Laghouat’s Tourism Potential Offers New Horizons for Investment and Development

By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1521 EAT on Thursday 16 October 2025

LAGHOUAT, 4 October 2025 (APS) – The province of Laghouat is emerging as a promising destination for tourism development and investment, offering a diverse mix of natural, cultural, and economic assets that could contribute to local growth and job creation.

As preparations intensify for the upcoming Saharan tourist season, regional authorities are promoting Laghouat’s varied attractions — from archaeological and religious landmarks to natural landscapes and energy infrastructure — as key components of its tourism appeal. According to Abdelwahab Bakli, Director of Tourism and Craft Industry, the province has “a multiform tourism dimension” that can attract a wide range of visitors.

Currently, Laghouat hosts three officially designated Tourism Expansion Zones (ZET) in the municipalities of Laghouat, Ain-Madhi, and the delegated province of Aflou. These areas have been identified as prime locations for investment in tourism infrastructure, particularly in hospitality. The province’s current hotel capacity includes nine hotels with a combined total of 436 beds.

This capacity is set to increase by the end of 2025, with two new hotels expected to open in Laghouat and Aflou, followed by two additional establishments in early 2026. These developments aim to meet the anticipated rise in demand from both leisure and business tourists.

Tourism heritage researcher Mourad Badrina of Amar-Thelidji University highlighted Laghouat’s cultural and spiritual significance, particularly the role of Ain-Madhi as the headquarters of the Tidjania Sufi order. The site regularly attracts thousands of visitors from Algeria and abroad, many of whom participate in spiritual seminars and religious events.

In addition to its cultural and religious assets, Laghouat is also considered a strategic economic hub. It hosts major energy infrastructure, including the Hassi R’mel gas complex — one of Algeria’s key centers for natural gas production — which contributes to the region’s growing appeal for business tourism. The province regularly welcomes technical and investment delegations, and efforts are underway to further expand its hotel infrastructure to accommodate this niche market.

Laghouat also boasts a rich historical legacy, reflected in numerous archaeological sites, including prehistoric rock carvings found in areas such as El-Ghicha and Djebel Amour. These heritage elements underline the province’s longstanding role as a crossroads of civilizations over millennia.

With its blend of heritage, geography, and economic relevance, Laghouat is positioning itself as a key player in Algeria’s broader strategy to diversify tourism offerings and stimulate regional development.

Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here