National Day Elevates Algerian Mountain Economies and Nature
Preparations are underway for the inaugural National Mountain Tourism Day in Algeria, an initiative designed to harness the natural and cultural assets of the country's highlands into an organized economic and environmental product. The Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts has selected Bougni and Tala Guilef in Tizi Ouzou to host the first edition, with plans to expand focus to other mountainous provinces including Khenchela, Batna, Jijel, Tissemsilt, and Blida. This annual event aims to convert the growing interest in hiking, climbing, camping, and exploring forests and caves into a structured activity that generates income for rural families and creates opportunities for youth, while simultaneously preserving vegetation, wildlife, and the unique identity of local villages.
A core objective of this initiative is to support the mountain economy and handicrafts. Mohamed Rachid Hercous, President of the Youth Association for Tourist Exchange, affirmed the increasing interest in mountain tourism, noting its potential as an additional income source for families involved in traditional cuisine or handicraft sales. The Ministry is promoting accommodation with residents, a model that provides rural families with direct income and offers visitors an authentic local experience. This approach ensures that artisans, farmers, guides, and transporters benefit directly from tourist spending, distributing economic value across local communities. Khaled Foudhil, a university professor and environmental activist, underscored that institutionalizing this national day is crucial for transforming mountain regions from seasonal attractions into hubs of sustainable development, allowing village families to achieve stable income without extensive hotel investments that could impact nature.
Beyond economic benefits, the program emphasizes raising awareness for the protection of natural reserves and vegetation, encouraging various mountain sports, and compiling a guide for routes. It seeks to integrate local guides, environmental and youth associations, specialized agencies, and startups. Hercous highlighted that mountain tourism combines sport, adventure, exploration, and learning, enabling participants to discover local flora, history, customs, and even archaeological sites. Digitalization is also identified as a key enabler, allowing startups to develop topographic maps and applications for bookings and guidance, thereby marketing destinations responsibly while outlining environmental rules and safety information. Ultimately, the goal is to involve residents as active partners in both income generation and environmental protection, making mountain tourism a meaningful developmental endeavor that safeguards resources for future generations.
