Tourism
From The Report: Algeria 2012
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Algeria is looking to develop its tourism sector as it aims to ease dependence on hydrocarbons revenues by pursuing more sustainable sources of growth, capitalising on attractions such as its extensive desert and a coastline that stretches more than 1200 km. The National Tourism Development Plan is targeting an increase in sector revenues, from the current annual average of €344m to €480m by 2015. Tourism is also being developed as a year-round business to evolve around five niches: Saharan, business, seaside, cultural and wellness. Almost 1.5m tourists visited Algeria during the first half of 2012, and a total of 3m are expected by the end of the year. With the rise in foreign visitor numbers and increased investment in hospitality, the country seems to be on track to deliver an attractive and competitive sector.

This chapter contains interviews with Mohamed Benmeradi, Minister of Tourism; and Karim Cherif, President, National Federation of Algerian Hôteliers, and Managing Director, Eden Hotels.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Care and attention: The sector is receiving government support after years of playing second fiddle
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For the past three decades Algerian tourism has lagged behind its competitors, with the country in recent times engaged in restoring stability following la décennie noire of the 1990s. However, now that the security issue is largely in hand, Algeria is looking to develop the sector as it aims to ease its dependence on hydrocarbons revenues by pursuing more sustainable sources of growth, capitalising on attractions such as its extensive desert and a coastline that stretches more than 1200 km.…

Analysis

Bedding in: The quality and quantity of accommodation are set to receive a major boost in the coming years
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The first hotels in Algeria were built by the state in the 1970s, but poor management and depressed demand in the 1990s have caused the sector to suffer from a shortage in quality lodgings. Out of the 94,000 existing beds, only 20% currently meet international standards. “Boosting quality infrastructure and services is a must if Algerian tourism is to thrive,” Abdelkader Gouti, the director of communication and cooperation at the Ministry of Tourism, told OBG. Therefore, to meet modern tourists’…

Interview

OBG talks to Mohamed Benmeradi, Minister of Tourism
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Interview: Mohamed Benmeradi What initiatives are taking place to align training with the demands of the job market? MOHAMED BENMERADI: In 2011 we established a national educational map based on the specific needs of each region, taking into account location, climate and infrastructure, among others. We are identifying our training needs according to what lessons we can learn from the initiatives being pursued by neighbouring countries in the Mediterranean region. The World Tourism Organisation…

Interview

OBG talks to Karim Cherif, President, National Federation of Algerian Hôteliers, and Managing Director, Eden Hotels
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Interview: Karim Cherif What measures are needed for Algeria to take advantage of its tourism potential? KARIM CHERIF: It is, of course, important for Algeria to diversify its resources to strengthen its tourist potential. These resources, however, can only generate value if they are optimised by a strategic policy based across various sectors of the economy. Algeria currently has more than 1220 hotel establishments, and there are prospects that this hotel park will grow by another 720 new hotel…