Algerian Radio
The Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Houria Meddahi, chaired a coordination meeting bringing together the directors of tourism and handicrafts, as well as the chambers of handicrafts and trades of the coastal wilayas. The meeting was dedicated to reviewing the progress of preparations for the launch of the 2026 summer season and evaluating the measures taken to ensure its success, a ministry statement indicated on Tuesday.
Held on Monday via videoconference in the presence of central administration executives and representatives of affiliated institutions, this meeting falls within the framework of "ongoing preparations and the special attention given by public authorities to ensuring the best conditions of reception, service, and security for holidaymakers and tourists, particularly members of the national community abroad, to allow them to spend their holidays in the best conditions of comfort, serenity, and safety," the same source specified.
In this context, the minister affirmed that the State "has mobilized all material, logistical, and human resources to ensure the success of the summer season." She indicated that it represents "an important rendezvous to boost domestic tourism and promote the Algerian tourist destination, in addition to being an opportunity to highlight the natural, cultural, and heritage potential of the country's various regions."
"The sector's vision transcends seasonality by relying on the development of tourism and handicrafts as wealth-creating economic sectors, contributing to job creation and strengthening local development," she added.
Regarding beach development and preparation indicators, the presentations given by local directors reported the opening, as of May 31, 2026, of 470 beaches authorized for swimming across 124 coastal municipalities. Of these, 328 beaches are equipped with a tourist development plan, while 63 additional plans are expected to be finalized before the official launch of the summer season.
To this end, the minister insisted on the need to accelerate the finalization of the plans, while ensuring the application of the provisions of the new law governing the tourist exploitation of beaches, guaranteeing their free access, and making them available to families under the best conditions.
Regarding tourism investment and the strengthening of accommodation capacity, 39 hotel establishments are expected to enter service before the current summer season, the press release noted. It added that 9 new hotel projects have already been received with a total capacity of 890 beds, while 7 additional projects are set to become operational during this month of June, bringing the total number of establishments to 875.
In the field of digitization and tourism promotion, the minister insisted on generalizing the use of digital solutions for online booking services, electronic payments, and the management of accommodation establishments. She called for "intensifying the promotion of Destination Algeria through various digital platforms and developing professional content that highlights national assets."
Ms. Meddahi also emphasized the importance of tourist entertainment and granting a special place to handicrafts and traditional trades through the organization of fairs and exhibitions in the coastal wilayas. This involves the participation of artisans and associations from different wilayas of the country, especially those from the South, as well as providing suitable spaces for marketing their products.
Furthermore, the minister praised "the considerable efforts made by local executives in implementing the sector's strategy on the ground in coordination with the walis and various partners." She affirmed that she "will continue the regular and on-the-ground monitoring of the progress of the summer season," emphasizing that "its success is measured by the degree of satisfaction of holidaymakers and visitors regarding the quality of services, reception, and conditions of comfort, security, and cleanliness."
