Algeria bets on untapped coastline to revive tourism

President Tebboune has launched a bold initiative, tasking the Tourism Minister with crafting a comprehensive strategy to unlock Algeria’s vast, largely ignored, Mediterranean potential. It’s a gamble – one predicated on a belief that the nation’s dramatic landscapes, from towering cliffs to forgotten beaches, represent a dormant tourism asset.

A landscape of hidden treasures

With 2,148 kilometers of coastline, Algeria’s Mediterranean shores boast an astonishing diversity rarely found elsewhere. Think soaring dunes, pebble beaches, and sandstone formations – a veritable patchwork of microclimates and geological wonders. Landscape architects are already noting startling parallels with renowned destinations worldwide, yet this extraordinary resource remains largely unknown to Algerian tourists, and international visitors alike.

Decades of stagnation, a recent spark

For decades, tourism has been a neglected priority within Algeria's national development framework, despite the country’s considerable natural wealth. However, recent policy shifts – including visa-on-arrival concessions and the opening of the Tassili N’Ajjer plateau to exploration – are beginning to shift the narrative. The rehabilitation of the coastal cities, notably the Casbah in Algiers, is already yielding impressive results, attracting a record number of domestic visitors, particularly families.

The cost of inaction

The problem isn’t a lack of beauty; it’s a crippling deficit of availability and affordability. Accommodation prices remain stubbornly high, a significant barrier for Algerian families. While limited hotel capacity may contribute to the elevated rates, officials point to an irrationality in the market, considering the cost of basic goods. It’s a situation that needs immediate attention and a strategic realignment.

A new path forward

The presidential directive explicitly calls for a ‘tourist country that ignores itself’ to be transformed. This requires a holistic approach, encompassing the development of Tourist Expansion Zones (ZETs), the preservation of cultural heritage, and a carefully considered pricing policy designed to be accessible to all. The goal isn’t simply to build hotels; it’s to foster a genuine connection between Algerians and their own extraordinary land – a crucial step towards a more diversified and resilient economy. Ultimately, the success hinges on attracting citizens to explore their own nation, fostering a sense of national pride and unlocking this untapped potential