Tamanrasset: Shaping a Leading Tourist Destination with a Touch of Heritage and Nature – Interview with Moussa Ankili (The Algerian Sahara Series 05)
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | December 17th, 2024 — In an exclusive interview with El Ayem News, Moussa Ankili, Deputy Director General of the Tamanrasset Tourism Management Organization, discusses the vital role the organization plays in developing desert tourism in Algeria, the challenges faced, and the key achievements made to date. He also shares insights into the institution’s ambitious future plans to establish Tamanrasset as a premier tourist destination by enhancing infrastructure and involving local communities in tourism promotion.
El Ayem News: How would you describe the role of the Tamanrasset Tourism Management Organization in the development of desert tourism in the region?
Moussa Ankili: The Tamanrasset Tourism Management Organization plays a central and pivotal role in the development of desert tourism in the region. It actively participates in various tourism-related activities and programs in the area, including organizing tours, providing tourist services, and promoting the desert sites of the region. Additionally, it works diligently to attract both local and international tourists by supporting tourism projects and improving the infrastructure that serves this vital sector.
El Ayem News: What are the key achievements the organization has recently made in enhancing tourism infrastructure?
Moussa Ankili: One of the key achievements of the Tamanrasset Tourism Management Organization has been the recent upgrades to important infrastructural projects in the Hoggar region. Notably, we renovated the Tahat Hotel, which plays a pivotal role in supporting the region’s tourism infrastructure. The hotel was equipped with modern facilities while preserving the distinctive traditional character of the region. Similarly, the Tadikelt Hotel in Ain Salah was renovated to include new, diverse facilities, while still maintaining the cultural identity and traditional touch of the area.
Moreover, we launched a new tourism agency called Tahat Tour, which is now operational. This agency offers various services, including ticket reservations and visa facilitation for Italy. These initiatives underscore our commitment to strengthening the tourism infrastructure and supporting the development of the sector in the region.
El Ayem News: From your experience, what are the main challenges faced by desert tourism in Algeria in general, and Tamanrasset in particular, and how are you working to overcome them?
Moussa Ankili: From our experience, we have identified several key challenges facing desert tourism in Algeria in general, and Tamanrasset in particular. One of the most prominent challenges is the lack of adequate marketing and promotion on both international and local platforms. This gap hinders the spread of information about the desert tourist destinations, limiting their exposure to potential visitors both within the country and abroad. We are working hard to address this challenge by enhancing promotional efforts to showcase the beauty and culture of the region to a wider audience.
Additionally, we aim to strengthen the role of domestic tourism, as many Algerians prefer traveling abroad. We encourage them to explore the rich tourist attractions in their own country, which will contribute to the growth of the local tourism sector and support the national economy.
El Ayem News: What unique tourist programs does Tamanrasset offer to attract both local and international tourists?
Moussa Ankili: Tamanrasset offers a range of unique tourism programs that attract both local and international visitors due to its exceptional and diverse nature, making it an ideal tourist destination. The region is home to majestic mountain landmarks such as the Atakor Mountain Range, Mount Tahat, and Mount Askrim, which is known for having some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets in the world. In addition, there are UNESCO-protected wetland areas like Tafilalt and Tahabort, along with other stunning locations such as Tamcrest and Tajmart.
Beyond its natural beauty, Tamanrasset is renowned for its rich culture and authentic Algerian identity. Visitors can experience traditional Tuareg folklore, sample local cuisine, and learn about the region’s indigenous culture. The area also boasts historic sites that date back over four thousand years BC, further enhancing its appeal as a destination that blends nature, history, and culture.
Tamanrasset is truly a living, open-air tourist workshop that welcomes visitors from all over the world, offering them a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the beauty of nature, the depth of history, and the richness of culture.
El Ayem News: How does the organization involve the local community and enhance its role in revitalizing desert tourism?
Moussa Ankili: The Tamanrasset Tourism Management Organization plays a significant role in involving the local community and strengthening its contribution as a key player in revitalizing desert tourism. We strive to integrate various local groups into the tourism activities and programs, such as the nomadic Bedouins who provide a unique experience for tourists, and camel owners, who are an integral part of the desert adventure experience.
In addition, we collaborate with active local associations to include them in organizing tourism events and fostering community participation in supporting the sector. These efforts contribute to creating a rich and diverse tourist experience while preserving the region’s cultural identity and heritage.
El Ayem News: What are your future plans for transforming Tamanrasset into a leading tourism destination on both the national and international levels?
Moussa Ankili: We have ambitious future plans aimed at transforming Tamanrasset into a leading tourism destination at both the national and international levels. These plans include expanding the tourism facilities under the management of our organization, with new establishments planned for the Tafilalt and Arak regions, which will play a pivotal role in boosting tourism in these areas.
Furthermore, there is an exciting project in the pipeline for the Djanet region, which involves the development of tourism facilities and connecting key tourist sites such as the Tassili Plateau and the Sefer region. Our organization will oversee innovative tourism and promotional programs designed to attract both local and international tourists, thereby enhancing Tamanrasset’s position as a distinguished tourism hub.
By implementing these strategies, we are confident that Tamanrasset will become one of the most sought-after travel destinations, offering visitors an unmatched combination of natural beauty, historical richness, and cultural depth.
Source Text: (Translated with Adaptation)
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