Algeria Ranked Among World’s Top 20 Destinations to Visit in 2026

Algeria Ranked Among the World’s Top 20 Destinations to Visit in 2026

Algiers – December 2025 – Algeria has secured a place among the world’s Top 20 destinations recommended for travel in 2026, according to the latest report published by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). This international recognition reflects not a passing trend, but the steady consolidation of a destination distinguished by exceptional tourism potential, an invaluable historical and cultural heritage, and sustained efforts by public authorities to enhance and promote the image of Algeria on the global tourism map.

Far from being coincidental, this ranking is the outcome of a long-term strategy aimed at positioning Algeria as an authentic, diverse, and sustainable destination. Increasingly recommended by tour operators and travel professionals, the country is emerging as a compelling alternative for travelers seeking depth, originality, and unspoiled landscapes.

A destination offering unmatched diversity

Thanks to its vast territory and remarkable geographical diversity, Algeria offers an exceptionally wide range of tourism products. Natural, historical, cultural, and spiritual assets collectively form the backbone of the Algerian tourism offering. From the Mediterranean coastline to the Sahara, from the eastern regions to the western borders, and across the High Plateaus, visitors are presented with an extraordinary choice between beaches, mountains, desert expanses, and centuries-old urban heritage.

This diversity enables Algeria to cater to multiple tourism segments, ensuring that travelers can experience contrasting environments and cultural expressions within a single destination.

A strategic vision focused on sustainability and authenticity

Within its strategy to make tourism a central pillar of economic diversification and a generator of foreign currency, the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts has prioritized the promotion of inbound tourism. The approach deliberately distances itself from mass tourism models adopted by many global destinations, opting instead for authentic, environmentally respectful products that preserve the sustainability of unique sites.

Special attention is given to the protection and promotion of rare and sensitive ecosystems, including prehistoric rock engravings, archaeological sites, wetlands, and diverse biological environments that require careful preservation.

In parallel, efforts are underway to enhance the overall tourist experience through improvements in service quality, expansion of accommodation capacity, and modernization of lodging and catering infrastructure. The sector aims to reinforce national accommodation capacity with the addition of 10,000 new beds in 2026. According to Sabrina Boumezbar, Director General at the Ministry of Tourism, 185 new tourism projects were approved in 2025, complementing 670 projects currently under construction, with 80 new facilities scheduled for delivery in 2026.

Authenticity as a defining feature of Algerian tourism

One of the defining characteristics of Algeria’s tourism model is the growing emphasis on homestay accommodation, a formula actively encouraged by the authorities. This approach responds to the specific needs of certain regions experiencing infrastructure shortages, particularly during peak seasons, while offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Through direct contact with local communities, tourists—both domestic and international—are able to discover traditional lifestyles, culinary heritage, and regional customs, while host families benefit from additional income opportunities.

Tour operators and travel agencies increasingly design itineraries centered on Algeria’s distinctive assets, combining cultural and historical tourism with visits to kasbahs, archaeological and religious sites, thermal tourism around mineral springs, and Saharan tourism—the flagship product of the Algerian destination. Across all regions, Algerian gastronomy remains a central element of the visitor experience, showcasing a rich diversity of flavors and culinary traditions.

Enhancing Algeria’s international visibility

Public authorities are also strengthening Algeria’s international tourism presence by expanding air connections and adapting routes to meet identified demand. At the same time, Algeria actively participates in international festivals, exhibitions, and trade fairs as part of its global promotion strategy.

Key events include the International Festival of Traditional Handicrafts (SIAT), the International Saharan Tourism Festival (FITS), the Artigano In Fiera handicrafts fair in Milan, and the Dakar International Fair (FIDAK).

In this context, the National Tourism Office (ONT) plays a pivotal role as a state instrument dedicated to promoting the destination abroad. According to ONT Director General Abdelhamid Ouari, the office took part in seven international events in 2025, including in Russia, Croatia, Mauritania, Japan, Italy, and Turkey, significantly enhancing Algeria’s global visibility.

For Ouari, Algeria’s inclusion in the BBC ranking stands as tangible proof of the effectiveness of these efforts. He notes that the BBC report highlights the country’s unique tourism assets, particularly its Roman ruins, ranked second worldwide after those of Italy. “We have observed growing interest in Algeria as a destination year after year,” he affirmed.