As the year 2019 comes to a close, the city of Tizi Ouzou in Algeria is gearing up for its traditional New Year's celebrations. Despite the country's economic difficulties and political instability, residents are preparing for the festivities. The city's public spaces, such as the old train station, the old town hall, and the garden of the grand mosque, are being transformed into vibrant areas with colorful decorations, food vendors, and entertainment for children.
The celebrations are taking on a more subdued tone this year, with many residents opting to stay at home due to the high cost of travel. A local teacher noted that her family would be celebrating at home, as they couldn't afford to travel abroad or even within the country. She mentioned that the cost of a simple game ticket was 200 Algerian dinars (DA), and a small bag of sweets was 150 DA, which was too expensive for many families.
The trend of staying at home for New Year's celebrations is reflected in the reduced demand for travel bookings. Local travel agencies reported a significant decrease in bookings, particularly for trips abroad. The owner of one travel agency noted that many Algerians were dissuaded by the high costs and difficulties in obtaining visas for European destinations.
Tunisia remains the most popular destination for Algerian tourists, due to its relatively affordable prices and easier travel procedures. However, even this destination is seeing a decline in bookings. A travel agent noted that the treatment of Algerians in Tunisia was not always favorable, which was deterring some from traveling there.
In contrast, some residents in rural areas, such as Maâtkas, plan to celebrate the New Year with traditional gatherings and festivities. They intend to come together, share food and drinks, and celebrate with a large outdoor fire.
The economic uncertainty and crisis in Algeria are having a significant impact on the tourism industry, with many travel agencies struggling to stay afloat. The owner of one agency called for a focus on developing local tourism, which was still in its infancy.
As the people of Tizi Ouzou prepare to bid farewell to 2019, they are hopeful that the new year will bring more prosperity and stability to the country. Many are looking forward to a better future, with some expressing a desire to travel and explore new destinations.
Key points
- The high cost of travel and economic uncertainty are leading many Algerians to celebrate New Year's Eve at home.
- Tunisia remains the most popular destination for Algerian tourists due to its affordable prices.
- The Algerian tourism industry is struggling due to economic difficulties and decreased demand for travel.
