ORAN– The province of Oran received the "Golden Award" on Thursday evening from the Afro-Asian Union of Tourism, Crafts, Research and E-Commerce (AFASU), which was granted to Algeria's western capital at the end of October as Africa's best emerging tourism destination for 2025.
The award was presented, on behalf of Oran’s governor, Ibrahim Ouchene, to the province’s Secretary General Fodil Laïdani, by AFASU’s President Hossam Darwish and Secretary General Achraf Mahmoud Abou Aich.
The award ceremony was attended by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts, Moussa Benthamer, the President of the National Federation of Hospitality and Tourism, Abdelouahab Boulefkhadh, and several players of tourism sector.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony, Benthamer said that Oran's recognition as Africa's best emerging tourism destination for 2025 reflects the numerous development programs implemented by the government in the province, alongside its rich historical and cultural heritage.
He added that Oran's selection was no accident, but rather based on the diverse tourism offerings and investments in "Oran El-Bahia," the city's year-round development momentum, and its substantial infrastructure, including road networks, airports, ports, and tourism facilities, which establish Oran as a premier tourist destination.
For his part, Boulefkhadh emphasized that Oran's recognition as Africa's best emerging destination is the result of important efforts deployed by the State, led by President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who places a special emphasis on this strategic sector.
Oran is a tourist city par excellence that has capitalized on its geographic location, heritage, and culture to become one of the region's leading tourism destinations, he said, adding that the artistic, film, and sporting events hosted by the city in recent years have further enhanced the western Algerian capital's prestigious and appealing image.
For his part, President of the Afro-Asian Union of Tourism, Crafts, Research and E-Commerce said that Oran was selected based on multiple criteria, including its human resources, tourism infrastructure, historical significance, recreational facilities, cultural richness and sports venues.
He pointed out that the jury, comprising experts from around the world specializing in tourism, economic, and sustainable development, initially shortlisted five African cities, then narrowed it down to three, before ultimately selecting Oran with over 90% of the vote.
The Secretary General of the Afro-Asian Union confirmed that among the key factors in this decision were the qualities of Oran's residents, "hospitable, welcoming and always smiling."
