Algeria targets 2.5 million tourists by 2015
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A recent published MENA hospitality report by Al Taameer Real Estate Investment revealed that Algeria’s travel & tourism sector ranked 55th globally in terms of its contribution to GDP. International tourist arrivals in the country are estimated to surge 5.0% to reach 2.1 million in 2012 compared to 2011 and increase at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2% to reach 2.6 million in 2022.
The Ministry of Tourism has undertaken various initiatives to boost tourism revenues in Algeria. The Ministry launched the National Tourism Development Plan which is aimed at increasing the number of tourists to 2.5 million by 2015 by promoting the country as a prime tourist destination, developing high-quality tourist centers, introducing quality controls, encouraging public-private partnerships and attracting investment. The government has also taken steps to promote Algeria as a destination of eco-tourism and beach holidays, and signed agreements for tourism projects with Algerian investors.
The travel and tourism sector’s contribution to Algeria’s GDP is estimated to jump 6.0% from 2011 to reach US$14.5 billion in 2012 and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.6% to US$22.9 billion in 2022.
Total Investment in the country’s travel & tourism sector is expected to surge 6.1% to US$1.71 billion in 2012 compared to 2011 levels. Investments in the tourism sector are expected to increase at a CAGR of 6.4% to US$3.2 billion during 2012-2022.
Major tourist destinations in the country include Monument des Martyrs, UNESCO World heritage sites such as M’Zab Valley, Timgad and Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad, Djemila, Tipaza, and Santa Cruz Castle. Other tourist hot spots include Great Mosque of Tlemcen, built in 1082 AD and Belzma National Park which is home to 447 flora and 309 fauna species.