Convene Monday at the ministry’s headquarters, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Houria Meddahi chaired a coordination session dedicated to evaluating the progress of preparations for the 2026 summer season. This strategic assembly brought together tourism and handicrafts directors from coastal provinces, alongside representatives from regional craft chambers and senior ministry executives.
At the outset of the proceedings, the Minister emphasized the wholesale mobilization of state resources to guarantee a successful season. She underscored the necessity of providing holidaymakers, visitors, and the diaspora with premier hospitality conditions, specifically focusing on security, sanitation, and service excellence.
Furthermore, the sector chief reiterated that tourism and crafts are now recognized as major economic catalysts, tasked with driving national economic diversification, generating employment, and fostering local development. She also highlighted the vital role that natural, cultural, and heritage endowments play in strengthening the appeal of the Algeria destination.
During the gathering, directors from the coastal provinces delivered comprehensive breakdowns of ongoing initiatives, particularly regarding beach development, environmental management, the preparation of tourist zones, and the advancement of investment ventures and summer entertainment schedules.
On beach management, data revealed that 470 beaches were cleared for swimming as of May 31, 2026, distributed across 124 coastal municipalities. Among these, 328 are already operating under a tourism development plan, while 63 others are near finalization. The Minister urged an acceleration of these operations, emphasizing strict compliance with the new regulatory framework governing beach management and guaranteeing complimentary access for families.
Regarding hospitality investments, 39 new properties are expected to open before the peak season, with 9 already operational, adding a capacity of 890 beds. Seven additional projects are slated for completion in the coming weeks, bringing the country’s total hotel inventory to 875 establishments across all categories.
The digitalization of the industry also figured prominently in the discussions. The Minister urged officials to expand the use of digital tools across hospitality services—notably for bookings, electronic payments, and lodging management—to modernize options and improve user accessibility.
In a similar vein, she called for intensified promotional campaigns for the Algeria destination through high-quality digital content, highlighting the country’s unique vacation assets.
Finally, specific attention was directed toward summer entertainment and the promotion of local handicrafts, which are viewed as integral to the tourist experience. Exhibitions, fairs, and specialized spaces will be expanded along the coast, featuring broader participation from artisans representing various regions of the country.
In her closing remarks, the Minister commended the significant fieldwork achieved thus far while demanding sustained momentum. She announced that regular, hands-on monitoring of summer preparations will continue, asserting that the season’s ultimate success hinges on hospitality standards, safety, and visitor satisfaction.