Tourism in Algeria: La Radieuse marks the revival of national tourism
A historic achievement for Algeria.
It’s now official: Oran has just been crowned the best emerging tourism city in Africa 2025 at the prestigious AFASU Gold Awards ceremony, organised by the Afro-Asian Union.
A resounding victory, hailed by the Fédération nationale algérienne de l’hôtellerie et du tourisme (FNHT) and reported by El Watan, which lifts the “Radieuse” to the summit of continental tourism.
Competing against more than twenty African destinations – from Marrakech to Cape Town, via Kigali and Zanzibar – Oran emerged as a model of balance between heritage, modernity and sustainability.
This prestigious title crowns years of efforts by the local authorities and players in the sector to transform the city into a veritable showcase for the new generation of Algerian tourism.
For Algeria, this distinction goes far beyond the local context: it marks a strategic step in the diversification of its economy and its stated ambition to become a key Mediterranean destination by 2030.
A well-deserved distinction after years of transformation
Behind this award lies a decade of urban and tourist metamorphosis.
As Abdelouahab Boulefkhad, President of the FNHT, points out in the columns of El Watan:
“The choice of Oran was no accident. It was based on its major tourist assets, its modern infrastructure and its proven organisational capacity for large-scale events
The organisation of the 2022 Mediterranean Games marked a decisive turning point.
To mark the occasion, the city underwent an unprecedented modernisation:
– Redevelopment of roads and public spaces
– Development of the seafront and pedestrian areas
– Renovation of hotel infrastructure
– Extension of the urban transport network
As a result, Oran now boasts more than 230 hotels, including some thirty 4 and 5-star hotels that meet international standards.
This move upmarket positions the city as a serious alternative to the major tourist capitals of the Maghreb.
The international arbitration committee of the Afro-Asian Union, made up of experts in tourism, marketing and sustainable development, praised Oran for :
“The richness of its cultural identity, the rise of its infrastructure, the preservation of its natural habitats and its commitment to environmentally friendly tourism.”
Oran, capital of raï and modernity
Nicknamed “El Bahia”, literally “the radiant one”, Oran perfectly embodies the spirit of an open, creative and cosmopolitan Algeria.
As the cradle of raï, the emblematic music born in its working-class districts, the city is a living symbol of contemporary Algerian culture.
To stroll through its narrow streets is to travel between colonial history and modern effervescence:
– The Santa Cruz Fort and its chapel overlooking the bay offer an unforgettable panorama.
– The regional theatre, a jewel of colonial architecture, hosts festivals and performances every year.
– The seafront and Place du 1er Novembre beat to the rhythm of the cafés, the artists and the families who have come to breathe in the Mediterranean breeze.
A few kilometres away, the beaches of Aïn El Turk, Les Andalouses and Cap Falcon invite you to relax in an idyllic setting.
The city has succeeded in combining urban modernity, legendary hospitality and cultural pride, attracting a new generation of travellers from Algeria and abroad.
Oran also boasts a generous gastronomy: Oranese couscous, grilled fish, bradj with honey… all flavours that reflect the warmth and friendliness of the region.
A promising prize for Algerian tourism
The Golden Award 2025 is not just an honorary medal – it is a lever for attractiveness and investment.
The mission of the Afro-Asian Union, under the aegis of the Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organisation (AAPSO), is to reveal the continent’s new tourist capitals.
The aim of the award is to:
– Highlight the continent’s little-known treasures
– Encourage private and public investment in the sector
– Promote regional cooperation in tourism
– Stimulate the creation of sustainable, skilled jobs
For Algeria, this distinction comes at just the right time.
At a time when the country is investing massively in the modernisation of its infrastructure, international promotion and the training of tourism professionals, Oran has become the symbol of a national revival.
The city is proving that sustainable, high-quality Algerian tourism that is open to the world is now possible.
The economic benefits are already being felt, with an increase in bookings, growing interest from tour operators and a proliferation of hotel projects.
Oran’s not-to-be-missed places to (re)discover
If you’re planning a visit to the “Radieuse”, don’t miss these must-see gems:
- Santa Cruz Fort and Chapel: the symbol of the city, the fort overlooks the sea at an altitude of over 400 metres. The view over the Bay of Oran is one of the most spectacular in North Africa.
- Seafront and Place du 1er Novembre: this is the vibrant heart of Oran, bustling day and night. Ideal for strolls, street concerts and sunsets over the Mediterranean.
- Théâtre régional d’Oran: a masterpiece of French colonial architecture, it hosts a rich and varied cultural programme, reflecting the local artistic dynamism.
- Aïn El Turk and Cap Falcon beaches: long stretches of golden sand, turquoise waters and a family-friendly atmosphere: Oran’s seaside dream par excellence.
- Musée Ahmed Zabana: a must-see if you want to understand the history of Algerian resistance and discover the region’s heritage treasures.
- Raï evenings and festivals: every summer, the city vibrates to the rhythm of the International Raï Festival, paying tribute to its legends: Cheb Khaled, Mami and Hasni.
A showcase for an entire country
With this award, Oran becomes the spearhead of Algerian tourism.
But beyond the city itself, a whole national vision of sustainable tourism is taking shape:
– Enhancing the value of the regions (from the Sahara to the coast)
– Encouraging ecotourism and cultural tours
– Training professionals to international standards
– Promoting a positive, modern image of Algeria
Local initiatives, supported by the new strategies of the Ministry of Tourism, aim to develop a diversified and inclusive offer, supported by projects such as Guide Algérie, which references key destinations, formalities and tours to discover.
In conclusion: El Bahia, a symbol of new momentum
Oran 2025 is more than a victory: it’s the embodiment of a collective dream.
The dream of an Algeria that is proud of its identity, open to the world and resolutely looking to the future.
The Golden Award confirms this dynamic: El Bahia has become the ambassador of Algerian tourism in Africa, a city that inspires and attracts, combining culture, modernity and authenticity.
In the light of the Mediterranean, Oran continues to shine – like a call to rediscover Algeria, differently.
