Algeria is banking on the development of Saharan tourism to diversify its economy and boost its international appeal. The introduction of electronic visa should help the country achieve these objectives.
During the inauguration of the sixth edition of the International Saharan Tourism Festival (FITS), which opened its doors this Thursday in Oued Souf, the Algerian Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Mokhtar Didouche, highlighted Algeria’s initiatives to promote desert tourism, a major priority for the national tourism sector.
The Minister stated that “the aim of this event is to promote national tourist destinations to put Algeria on the international tourist map and thus strengthen its position”, reports the Algerian Press Agency APS.
In his speech, Mokhtar Didouche emphasized that Algeria has remarkable natural potential to diversify its economy beyond the hydrocarbon sector and thus boost its gross domestic product.
The Minister presented the main thrusts of the Saharan tourism development strategy. This strategy includes improving accommodation infrastructures, raising the quality of services, diversifying tourism offerings, promoting local culture while preserving heritage and biodiversity, and training and integrating the local workforce.
Particular emphasis is also placed on international cooperation and partnerships with foreign professional players to boost the sector.
Electronic visa and more connections with European capitals to facilitate visits to the Algerian desert
In this context, Didouche underlined the progress made, mentioning in particular the introduction of a visa on arrival and the opening of a direct link between Paris and Djanet, thus facilitating access to the heart of the Algerian Sahara.
“We have made great strides in implementing this strategy, with the introduction of the visa-on-arrival system approved by the President of the Republic, and the opening of a direct route from Paris to Djanet,” declared Mokhtar Didouche.
Finally, the Minister explained that his departments are currently working with various sectors to introduce an electronic visa (e-Visa) and increase the number of flights from European capitals, in addition to increasing the number of tourist accommodation establishments, to improve the welcome of international tourists wishing to visit the Algerian desert.
The aim is to transform Algeria into a popular destination for Saharan tourism, a segment that represents a strong economic potential for the country and an opportunity for international outreach.
16,000 international tourists visited the Algerian Sahara in 2024
In 2024, over 16,000 foreign tourists visited the Algerian Sahara, according to Nabil Mellouk, Central Director at the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts. This significant increase is due in particular to government initiatives aimed at simplifying access to this emblematic region.
The introduction of visas on arrival, specifically for visitors to southern Algeria, has played a key role in facilitating entry formalities and stimulating international interest in the Sahara.
At the same time, Air Algérie’s launch of a weekly air service between Paris and Djanet has considerably improved connectivity, making the Sahara more accessible to European travellers.
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 boosted the local tourism sector, but has also contributed to the creation of economic opportunities for Saharan communities, reinforcing the region’s sustainable development.
