By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda and Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin at 1741 EAT on Saturday  18 October 2025

Laghouat, Algeria – Despite being home to some of Algeria’s most unique archaeological and historical landmarks, the province of Laghouat has yet to fully capitalize on its cultural heritage to attract large-scale tourism. Local stakeholders, including cultural associations, travel operators, and community organizations, are now calling for a comprehensive development strategy to transform these under-recognized assets into destinations of national and international interest.

From prehistoric rock carvings and ancient ruins to the spiritual heritage of Ain-Madhi — the birthplace of the revered Sufi leader Sheikh Ahmad al-Tijani — Laghouat offers a rich and varied historical landscape. However, these sites often remain underdeveloped, with limited infrastructure, preservation efforts, or public awareness.

Representatives of local cultural associations argue that while protecting these sites poses a considerable challenge, their integration into broader tourism circuits could significantly boost the province’s visibility. They stress the importance of a coordinated approach involving the directorates of Tourism, Culture, and Energy, which they believe is essential to presenting a unified image of Laghouat’s diverse appeal.

“There is enormous potential here — not just for historical and cultural tourism, but for business and ecological tourism as well,” one community representative noted. “The key is to align our efforts and take advantage of what the province already offers.”

One proposal involves leveraging the economic footprint of the Hassi R’mel gas complex — one of the largest in the country — by introducing cultural and recreational programming for business visitors. By combining heritage tourism with corporate activity, stakeholders believe Laghouat could emerge as a hub for business tourism in southern Algeria.

Local organizations also emphasize the importance of training tour guides from within the community, both to create employment opportunities and to ensure authentic, knowledgeable storytelling around the region’s heritage. Complementary cultural events, such as traditional crafts exhibitions, music performances, and guided walks, are being discussed as ways to animate the region’s attractions.

Travel agencies operating in the region have echoed these calls, highlighting growing demand among both Algerian and foreign visitors for new, culturally rich destinations. They are particularly advocating for the development of tour packages to Ain-Madhi and the province’s array of archaeological sites, which they believe could become key pillars of Algeria’s broader tourism offering.

Despite the current lack of major infrastructure or international visibility, Laghouat’s unique mix of energy significance, spiritual heritage, and ancient history positions it as a promising destination — if the right investments and policies are put in place.

As Algeria continues to diversify its economy and invest in tourism as a growth sector, provinces like Laghouat could play an important role in showcasing the country’s lesser-known yet culturally significant regions.

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