Algeria Promotes Tourism at ITB Berlin and MITT Moscow Fairs
Takeaway
Algeria's push to expand its tourism sector presents opportunities for hotel chains, tour operators, and aviation companies. Investors should monitor the progress of the 582 ongoing tourism projects and the government's efforts to streamline investment processes through the AAPI digital platform. The focus on coastal and high plateaus regions could lead to new real estate and infrastructure development opportunities.
Algeria is actively promoting its tourism sector at two major international travel fairs in March 2026: the 60th International Tourism Exchange (ITB) in Berlin, Germany, from March 3-5, and the 32nd Moscow International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (MITT) in Moscow, Russia, from March 11-13. The Office National Algérien du Tourisme (ONAT) is coordinating Algeria's participation in both events as part of its 2026 action plan to boost the country's tourism profile on the global stage.
Algeria's participation in ITB Berlin and MITT Moscow aligns with the National Tourism Development Plan 2030, which aims to attract 11 million tourists and provide 300,000 beds by 2030. The plan reflects the government's aim to leverage historical, cultural, and natural resources to enhance Algeria's tourism and make the country an attractive Mediterranean destination. While the "Horizon 2025" plan did not reach its expected results because of various socio-political and external issues, Algeria's domestic market has witnessed noticeable growth in the last 20 years. In January 2023, the government implemented a visa-on-arrival policy for all non-exempt international visitors to the Sahara for stays up to 30 days.
The Algerian government has launched several incentives to support the tourism sector, including providing facilities for investors and improving tourism training programs. The Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI), in collaboration with the National Agency for Tourist Lands (ANFT), is working to improve the exploitation of tourist lands by developing and regulating tourist expansion areas and creating new sites, particularly in coastal areas and the high plateaus. Currently, Algeria is implementing 582 tourism projects out of 2,562 approved projects under construction, which are expected to add approximately 70,000 new beds by the end of 2025, increasing accommodation capacity from 140,000 to over 210,000 beds.
The tourism sector is considered one of the most important strategic pillars upon which public authorities rely to promote “Destination Algeria” and enhance its contribution to diversifying the national economy. In 2023, Algeria saw an estimated 3.3 million tourists, a 45% rise from the year before, with 2.2 million being foreign visitors. By increasing the number of direct flights from different European capitals, Algeria intends to meet the increasing demand and provide a stable and secure environment for travelers.
Algeria's success in achieving its tourism goals depends on upgrading infrastructure, modernizing governance, and adopting digital promotion strategies. Key areas to watch include improvements to transport and accommodations in cities like Algiers and Oran, as well as the development of specialized agencies to provide investors with full process services from land allocation to administrative approval. The government has set a goal of attracting 12 million foreign tourists to the country by 2030.