One hour was more than enough to connect Rabat, the capital, to one of the most beautiful palm groves in the country. From the height of this giant machine, one could appreciate the landscapes, their diversity, and their sequence. Mists and clouds heralded rain in the Rabat regions. A scene that changes as one passes to the other side of the Atlas ranges. One thus finds oneself in the middle of the desert, under a very clear sky. The beige colour now dominates the landscape. The only natural reliefs are shifting dunes. Around 10:05 am, the plane, a Boeing 737-800, landed at Zagora airport.

The 3000m by 45m runway meets all international norms and standards in this area. The work undertaken, which is very advanced, promises quality service. The development of a new terminal, as part of a project to develop Zagora airport, is nearing completion. This project includes a terminal, a control tower, and a fire safety building.

Closed since its inauguration in 2009, the airport had never seen such a plane land, with so many visitors. All measures were taken to make it an event, a sign of a great local need to see this vital service become functional. A welcoming smile is clearly drawn on all faces. The operation went very well. All local stakeholders want this not to be the last time. The International Forum of Oases and Sustainable Development, organised from 28 November to 1 December, has ended, but people's lives have returned to normal. The airport must play its role as a gateway and a lever for development.

Tourism professionals, a sensitive and promising niche, repeat it constantly: without air travel, tourism would always remain the poor relation of development sectors, although the opportunities are enormous. They thus propose an adequate formula that serves tourism and will allow the opening up of the region. This is the "Zagora extended weekend" formula.

What is it about? A plane will depart from Casablanca on a Friday evening; national and international visitors, fond of the desert and a change of scenery, will have a warm evening in a bivouac under the stars, then the opportunity to discover, the next day, all the natural, architectural, and heritage potential of the city. A unique tourism product, thanks to its diversity in particular. Kasbahs, ksours, palm groves seen from the air, rock carvings, dunes, very beautiful jewellery galleries. That is not all, because the occasion will be favourable for discovering a millennial culture, also a reflection of a plural Morocco. One will learn a lot about civilisations during a visit to the great Nacirya library in Tamgrout.

The Draâ Valley is, in fact, the place where Amazighs, Arabs, Sahrawis, and descendants of ancient sub-Saharan Africans who came to Morocco as part of trans-Saharan trade coexist. Ancestral customs have already organised and integrated this coexistence in complete freedom in daily life. Popular arts attest to this widely: Ahwach, Ahidous, Rokba, Gnaoua… a great artistic richness.

But this cultural richness exists alongside natural fragility. Climate and ecosystem changes have negatively impacted the great Draâ river, the source of life for the local residents. This situation has imposed new behaviour on the populations. Tourism remains among the essential alternative paths, hence the need to promote both the oases as a source of life and the Moroccan desert as a magical setting coveted by visitors, hence the importance of this airport.

Tired after a weekend full of activities, tourists in the region will not have to travel 160 km to reach the nearest airport by passing through the difficult Aït Sawn range, but will take the plane back early Monday morning from the same airport, located 7 km from the city centre. They will not be alone on board; they will always be accompanied by the Zagouris who will have to make the trip for business. Everyone will finally find their account.