Opening of the 25th Edition of the International Tourism and Travel Fair SITEV 2026

#MinistryOfTourismAndHandicrafts

Opening of the 25th Edition of the International Tourism and Travel Fair #SITEV_2026

Ms. Houria Meddahi, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, presided over the official opening of the 25th edition of the International Tourism and Travel Fair #2026_SITEV, at the Exhibition Palace – Algiers Capital, in the presence of Mr. Abker Rozi Teguil, Minister of Tourism, Cultural Development, and Traditional Industries of the neighboring Republic of Chad, Mr. Kamel Rzaiq, Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, Mr. Zohir Bouchamma, Minister of Communication, and Mr. Svyan Chaib, State Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of the National Community Abroad, and Mr. Mohammed Bouchari.

President of the National Economic, Social and Environmental Council, with high-level participation from:

Mr. National Gendarmerie Secretary General, Mr. General Director of Customs, Mr. General Director of the Algerian Agency for Investment Promotion, Mr. General Director of the National Drug and Addiction Control Directorate, Mr. Secretary General of the High Authority for the Amazigh Community, Mr. Chair of the Culture, Media and Youth and Tourism Committee of the National Assembly, Mr. Chair of the Culture, Communication and Tourism Committee of the National People's Assembly, and a number of parliamentary deputies from both chambers, in addition to 20 ambassadors and accredited diplomatic representatives in Algeria, managers of institutions under supervision, representatives of the high state authorities, and central-level officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts.

During this opening, #MadamMinister delivered a speech, underscoring that this event marks a strategic milestone in translating Algeria's vision.

In building #SustainableTourism based on valuing national identity and natural diversity, making the sector a real driver for economic diversification, highlighting the importance of digital transformation and innovation support, and encouraging emerging institutions to develop tourism services.

As well, it was confirmed that the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Traditional Handicrafts of the Republic of Chad attended

As a distinguished guest this year, we affirm the depth of our historical ties and geographical connections that unite our countries, and our shared commitment to building bridges for tourism and economic cooperation within the African framework, in the fields of development, tourism, and traditional handicrafts.

Regarding the logo of this edition "Algeria... authentic tourism and sustainable development," it reflects the country's strategic vision, in line with the high-level directives of His Excellency #PresidentOfTheRepublic, aimed at positioning #Tourism as a driver for economic diversification within the framework of the "Algerian Tourism Model," based on cultural identity, natural diversity, hospitality, peace, and security. This is to develop a tourism model that respects nature, our historical and cultural heritage, and integrates local communities, thus building an authentic and sustainable tourism sector.

As highlighted by #MadamMinister, the objectives of this edition, particularly those related to digitizing tourism through the integration of modern technologies and Artificial intelligence, as well as booking and digital marketing platforms, into the local tourism ecosystem, while encouraging startups (START-UP) to provide innovative solutions that enhance the traveler's experience. This edition witnessed the participation of more than 50 specialized startups focused on digitalizing tourism promotion and related fields.

As mentioned, the distinguished and exceptional participation of the Algerian diaspora residing abroad, through innovative digital talents, especially emerging institutions specializing in digitization, is part of the state's strategy to integrate our national community as a key element in the sustainable development pathway, driving the momentum of #DomesticTourism and promoting Algeria as a global destination.

She highlighted the important and central role of the Tourist guide and their strong participation in this edition, which underscores the fact that #TouristGuide is not merely a information carrier but the first ambassador shaping visitors' mental image of the country and the key driver in transforming tourists from "passing visitors" into "permanent promoters of Algeria." In this context, #MadamMinister emphasized the importance of training Tourist guides to enhance their professional performance, especially in the fields of history and foreign languages.

Madam Minister also emphasized the importance of promoting domestic tourism, especially as the summer holiday season approaches, by diversifying family-oriented offerings and encouraging investment, alongside improving infrastructure and increasing accommodation capacity to meet the expectations of citizens and tourists. She stressed the need to boost accommodation capacity, which will contribute to creating competitive pricing.

For his part, the Chadian minister also delivered a speech praising the importance of the fair as an African and international platform for strengthening cooperation and integration. He highlighted the brotherly relations between Algeria and Chad and the promising prospects for partnership between the two countries.

At the opening, #MadamMinister, accompanied by her official delegation, conducted a field tour through all sections of the exhibition, where she closely observed the presentations of public and private tourism and hotel institutions, and engaged in discussions with sector professionals regarding ways to develop tourism products and improve service quality.

As well as visiting the booths of the participating countries and observing their experiences in #TourismPromotion, including the booth for the Algerian diaspora abroad, where its contributions to promoting Algeria as a destination internationally were highlighted.

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The visit also included a section dedicated to startups, where presentations were given on innovative digital solutions in the tourism sector, particularly concerning smart booking platforms and digital marketing.

In the realm of handicrafts, Madam Minister closely observed the workshops of artisans, which showcased the richness and diversity of Algerian heritage, and praised the artisanal creations that represent a key element in enhancing the attractiveness of Algeria's national tourism destinations.

Madam Minister also praised the strong presence of both national and international media covering this important #TheTourismEvent, highlighting Algeria's natural and cultural assets, and emphasized that Algeria's tourism destination is not accidentally visited but deliberately chosen and loved, recognized as an authentic and distinct destination with a balanced model grounded in authenticity and sustainability.

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