Tourism in Algeria from Independence to SDAT 2030: Historical Evolution, Development Planning and Contemporary Challenges

DOI- https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23721344

Abstract

Tourism has long been identified as a potential driver of economic diversification and territorial development in Algeria, yet its development remains uneven. This article examines the historical evolution of Algerian tourism, focusing on tourism planning, tourist flows, accommodation infrastructure, investment, and contemporary challenges. A descriptive-historical and documentary methodology is adopted, drawing on official statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts, national tourism-planning documents, and academic literature. The analysis covers the period from independence in 1962 to the SDAT 2030 framework. Findings show a transition from predominantly state-led tourism development during the 1960s and 1970s toward a broader strategic approach emphasizing destination development, investment, quality, territorial planning, environmental sustainability, and economic diversification. In 2024, Algeria recorded 3,548,405 border entries, including 2,454,706 foreign entries and 1,093,699 entries by Algerians residing abroad. Hotel capacity reached 1,423 establishments and 139,963 beds, while hotels recorded 4,006,173 arrivals and 7,470,258 overnight stays. Persistent challenges include seasonality, market concentration, service quality, investment implementation, territorial imbalance, and short stays.

Keywords: Algeria; tourism development; tourism planning; SDAT 2030; tourist flows; hotel capacity; accommodation; sustainable tourism; tourism policy.