Algerian Tourism Development Gains With 238 Classified Zones, 294 Hotel Projects

Algerian tourism development is accelerating with the classification of 238 tourist expansion zones and sites across 50 wilayas. This initiative is complemented by 294 approved hotel projects currently under construction within these Tourist Expansion Zones (ZETs). The Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Houria Meddahi, recently chaired a coordination meeting to review the status of tourist land designated for investment, aligning with the higher authorities' directives to enhance the investment climate, facilitate project implementation, and bolster tourism investment.

Efforts are underway to develop ten specific Tourist Expansion Zones, which are set to provide 70 land plots for investors to establish projects such as tourist villages, hotels, and complexes, thereby significantly contributing to the expansion of domestic tourism. Among the classified portfolio, 86 ZETs already possess comprehensive tourist development plans. The ongoing hotel projects include 111 under concession rights and an additional 183 on private land, indicating diverse investment avenues being pursued.

During the meeting, Minister Meddahi issued several instructions to streamline and update tourist land data. These directives emphasize expediting the completion of a comprehensive inventory and data update for tourist land, finalizing a dedicated tourist land file, and accelerating infrastructure development and network connections for the ZETs. The Ministry is also promoting innovative and flexible investment models that do not require extensive land areas. The overall objective is to ensure that tourist land is directed towards projects that generate added value, create wealth and employment, and foster local development through a unified and transparent digital system.