Algerian Radio
The 7th edition of the International Saharan Tourism Festival will kick off tomorrow, Thursday, December 4, in the wilaya of Timimoun. This major event is considered “a strategic occasion for promoting Algeria as a destination,” according to Abdelhamid Ouari, Director General of the National Tourism Office (ONT). Beyond this objective, he affirms that the festival aims to create “a lasting local dynamic capable of generating positive impacts for local communities.”
Guest on the radio program L’invité du jour on Radio Channel 3 this Wednesday, Mr. Ouari announced that over 800 participants from various wilayas of the Grand South and the High Plateaus will take part in this event, organized under the slogan: “Timimoun… Authenticity and Hospitality.”
According to him, choosing the wilaya of Timimoun—the famous city of the “Red Palaces”—to host this edition aims to make it “a living example of the exceptional capacity of the Algerian South to attract tourists, both national and international.” He highlighted the region’s assets, including its unique cultural diversity, splendid oases, authentic craftsmanship, and deep civilizational heritage.
A rich and diverse program has been designed for the benefit of participants and visitors, assures the ONT Director General. This notably includes “study days led by national and international experts, as well as a cultural and artistic program featuring folk activities, fantasia, local popular songs (Ahellil), and musical genres reflecting the region's artistic heritage.” Dedicated spaces for artisans will also be set up to showcase and market their products, which bear witness to the authenticity and local heritage.
“Tourism is an engine of development and a lever for economic diversification,” emphasized the speaker, noting that organizing this festival under the high patronage of the Prime Minister reflects the importance the State places on Saharan tourism and “the renewal of the economic vision.” This is manifested through the strengthening of tourism infrastructure, improvement of service quality, encouragement of investment, opening of new cooperation prospects, and enhancement of the Saharan tourism offering.
The guest on Channel 3 stressed that tourism represents a key lever for economic development. However, he clarified that Algeria does not seek to promote mass tourism but rather opts for a model of responsible and sustainable tourism.
