Highlights of the Tourism Minister’s speech at the opening of the Timimoun Festival 2025

Key highlights from the speech by the Minister of Tourism and Traditional Crafts upon the official opening of the seventh edition of the International Festival of Saharan Tourism in Timimoun

Importance of the Festival:

The festival reflects the Algerian state's attention to elevating Saharan tourism as a key driver for local development and a supporter in creating employment opportunities within the framework of the new economic vision.

Saharan tourism is not merely an economic activity, but a cultural and human message highlighting Algeria's ability to balance sustainable development with the preservation of its identity.

The festival is a space for exchanging tourism experiences where tradition meets modernity, and culture converges with nature, revealing the world's treasures of the deserts and the kindness of their inhabitants.

Southern Highlands and Timimoun:

The Great South regions are exceptional natural treasures where historical heritage and cultural traditions blend, testifying to a rich civilization that spans thousands of years.

Timimoun is the capital of Algerian Saharan tourism and an exceptional destination, boasting unique features that blend authenticity with the elegance of remarkable architectural palaces, as well as traditional elements classified as part of UNESCO's World Heritage. Notable among them are Aïlil Qourara and the foggara system, which stand as a testament to the ingenuity of Saharan people.

Southern Regions a major tourist destination:

The southern states attract thousands of domestic and international tourists.

Among the top destinations: Tassili n'Ajjer and Hoggar, the Wadis, Timimoun castles, Ben Abbas, Djanet.

Local residents offer a traditional, authentic welcoming experience.

Recognizing the efforts of all stakeholders, including local authorities, security agencies, tourism actors, and local residents across all southern governorates, who contributed to making Saharan tourism a significant annual event.

The contribution of traditional handicrafts to enriching the tourist experience:

Handicrafts add a aesthetic and dynamic touch to tourist sites thanks to artisans' creativity, and serve as an additional source for preserving memories of the ancient Sahara culture.

The role of tourism agencies and diplomacy in promoting Saharan tourism

Tourism and travel agencies play a key role in promoting the Algerian Sahara as one of the country's top national tourist destinations.

Algerian diplomacy, through its embassies and consulates, contributes to promoting Algerian desert tourism globally.

Rising dynamics in Saharan tourism thanks to recent adopted measures:

Simplifying visa procedures has enhanced the appeal of Saharan destinations alongside boosting air travel routes to southern provinces.

Improving infrastructure through hotel institutions and new tourism developments, along with future projects to increase capacity and create competitiveness in pricing.

The hotel inventory for the Southern Regions (up to September 30, 2025) comprises 225 hotel establishments with a total bed capacity of 978.19 beds.

Southern provinces benefit from preparation works for tourist expansion areas, and the establishment of new industrial and craft facilities, as well as the completion of tourism and handicrafts directorate offices in Timimoun, Beni Abbas, In Salah, and El Meniaa.

Future Vision:

Preserving authenticity and identity, while integrating technology and digitization into tourism promotion, hotel management, and service quality improvement

Intensifying training courses for tourism operators, especially guides and artisans.

Supporting emerging youth-owned contracting institutions to stimulate the local economy

Saharan tourism has become an economic driver and a distinctive tourist destination for Algerian families and international visitors.

The development of Saharan tourism presents a genuine opportunity to diversify the local economy through supporting tourism projects and strengthening public-private partnerships, enabling the full exploitation of the Sahara's vast potential and transforming it into a destination grounded in authenticity and sustainable development.

Saharan tourism adds value to the national economy and is one of Algeria's key tourism hubs, as it leads in appeal despite the presence of coastal, summer, and mountain tourism.

Conclusion:

Thanks to Mr. Dr. Ali Benhadj, Governor of Timimoun Province, and all the provincial authorities, as well as all the ministry department officials and all participants in organizing this edition.

The participating parties were also thanked, and guests were welcomed, wishing them a pleasant stay in Timimoun.

Announcement of the official opening of the seventh edition of the festival under the slogan: "Timimoun... authentic tourism and hospitality".

Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts - Algeria Timimoun Province