Algeria and China have signed a landmark cooperation agreement aimed at advancing the digital promotion of tourism and hotel services, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral ties in the travel and hospitality sectors.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday evening in Algiers between Algeria’s “Hotel-Tourism-Spa” complex and China’s Xiamen Company, came during the closing ceremony of the 24th International Tourism and Travel Fair.
The deal was inked under the auspices of Algeria’s Minister of Tourism and Traditional Industry, Houria Madahi.
Minister Madahi hailed the partnership as a vital move aligned with Algeria’s national strategy to digitize its tourism industry.
“The agreement is in line with the national drive to digitize the tourism sector, embodying President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision to mainstream digitalization,” she said. Madahi emphasized the importance of showcasing Algeria’s rich tourism offerings to both domestic and international audiences through modern digital tools.
The Minister also highlighted that this collaboration represents a continuation of strategic bilateral engagement, previously coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Algerian National Community Abroad. It builds upon shared initiatives to strengthen Algeria-China relations.
Chinese Ambassador to Algeria, Dong Guangli, also spoke at the ceremony, praising the growing cooperation between the two nations. He underscored the role of tourism and cultural exchange in boosting economic development, stating, “The soul of tourism lies in culture.” Guangli lauded Algeria’s unique cultural heritage as a key asset for future collaboration.
The International Tourism and Travel Fair brought together 340 exhibitors from 27 countries, along with 38 startups specializing in tourism digitization. National agencies, government ministries, and traditional craftspeople also participated in the event.
During the closing ceremony, several awards were presented. The Ministry of Culture and Arts received the Best Algerian Pavilion Award, while Air Algérie won the Best Innovation Award.
A startup from Batna earned recognition for Most Attractive Pavilion, and China was awarded Best Foreign Pavilion.
Other honorees included Palestine, which received the “Courage and Persistence Wing” award, and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which was given a special recognition.
Djanet’s “Fink Booking” app was named Best Tourism App, and a local startup was awarded Best Digital Solution. The Al Waha music troupe from Brezina was also celebrated with the Special Arts Award.
The exhibition, held under the theme “Travel in Algeria… and Enjoy Authentic Tourism and Ancient Civilization,” served as a platform for fostering partnerships, sharing expertise, and attracting investment in a sector seen as crucial for the country’s economic future.
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