Algeria pins its hopes on desert tourism to help diversify economy

As part of reforms required by the IMF to diversify its economy, Algeria is looking to greatly expand its tourism sector with a focus on the desert. Speaking to the official Algerian news agency, Tourism Minister Houria Meddahi said: that “desert tourism in Algeria is flourishing as many foreigners flock to desert areas.” Last year Algeria received a record 3.5 million tourists and expects to set another record this year with four million visitors. The Minister said there were plans to add nearly 16,000 hotel rooms bringing the total to nearly 160,000 by the end of this year.