Promoting cultural tourism through heritage preservation: Guesthouses as catalysts in the Casbah of Algiers.

Abstract

This study is based on comparative analytical approach that uses the Casbah of Algiers as a case study to asses the potential of heritage guesthouse in fostering cultural tourism. Combining documentary analysis; a survey of 68 visitors, and a SWOT framework; it examines the contribution of guesthouses to cultural tourism dvelopment in Algeria within broader macroeconomic dynamics, while drawing comparison with France and Tunisia. The survey findings indicates a strong interest among visitors in staying in heritage guesthouse, highlighting their potential to enhance authentic cultural experiences while supporting local economic development and heritage preservation. The results also reveal that, despite Algeria’s rich cultural heritage and several UNESCO World Heritage sites, cultural tourisme remains weakly integrated into national economic strategy. Unlike France and Tunisia, where institutional support, fiscal incentives and governance strucures have strengthened the sector, Algeria continues to face constraints related to informal operations, limited infrastructure, and legal uncertainty. The study therefore recommends the establishment of an integrated national strategy linking tourism, culture, and economic policy, emphasizing improved governance, better infrastructure, and the formalization of guesthouse activities to transform cultural tourism into a genuine catalyst for economic diversification and sustainable development.