North Africa is to become one of the 'hot spots' of world tourism. In particular, Libya and Algeria are the latest countries predicted to have the potential to share in the boom that neighbouring countries such as Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia are enjoying. This is the prediction from the World Travel Market Global Trend Report 2007 released yesterday, and published in partnership with market intelligence company Euromonitor International. Libya and Algeria have been neglected by international visitors mainly due to domestic political tensions. Both governments are now embracing tourism development as a means for economic growth and have started to build the necessary infrastructure as well as welcoming foreign investment, particularly from Middle East countries. The combination of culture with "sun, sand and sea" has already attracted a number of international hotel groups. The Corinthia Group operates a five-star hotel in Tripoli, while the Italian company Gruppo Norman is building a resort to accommodate up to 3,800 people on Farwa Island. Accor Group plans to open 36 hotels in Algeria by 2015, while Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide are doing business in Algeria with further development projects submitted to the Ministry of Tourism.

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