Direct Flights Between Paris and Djanet Resume for Third Consecutive Season, Boosting Algeria’s Desert Tourism

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | October 27th, 2024 — As the 2024/2025 desert tourism season begins, Algeria has resumed direct flights between Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and Sheikh Amoud Ben Mokhtar Airport in Djanet, marking the third consecutive season for this vital international route. This effort, overseen by the Directorate of Tourism and Traditional Industries in Djanet, aims to bolster tourism in one of Algeria’s most iconic destinations, the “Bride of Tassili.”

The season’s first flight from Paris arrived early this morning, carrying international tourists eager to explore Djanet’s famed landscapes. Upon arrival, tourists benefited from the streamlined visa-on-arrival process introduced by the Algerian government to promote desert tourism, in addition to services at the one-stop-shop implemented in the 2022/2023 season. This integrated service center centralizes all essential visitor resources, allowing tourists easy access to the region’s attractions, as highlighted by Alamine Hamadi, the local director of tourism and traditional industries.

To support this influx of visitors, Djanet’s airport authorities, border police, and tourism directorate have deployed necessary resources to ensure the smooth operation of these facilitative measures. The enhanced services are part of Algeria’s broader commitment to promoting a comfortable and efficient travel experience for international guests.

According to Hamadi, the improvements have already spurred notable interest, and a significant rise in visitor numbers is anticipated this season, largely due to the new entry provisions that allow foreign tourists to secure visas at Algerian border crossings. This ease of access is expected to elevate the region’s visibility and attract a larger international audience.

Several newly arrived tourists expressed their delight in reaching Djanet through the direct flight service, which, according to them, alleviates the logistical challenges associated with multiple connecting flights. They noted that this streamlined travel option provides more time to appreciate Djanet’s unparalleled desert landscapes, consistently ranked among the top global desert destinations.

Amoumen Afsour, a prominent figure in desert tourism in Djanet, commented on the weekly direct flight’s role in sustaining the region’s tourism momentum. According to Afsour, the route has significantly boosted the number of international visitors to Djanet and nearby wilayas over recent seasons, invigorating the local tourism industry and placing Djanet at the forefront of desert tourism.

Supporting these efforts, Baba Bendahan, head of the Regional Union of Tourism and Travel Agencies in Djanet, highlighted the crucial collaboration between local travel agencies and authorities to enhance the tourism environment and ensure its sustainability. Baba emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, calling on both the industry and visitors to help preserve the region’s tourist sites.

The past three tourism seasons have seen Djanet welcome an influx of foreign visitors, with the most recent season recording at least 11,000 international tourists from 79 countries and 21,000 domestic tourists. By comparison, the 2023/2022 season saw 7,000 foreign tourists from 37 countries and 18,000 domestic visitors, while the 2022/2021 season hosted 5,335 international tourists, according to sector statistics.

To enhance the current season, local travel agencies in Djanet recently launched a volunteer campaign to clean popular tourist sites, such as Tadrart Rouge, Essendilène, and Tikoubaouine. Organized in collaboration with the tourism directorate, active local associations, and hotel owners, the initiative underscores a shared commitment to preserving Djanet’s exceptional natural and cultural heritage, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube