Algerian Radio
The Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Ms. Houria Meddahi, officially opened the 25th edition of the International Tourism and Travel Fair (SITEV) on Monday evening at the Palais des Expositions in Algiers. The event is held under the theme "Algeria: Authentic Tourism and Sustainable Development," with the participation of exhibitors from 41 countries.
The opening ceremony took place in the presence of the Chadian Minister of Tourist Development, Culture, and Handicrafts, Mr. Abakar Rozzi Teguil, whose country is the Guest of Honor for this edition. Other government members, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Algeria, and officials from various relevant sectors were also in attendance.
Following the opening, Ms. Meddahi toured the exhibition halls, visiting the stands of Chad, China, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), and the State of Palestine, as well as the Air Algérie stand and various national public and private operators in the tourism and handicrafts sector.
On this occasion, Ms. Meddahi highlighted that Chad’s participation "embodies the depth of historical and geographical ties" between the two nations and "reaffirms their shared determination to build strong bridges of tourism and economic cooperation in the heart of Africa."
She noted that the chosen theme "reflects the strategic vision of the Algerian State and implements the directives of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to make tourism a driver of economic diversification." This vision is based on a model that values cultural identity, natural diversity, and hospitality, while developing a tourism pattern that respects nature and involves local communities.
The Minister described the fair as a "promotional platform that highlights Algeria's cultural, historical, and natural richness, as well as the readiness of its infrastructure." It also allows interested parties to explore available legal, fiscal, and real estate incentives.
Another key objective of this event is to "drive digital transformation, integrate smart booking platforms and digital marketing into the local tourism system, and encourage startups to provide innovative solutions," the Minister added, noting that the sector is undergoing rapid digitalization as part of the national modernization strategy.
Anticipating the upcoming summer season, Ms. Meddahi mentioned the adoption of a "participatory approach" to ensure an attractive season for local vacationers, the national community abroad, and foreign tourists. She revealed that the sector will receive 60 new tourism projects, with 30 entering service by the start of the summer. This will increase accommodation capacity to 890 hotel establishments, offering a total of 104,000 beds across 14 coastal provinces.
For his part, the Chadian Minister expressed gratitude for his country being chosen as Guest of Honor, praising the "important outcomes" of the recent visit of the President of Tchad to Algeria, which marked a "historic milestone" in bilateral relations.
