Travel
An Arab World’s Tourism Holdout Is Easing Path to Visit Sahara’s Wonders
- Algeria is trying to attract more visitors to its remote south
- North African nation looks to diversify energy-reliant economy
One of the Arab world’s last holdouts to global vacationers is slowly opening up, as a new Algerian visa program gives more outsiders the chance to take in the lunar landscapes and prehistoric art of its vast Sahara desert.
Unlike Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco, Africa’s largest country hasn’t prioritized tourism despite its proximity to Europe. It may sport majestic Roman ruins, picturesque Mediterranean cities and soaring Atlas mountains, but this fiercely independent energy exporter has mostly kept its treasures to itself.