Developing mountain tourism within the priorities of the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts

Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Ms. Madiahi Houri, places #DevelopingMountainTourism at the core of her priorities

Within the framework of its efforts to develop #MountainTourism, considered one of the core pillars included in the sector's work plan, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Ms. Madiahi Houri, chaired a coordination meeting on Sunday, August 23, 2026, attended by her ministry's officials, and tourism and handicrafts directors for the wilayas of Khenchela, Batna, Jijel, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, and Blida, alongside officials from the respective supervisory bodies, in preparation for organizing the first edition of #NationalMountainTourismDay in the region of Bougnel-Talagilaf, in Tizi Ouzou wilaya.

Madam Minister, in her opening remarks, highlighted that the main objective of organizing this event lies in achieving an economic impact and realizing sustainable local development, through creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the tourism and natural assets abundant in Algeria's mountainous regions, particularly by valuing the rich heritage of Algerian villages, promoting their traditions, customs, and the hospitality of their inhabitants, while empowering rural and mountainous families to benefit from their resources and potentials.

It emphasized that including #NationalMountainTourismDay in Algeria represents a strategic step to highlight the natural and cultural assets found in the mountain ranges, especially given the choice of Tizi Ouzou province to host the first edition of this event, thanks to its strategic geographical location at the heart of the Djurdjura mountains and its rich tourism and cultural heritage.

This approach aims to attract #TourismInvestments aligned with the mountainous character of these regions, in line with high-level government directives aimed at developing mountainous areas, by directing local investments in accordance with their geographical and environmental features.

On the occasion, and following its recognition of the various contributions provided by its stakeholders in the context of initial preparations, the sector head emphasized the need to outline key lines for the success of this promotional event, by underscoring the importance of #DigitalMarketing for this type of tourism through applications and digital platforms, and by involving all key partners, including environmental NGOs, qualified tourism guides, youth associations, mountain tourism agencies, and emerging institutions promoting this form of tourism.

The Madam Minister also highlighted the families and communities of the mountainous regions, given their key role in promoting mountain tourism through the adoption of the #Homestays model for tourists interested in this type of tourism.

As Madam Minister emphasized the need to ensure quality participation involving all stakeholders and professionals in the mountain tourism sector, as well as associations, clubs, and specialized tourism guides, with key thematic axes established to implement strategic objectives and achieve the success of this tourism event, particularly:

Supporting the local #GeologicalEconomy and protecting #Handicrafts.

Raising awareness of the importance of preserving #NaturalWonders, the vegetation cover, and wild life in the mountains.

Upgrading #RockClimbing and promoting hiking and climbing activities, as well as cave exploration.

Organizing #TreePlantingCampaigns.

Prepare a media and marketing plan for the event.

Preparation of a guide for mountain sports and hiking trails to enhance mountain tourism towards families and youth.

This, and during the meeting's sessions, Madam Minister highlighted the pivotal role of #Handicrafts in promoting mountain tourism, calling for the establishment of a tent to display traditional handicraft products under the name "Museum of Authentic Handicrafts Related to Mountain Tourism," serving as a living space to revive local skills existing in villages and mountainous areas, and to showcase the unique characteristics of each region's mountain tourism products.

It also emphasized the importance of empowering #RuralWomen to contribute to the development and sustainability of mountain tourism by preserving traditional heritage and crafts through environmentally relevant, sustainable activities.

In conclusion, Madam Minister called on her present stakeholders to emphasize the need to intensify efforts and work within a coordinated framework among all regions possessing mountain tourism potential, to ensure the success of this event, which will become an annual occasion held across all Algerian governorates, with the aim of highlighting the diversity and uniqueness of this tourism product according to each region of Algeria, through the development of a comprehensive program, in consultation with all tourism stakeholders, particularly local ones.

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