The province of Adrar will host a major tourism event from November 12 to 14: the International Saharan Tourism Festival (FITS 2026), providing an ideal platform to promote desert tourism. Substantial focus is being directed toward preliminary preparations to ensure optimal conditions for the event, aiming to give the festival the economic scope it merits.
Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Houria Meddahi, chaired the initial coordination meeting dedicated to early preparations for the 8th edition of FITS and officially installed the festival’s commissioner.
During the meeting, held alongside senior ministry officials and affiliated agencies, the Minister highlighted the importance of these preparations, noting that the session aimed to establish the primary operational methodology for the event’s organizing committee.
Minister Meddahi stated that this edition intends to highlight authentic Saharan and spiritual tourism in all its forms, encompassing local culture, hospitality, diverse customs, desert landscapes, historical heritage, traditional attire, folklore, music, arts, and gastronomy.
She also called for hosting workshops and academic seminars to support local economic development and boost tourism appeal by showcasing Adrar’s spiritual and cultural assets, including its ancient ksar fortresses, lush oases, unique irrigation channels, and iconic religious gatherings.
Engaging Southern Startups
The Tourism Minister emphasized the role of digitization in the sector, stressing the need to involve technology startups operating in southern regions within the festival’s program.
A special award will recognize the startup that develops the most effective marketing initiative for Saharan tourism, Meddahi announced, reiterating the festival’s role in reinforcing national identity.
Reaffirming her department’s commitment to overseeing preparation milestones, the Minister highlighted the participation of key tourism stakeholders across southern provinces. She noted that national leadership views Saharan tourism as a vital pillar of economic sustainability in southern Algeria and a key driver of local growth.