BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Strategic reforms, public-private synergy, and international promotion elevate Algeria’s profile as a global tourism contender, with the Sahara emerging as a key economic and cultural asset.
Algiers, Algeria | April 21st, 2025 — Algeria’s tourism sector has experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2024, with more than 3.5 million tourists flocking to the North African nation—an unprecedented milestone that reflects the impact of bold state-led reforms, rising foreign interest, and dynamic investment in hospitality infrastructure.
Speaking on “Guest of the Morning” on National Radio, Saliha Nacer Bey, Director-General of the National Tourist Office (ONT), emphasized that the tourism sector is witnessing “accelerated dynamism,” driven by a “clear national vision, intensified investment, and a rapidly expanding public-private partnership framework.”
According to preliminary figures, 3,548,000 tourists visited Algeria so far in 2024. Notably, the majority—2,454,000—were foreign nationals, while over 1,093,000 were expatriates and residents abroad returning to explore their homeland.
Central to this national tourism revival is Algeria’s renewed focus on Saharan tourism, now positioned as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term development strategy. “Desert tourism has evolved into a key pillar of Algeria’s appeal,” Nacer Bey stated, citing its vast potential for sustainable economic growth and regional development.
The southern regions—once considered remote—are now thriving. In the first trimester of the 2024–2025 Saharan tourism season alone, more than 186,000 visitors, including 22,700 foreign tourists, explored the country’s southern provinces. This wave extended well beyond traditional hubs such as Adrar, Tamanrasset, and Timimoun, reaching 24 southern wilayas, thanks to well-coordinated national efforts.
Hotel infrastructure has also surged, with 47 new hotel establishments delivered in 2024, adding 4,687 beds to the national capacity. This coincides with a growing demand for quality service training and professional development, signaling a maturing and competitive market.
In terms of future growth, 2025 promises even greater expansion. The ONT has greenlit 70 new investment projects, bringing the total number of active tourism projects to 2,143. Once completed, these initiatives are expected to raise accommodation capacity to 255,850 beds, while generating over 100,000 new job opportunities.
Travel agencies are also multiplying. With 571 newly licensed agencies in 2024 alone, the national total now stands at 5,570. Meanwhile, the traditional crafts sector continues to play a vital role, creating over 27,000 new activities and more than 71,000 jobs, highlighting Algeria’s commitment to cultural heritage preservation.
Nacer Bey credited this momentum to a series of coordinated policy measures, especially the collaborative promotion of Algeria as a prime destination under the auspices of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
She concluded with a forward-looking message, stressing the importance of reinforcing the Sahara as a global tourist destination, without resorting to excessive development. “Respecting the ecological and cultural integrity of the desert is crucial. Our goal is to attract the world, while preserving the unique identity and architectural legacy of our southern regions.”
