Algerian Radio
The Minister of Tourism and Handicraft, Houria Meddahi, stated this past Sunday in Tizi Ouzou that the country’s high authorities are committed to making tourism "a lever for economic diversification within the framework of sustainable development."
Speaking on the sidelines of the official opening ceremony for the 2026 summer season at Caroubier Beach in Azeffoun, Ms. Meddahi emphasized that the tourism and handicraft sector creates wealth and jobs, positioning it as a vital driver for economic variety. The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of the Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport, Saïd Sayoud, in the presence of the Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, and the Director General of Civil Protection, Colonel Boualem Bourelaf.
The Minister noted that the selection of the wilaya of Tizi Ouzou to launch the summer season serves as "recognition of its exceptional tourism potential."
"This annual event is not merely an occasion for leisure, but a strategic milestone through which we translate President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's vision for modernization, service improvement, and the competitiveness of 'Destination Algeria,'" she specified.
Addressing her department's strategy, Ms. Meddahi reported a "qualitative leap" in coastal hotel capacity. This summer, the coastal hotel park totals 104,000 beds across 901 establishments, bolstered by the commissioning of 39 new structures.
"The global objective by 2029 is to reach a capacity of 220,000 beds, supported by a successful digital transition, as 70% of establishments in coastal wilayas have already automated their booking and electronic payment procedures," the Minister announced.
She also highlighted that the 2026 summer season is marked by the "rigorous" application of the law ensuring completely free access to beaches. She insisted on "strict compliance" with the rule limiting concession-based operations to only 30% of each beach's area, thereby guaranteeing that the remaining 70% remains free for vacationers across the 470 authorized swimming beaches nationwide.
Furthermore, Ms. Meddahi underscored the regulation of "homestay" accommodation and the dynamism of the local handicraft sector, which includes over 17,000 registered artisans in Tizi Ouzou. She described this as "a true pillar for the concept of integrated tourism," which extends throughout the year to include thermalism as well as forest and mountain camping.
