Algeria has major but untapped potential for tourism. Its geographical location in North Africa provides it with easy access for the major European source markets; it has a vast 1,200-km largely unspoilt Mediterranean coastline, mountains and vast areas of unexplored desert as well as being rich in culture and antiquities.

Algeria’s Ministry of Tourism continues to make renewed efforts to increase the number of tourists visiting the country by promoting it as being just as viable and attractive a destination for tourists as neighbouring countries. The main impact of the government’s strategy has been the rigorous restructuring of a number of travel and tourism sectors in Algeria. Due to the government’s encouragement of private sector investment, there has also been an increasing number of foreign companies investing in hotels, while travel retail services have expanded consistently in response to rising inbound tourism.

Although tourism arrivals are growing, the true potential remains somewhat out of reach, despite government efforts, with the industry suffering from a deficit in terms of accommodation capacity, hotel standards and quality of services/skilled labour. While the government is addressing these issues, one of the major obstacles is the country’s image abroad regarding safety and security issues.