Algiers – Algeria’s Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Mokhtar Didouche, stressed the importance of investment in revitalizing the country’s tourism sector, particularly in regions with significant potential to become prime tourist destinations.
Speaking during a public session of the National People’s Assembly (APN) dedicated to oral questions directed at government ministers, Didouche responded to concerns raised by several deputies regarding the need to support tourism investments in key areas such as Algiers, Ghardaia, Mostaganem, M’Sila, and Oran. He emphasized that his ministry is actively working to develop a variety of tourism models, focusing on coastal, desert, thermal, and eco-tourism. A core aspect of these efforts is managing and preparing tourism expansion zones to attract and facilitate private investments.
Ghardaia: A Region Rich in Tourism Potential
Didouche highlighted Ghardaia’s wealth of tourism resources, noting that the region boasts four tourism expansion zones spanning 277 hectares. These areas offer a promising opportunity for tourism development, with the government aiming to capitalize on the region’s distinctive cultural, architectural, and natural assets.
Focus on Expanding Projects and Reducing Accommodation Costs
The minister also addressed the need to expand tourism projects in other regions while improving accommodation facilities and reducing prices to attract more visitors. He acknowledged the current gaps in infrastructure, emphasizing the need to correct deficiencies to enhance the appeal of these regions as competitive tourist destinations.
Revitalizing Historic Palaces and Farms for Eco-Tourism
In response to a question about the restoration of historical palaces (qsours) and farms (houache) in the agricultural zones of Algiers, Minister Didouche revealed that the tourism ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to rehabilitate these structures. “These historic sites will be integrated into our sector’s program to promote eco-tourism,” Didouche noted, underscoring the ministry’s strategy to blend cultural heritage with sustainable tourism initiatives.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing tourism through targeted investments, modernizing infrastructure, and promoting diverse tourism models that align with both local resources and global environmental trends.
For further updates on Algeria’s tourism development and economic initiatives, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: nor-eleslam
Investment in Algeria’s tourism: a priority for sustainable growth