Algeria seeks to boost tourism amid historical, cultural riches
(MENAFN) Algeria is embarking on a mission to attract more visitors to its wealth of historical, cultural, and scenic attractions as part of efforts to rejuvenate and expand its tourism industry. As the largest country in Africa, Algeria boasts a diverse array of Roman and Islamic sites, picturesque beaches, majestic mountains, and captivating desert landscapes—all conveniently located just one hour away from Europe by plane. However, despite its abundant offerings, Algeria welcomed a mere 3.3 million foreign tourists in 2023, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism. Notably, approximately 1.2 million of these visitors were Algerian expatriates returning to reconnect with their families.
The relatively low number of foreign travelers reflects a historical neglect of Algeria's tourism sector, which is widely regarded as an untapped treasure trove. During the boom of oil and gas revenues in the 1960s and 1970s, successive governments diverted attention away from developing mass tourism initiatives. Additionally, the country's descent into political turmoil during the 1990s further hindered progress in this area.
With the security situation now considerably improved, Algeria stands poised to revitalize its tourism industry. Analysts emphasize the need for the government to address various challenges hindering tourism growth, including an inflexible visa system, inadequate transport links, and limited concessions for both local and foreign private sector investors. By tackling these obstacles head-on and implementing reforms to enhance accessibility and investment opportunities, Algeria can unlock the full potential of its tourism sector, thereby contributing to economic diversification and sustainable development.
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