Mauritania bids to revive tourism after decade of security-driven decline
Mauritania is making a gradual return to the international tourism map after more than a decade of sharp visitor decline triggered by a series of armed attacks linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The country, which once attracted around 30,000 tourists annually - largely from France and partly drawn by the Dakar Rally - saw arrivals collapse following a 2007 attack in which four French tourists were killed near the town of Aleg. With no reported attacks since 2011, the government has since strengthened its security apparatus, engaged religious leaders in counter-extremism efforts, and stepped up international tourism marketing. Tourist arrivals rose 166% between 2018 and 2019 after visa fees were reduced from €120 to €40, and approximately 7,000 visitors have been recorded so far in 2026.
Mauritania's drawcard remains its largely untouched Saharan landscapes, including the Richat Structure - a 40km geological formation in the Adrar Plateau known as the "Eye of Africa" - as well as ancient ruins, the viral Iron Ore Train route, and a deeply rooted culture of desert hospitality. In April 2026, the Sheraton became the first international hotel chain to open in the capital, Nouakchott, signalling growing investor confidence. However, challenges remain, with visitors noting gaps in site infrastructure, limited luxury accommodation and inconsistent tour coordination. Travel expert Sean Connolly, who named Mauritania his destination of the year for The Times of London, described it as one of the last places where travellers can freely and safely explore the Sahara - a distinction that is increasingly rare across the region.
Source: Aljazeera
