Algeria is focusing on the development of Saharan tourism to diversify its economy and enhance its international appeal. The introduction of the electronic visa is expected to help the country achieve these goals.
At the opening of the sixth edition of the International Festival of Saharan Tourism (FITS) which commenced on Thursday in Oued Souf, Algerian Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts Mokhtar Didouche highlighted Algeria’s initiatives to promote desert tourism, a key priority for the national tourism sector.
The minister stated that “the aim of this event is to promote national tourist destinations to place Algeria on the international tourism map and thereby strengthen its position,” according to the Algerian Press Service (APS).
In his speech, Mokhtar Didouche emphasized that Algeria has a remarkable natural potential to diversify its economy beyond the hydrocarbon sector, thereby boosting its gross domestic product.
The minister outlined the main axes of the Saharan tourism development strategy. This strategy includes improving accommodation infrastructure, enhancing service quality, diversifying tourist offerings, promoting local culture while preserving heritage and biodiversity, as well as training and integrating local labor.
Special emphasis is also placed on international cooperation and partnerships with foreign professional entities to invigorate the sector.
Electronic Visa and More Connections with European Capitals to Facilitate Desert Visits in Algeria
In this context, Didouche highlighted the progress made, particularly mentioning the introduction of visas on arrival and the opening of a direct flight from Paris to Djanet, thus facilitating access to the heart of the Algerian Sahara.
“We have made significant progress in implementing this strategy, by introducing visas on arrival approved by the President of the Republic, in addition to opening a direct line from Paris to the state of Djanet,” said Mokhtar Didouche.
Moreover, the minister noted that his services are currently working with various sectors to implement an electronic visa (e-Visa) system and increase the number of flights from European capitals, as well as expanding the number of tourist accommodation facilities to better welcome international tourists wishing to visit the Algerian desert.
This setup aims to transform Algeria into a favored destination for Saharan tourism, a segment that represents strong economic potential for the country and an opportunity for international prominence.
16,000 International Tourists Visited the Algerian Sahara in 2024
In 2024, the Algerian Sahara saw a notable influx with over 16,000 foreign tourists, as reported by Nabil Mellouk, central director at the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts. This significant increase is largely due to government initiatives aimed at simplifying access to this iconic region.
The introduction of visas issued upon arrival, specifically for visitors to southern Algeria, has played a crucial role in easing entry formalities and sparking international interest in the Sahara.
Additionally, Air Algérie’s launch of a weekly flight between Paris and Djanet has significantly improved connectivity, making the Sahara more accessible to European travelers.
On October 27, the Algerian national airline resumed flights between Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and Djanet’s Cheikh Amoud Ben Mokhtar Airport for the 2024-2025 Saharan tourism season.
This combination of measures has not only revitalized the local tourism sector but has also contributed to creating economic opportunities for Saharan communities, thereby promoting sustainable development in the region.
