The International Saharan Tourism Festival is a strategic national event with an international dimension. It aims to promote desert tourism as an authentic and exceptional product by highlighting the immense tourism assets of the Algerian desert, positioning the country among the world’s most remarkable destinations.
This event offers an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Algeria’s southern provinces, each distinguished by unique natural and cultural characteristics that reflect the richness of the national identity. This diversity forms the backbone of Algeria’s desert tourism offering—serving as a bridge between cultures, a space for knowledge exchange, and a platform for envisioning promising future perspectives in the development and international strengthening of desert tourism.
The festival also represents an open space that brings together all actors in the tourism sector: experts, travel agencies, hotels, artisans, entrepreneurs in desert tourism promotion, state institutions, international partners, and media organizations. It attracts visitors from across Algeria and abroad who seek a unique immersive experience in the heart of the desert—an experience pulsating with local cultural spirit.
The event enables each stakeholder, within their field of expertise, to shed light on the current state of desert tourism, present key tourism services available, and discuss existing challenges and opportunities. It serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and best practices and for showcasing innovative youth-led initiatives in the sector.
The festival acquires a distinctive character through the Desert Tourism Exhibition and its accompanying cultural activities, which highlight the rich heritage of the Algerian desert regions encompassing 24 provinces (Adrar, Tamanrasset, Illizi, Tindouf, Béchar, El Oued, Ouargla, Ghardaïa, Laghouat, Biskra, Naama, El Bayadh, Djelfa, M’Sila, Timimoun, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, In Guezzam, Oulad Djellal, Béni Abbès, In Salah, Touggourt, Djanet, El Meghaier, and El Menia).
This heritage spans remarkable biodiversity, tangible cultural assets reflecting Algeria’s ancient history and the civilizations that succeeded one another across its lands, as well as intangible heritage that embodies the authenticity of traditions passed down through generations.
Timimoun, locally known as Tigourarine, is preparing to host the 7th edition of The International Saharan Tourism Festival, held under the theme: “Timimoun: An Ancient Millennium Unveiling Its Generosity”, from 4 to 6 December 2025.
After touring several provinces across the deep Algerian Sahara—such as Tamanrasset, Biskra, Béchar, Adrar, Ghardaïa, and El Oued—this major event returns once again to the vast region of Touat–Gourara–Tidikelt. For the first time since its elevation to a fully empowered province in 2021, Timimoun will proudly host the festival.
The Red Oasis, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, golden dunes, lush palm groves, and its unique architectural identity embodied in centuries-old red-clay ksour, promises a rich and diverse program. The event will showcase the region’s authenticity, natural splendor, cultural depth, and the renowned warmth and generosity of its people.
FITS began in Tamanrasset, the capital of the Ahaggar region.
Hosted in Biskra, the Bride of Ziban and the Gateway to the Sahara.
Held in Béchar, the capital of the Saoura region.
Hosted in Adrar, the jewel of the Algerian South.
Returned after 8 years (2022) to Ghardaïa, home of the historic ksour (fortified villages).
Organized in the province of El Oued under the slogan “A Thousand Stars.
Hosted in Timimoun from December 4–6, 2025, under the slogan:
“Timimoun: The Authentic Millennium Reveals Its Generosity”
The 7th edition of the International Festival of Saharan Tourism in Timimoun aims to:
Enhance Algeria’s image as a distinguished destination for Saharan tourism by highlighting its natural and cultural diversity and promoting tourism services that combine authenticity and modernity.
Establish sustainable economic and commercial dynamism by supporting stakeholders in tourism, traditional crafts, and tourism services, contributing to wealth diversification and creating job opportunities for local communities.
Valorize natural resources and preserve the desert environment through a responsible approach that considers environmental and cultural aspects in tourism development, ensuring the sustainability of natural heritage and local identity for future generations.
Promote tourism investment and strengthen exchanges at national and international levels by building partnerships with travel agencies, airlines, and hospitality institutions, with the goal of positioning the Algerian Sahara as a premier global destination.
Festival Program: A Blend of Diversity and Creativity in Organization and Content
The 7th edition of the International Festival of Saharan Tourism in Timimoun will shine with a new and distinguished approach. Its organization draws inspiration from the rich and authentic Saharan heritage, fostering creativity and innovation while promoting sustainable development that respects the region’s cultural identity and keeps pace with contemporary transformations.
This edition’s program includes:
Scientific meetings on sustainable Saharan tourism led by field experts to present experiences and exchange knowledge.
Open discussions with tourism stakeholders to showcase achievements, discuss projects and challenges, and explore future prospects for a Sahara tourism sector aligned with international standards.
Special exhibition on tourism and traditional crafts, highlighting local expertise in carpets, jewelry, pottery, leatherwork, baskets, and more, while presenting the variety of tourism services available in the southern provinces.
Innovation and technology space for tourism promotion, where creative youth showcase digital experiences connecting past and present—from desert caravan traditions to virtual visits—demonstrating the new generation’s dynamic approach to preserving and modernizing heritage.
Audiovisual productions by talented young creators inspired by the Algerian Sahara, promoting the region through creative visual and audio content.
Field tourism excursions along Timimoun’s scenic routes, showcasing living heritage that reflects local ingenuity and adaptability to the desert environment.
Music and heritage performances representing various Saharan art forms, emphasizing the diversity of local cultural heritage.
Sports activities highlighting key traditional and modern sports practiced in the Sahara.
Creative competitions to encourage young talent in traditional crafts, local cuisine, and tourism promotion (photo, video, or project), with awards for winners and recognition for prominent figures who have contributed to Saharan tourism.