The head of the National Union of Mauritanian Employers, Mohamed Zein El Abidine Ould Cheikh Ahmed, has announced the cancellation of 21,000 outbound travel tickets in response to a presidential call to promote domestic tourism.
Speaking at the launch of the coastal tourism season in Nouakchott on Sunday night, Ould Cheikh Ahmed said the move was part of a broader effort to channel significant investment into local tourism infrastructure, including hotels and transport services. He added that these measures had strengthened the country’s readiness to welcome visitors.
“The private sector has played a central role in supporting this vision,” he said, noting that recent developments included the construction of 121 hotel units and 752 restaurants nationwide. According to Ould Cheikh Ahmed, these projects have generated tens of thousands of permanent and seasonal jobs.
The coastal tourism season, launched under the slogan “The Coast… Cradle of Nature and Space for Discovery”, was organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism. It aims to highlight the country’s natural heritage and cultural attractions while stimulating economic activity in coastal regions.
The opening ceremony featured a range of exhibitions across 16 pavilions, showcasing traditional crafts, local culture, and natural reserves such as Arguin and Jauling Basin. Other participants included the Oceanographic Research Center, the National Tourism Office, and the Tourism Federation.
Authorities say the initiative reflects a strategic shift towards retaining tourism spending within Mauritania, reducing reliance on foreign travel, and positioning the country as an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors.
About The Author
