ALGIERS – Shifting away from decades of reliance on energy revenues, Algeria is increasingly looking towards sustainable alternatives to oil and gas. Tourism is emerging as a key sector in this new economic landscape.
Fueled by evolving government policies and growing international interest in Algeria as an unconventional destination, the tourism sector is poised for growth. Recent data suggests a promising trend, indicating Algeria’s inclusion among Arab nations generating revenue from tourism.
In 2024, Algeria’s tourism revenue reached approximately $0.13 billion. While modest compared to regional leaders, this figure represents significant progress for a sector still in its early stages of development.
Algeria currently ranks twelfth among Arab countries in terms of revenue generated from foreign tourists. This position reflects a growing, albeit limited, presence on the regional tourism map.
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia lead the region with $57 billion and $41 billion in tourism revenue respectively, followed by Morocco ($11.3 billion) and Qatar ($8.4 billion). Several other Arab nations, including Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, also outrank Algeria, highlighting the existing gap in tourism development.
For years, Algeria remained largely absent from the global tourism scene due to limited openness, complex visa procedures, and insufficient international promotion. However, this is gradually changing as specialized tour operators, international media, and content creators express increasing interest in Algeria’s untapped potential.
Algeria’s vast Sahara Desert and rich historical heritage are key attractions for a growing number of visitors, offering a unique and authentic travel experience. The country is actively working to streamline visa processes and enhance its tourism infrastructure to capitalize on this burgeoning interest.
The development of the tourism sector is viewed as a crucial step towards diversifying the Algerian economy and reducing its dependence on hydrocarbons.
