotel. I came to this city where I noticed that many things could be done to promote this destination.

What kind of things need to be undertaken to attract tourists and investors?

Demonstrate to people that Dakhla is not just a resort for kitesurfing.

There are plenty of things to do: fishing, hiking in the desert, and lively evenings by bringing in musical groups. There are restructurings and entertainment to be done to show people that there are many activities to exploit in this magical place apart from water sports.

Where are you going to start?

We are in the process of setting up a whole communication strategy (press releases and press kits) addressed to the media at the local, national, and international levels.

We also plan to organise a vast campaign with travel agencies and tour operators, at the national and international level.

What would you say to tourism operators and promoters around the world?

To them, I would ask them to come and discover this jewel that is Dakhla and to promote it, each on their own side.