Preparations for the eighth edition of the International Festival of Saharan Tourism in Adrar

International Saharan Tourism Festival

#InternationalFestivalOfSaharanTourism #FITS_2026 #Adrar

Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Madame Madihich Houria, oversees the official inauguration of the Eighth Edition of the #InternationalFestivalOfSaharanTourism -2026 FITS

Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, #MsMadiahiHouri, chaired today, Tuesday, 18 August 2026, at her ministry's headquarters, the first coordinating meeting, part of the initial preparations for organizing the eighth edition of the #InternationalFestivalOfSaharanTourism, scheduled to take place in Adrar Region from 12 to 14 November 2026, alongside the official installation of the festival's governor. The event was attended by her ministry's administrative staff and institutions under her supervision.

Madam Minister clarified that her oversight of this meeting aims at outlining the broad framework for the working methodology of the preparatory committee members for the festival, emphasizing the importance she attaches to the preparations for this key international promotional event, and ensuring it gains the appropriate economic dimension, especially since it will serve as a suitable platform to present distinctive tourism experiences that will enhance #SaharanTourism on both national and international levels.

The sector official highlighted that, through this edition, she aims to highlight an authentic and unique Saharan and spiritual tourism, encompassing all its components, such as culture, hospitality, and generosity, diversity of customs and traditions, the Saharan landscape, the ancient heritage and history, traditional clothing, folklore, music and arts, and cooking.

As well, it emphasized the importance of capitalizing on this promotional opportunity to highlight and promote Adrar's qualifications in the fields of #SpiritualTourism and #CulturalTourism, calling for the organization of activities and study days aligned with this context, given their role in supporting local development and enhancing tourism appeal, especially considering the region's rich spiritual and cultural assets, including ancient ruins, green oases, and unique irrigation systems, alongside religious and cultural events that characterize the area, such as "Sabbath's Promise," inscribed as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, and its historical and archaeological landmarks listed as national and cultural heritage.

On this occasion, and from her awareness of the importance of #Digitization in serving the tourism sector, Madam Minister emphasized the need to involve emerging institutions from the active southern regions in tourism activities during the festival, with the awarding of the best emerging institution presenting the most effective promotional campaign for Saharan tourism, offering innovative tourism services, and contributing to the promotion of Saharan and cultural heritage, incorporating modern touches in tourism promotion.

On the other hand, Madam Minister stated that this international event represents a significant opportunity to promote elements of #NationalIdentity, calling for the installation of a tent under the name "The Authentic Traditional Crafts Museum of the Southern Regions," featuring live workshops where artisans will showcase their original and diverse handicrafts, highlighting the role of rural and mountain women in traditional arts and creativity, while ensuring strong participation from artisans across all regions of the southern areas.

In closing, Madam Minister reiterated her commitment to giving full attention to monitoring the progress of preparations for this international festival, by involving all key tourism stakeholders from the southern regions, under the high-level authorities' recognition of #SaharanTourism as a key driver of sustainability in southern Algeria and support for #LocalDevelopment.

At the same time, it called on the current stakeholders to prepare media content aligned with this event and matching the established vision, aimed at highlighting the authenticity and timelessness of Algeria's tourist destinations, as well as promoting a unique desert, spiritual, and cultural tourism.

Post shared by the Office Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts - Algeria.