Algeria to train Russian-speaking guides as direct flights with Moscow set to resume

Algeria will train tourist guides in Russian as part of a push to attract more visitors from Russia, the country's tourism ministry has said.

Sabrina Boumezbar, director general at the ministry, said guides who speak English are being trained now, and Russian-language training is planned next. The ministry is working with other agencies to create favorable conditions for Russian tourists, she added, with faster digitalization of travel procedures and improvements to accommodation and excursion services.

A month earlier, Algeria's tourism and traditional crafts ministry signed a tourism memorandum with Russia's Economic Development Ministry. Boumezbar said practical measures are being developed to ease tourist movement, share tourism information and remove administrative barriers for companies and travelers.

Meanwhile, Russia's Rosaviatsia has approved Air Algerie's request to resume direct flights between Algiers and Moscow from early August.