Algeria targets 1.5 million tourists in the Great South by 2028
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Algeria aims to attract 1.5 million tourists to its southern regions by 2028, according to the Minister of Tourism.
- The plan includes developing new routes connecting the coast, cultural cities, and the desert, with a focus on eco-tourism, cultural, and religious tourism.
- Infrastructure development, professional training, and digital transformation are key strategies to enhance the tourism sector and visitor experience.
El Watan, a leading Algerian publication, reports on the nation's ambitious plan to significantly boost tourism in the Sahara. The government's commitment, spearheaded by Minister of Tourism Houria Meddahi, to attract 1.5 million visitors by 2028 underscores a strategic vision for the country's vast southern territories.
The countdown has begun. The Minister of Tourism and Traditional Industries, Houria Meddahi, unveiled the outlines of a three-year action plan 2026-2028 whose objective is clear: to attract 1.5 million tourists to the southern regions of the country by the end of the decade.
The focus extends beyond mere numbers, emphasizing diversification of offerings to include eco-tourism, cultural experiences, and religious journeys. This approach aims to broaden the appeal of the Algerian Sahara, moving beyond its current reputation as solely an adventure destination. The development of new routes connecting coastal areas and cultural hubs to the desert is a key component of this strategy.
The season that is ending is part of a positive trend. The Algerian Sahara confirms its status as a prime destination, driven by the diversity of its landscapes, the authenticity of its circuits, and growing interest—both from national and international travelers.
El Watan highlights the critical need for infrastructure development, particularly in accommodation, to meet the projected influx of tourists. The article also stresses the importance of enhancing the skills of tourism professionals and embracing digital transformation to improve service quality and streamline operations. This includes modernizing booking systems and promoting services through digital channels.
The development of new itineraries connecting the coast, cultural cities, and the desert is among the stated priorities, as is the promotion of eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and religious tourism.
The national perspective, as reflected by El Watan, is one of proactive development and leveraging Algeria's unique natural and cultural assets. The emphasis on coordination among various stakeholders—government bodies, private investors, and local communities—signals a unified effort to achieve these ambitious goals. This initiative is not just about tourism; it's about showcasing Algeria's rich heritage and potential on a global stage, a narrative that resonates deeply within the country.
Improving the quality of services, professionalizing the tourism and traditional industries trades: these are all essential projects to meet the demands of an increasingly discerning clientele.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by El Watan in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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