Tourism
From The Report: Algeria 2016
View in Online Reader

As Algeria seeks to rapidly diversify its economy, the government has singled out tourism as one of five priority sectors for investment. But building a reputation as an international destination in a competitive global market, while overcoming regional security concerns, a chequered global economic landscape and a long-neglected national tourist infrastructure, will prove challenging. While the drive to spark a building frenzy appears to have finally materialised after years of limited action, auxiliary services and personnel training may still lag behind, impeding progress. Nonetheless, both local and foreign investors have shown an interest in new ventures, and many are determined to do what is necessary to continue developing Algeria’s vast tourism potential. This chapter contains an interview with Simon Stamper, Director of Operations, Africa, IHG.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

A coordinated approach: While Algeria holds clear potential as a tourist destination, it faces challenges in its campaign to relaunch the sector
OBG
plus

With over 1600 km of Mediterranean coastline, important cultural and historical sites, and the striking desert landscapes of the Sahara, Algeria has long held considerable potential for tourism. As the government seeks to rapidly diversify the economy, it has singled out tourism as one of five priority sectors for investment – not least in hopes that tourism can one day serve as a substantial alternative source of foreign currency. But building a renowned reputation as an international…

Interview

Room to grow: Simon Stamper, Director of Operations, Africa, IHG, on developing new markets
OBG
plus

Interview:Simon Stamper What are some of the key factors that boost hospitality growth in emerging markets? SIMON STAMPER: There are significant growth opportunities in the hospitality industry, and one of the key factors in helping stoke growth is having a consistent strategy that delivers returns. Branded hotels continue to appeal to guests because they’re more familiar and as a result they are more confident of the experience they’ll receive. Favourable external factors in emerging…

Analysis

Evolving needs: As the tourism sector grows, hospitality training has become vital
OBG
plus

As Algeria rushes to expand its limited hospitality infrastructure, the country risks surpassing its ability to effectively staff and manage its tourism establishments. “Hospitality is a true profession,” Xavier Arnoux, general manager of the new Radisson Blu in Algiers, told OBG. “We see private investors improvise at operating hotels, then after a few years regret it and lease their establishments to a management company.” In such cases, the risk is that establishments may offer…

Analysis

Centres of attention: Tourism Investment Zones are receiving renewed focus
OBG
plus

Though nominally at the centre of Algeria’s tourism policy for decades, specially designated Tourism Investment Zones (Zones d’Expansion Touristique, ZETs) have failed to act as an effective springboard for full-scale take-off of the tourism sector. Amid the government’s current drive to cut waste across the board and develop hospitality infrastructure, the ZETs are receiving renewed attention. Formation First established in the mid-1960s, the ZETs have seen numerous modifications…