ALGIERS, May 19, 2007 (AFP) - Algeria is looking for international hotel operators to run the two best-known hotels in the capital Algiers under renewable 30-year contracts, the government said Saturday.
Those interested in running the El-Djazair, a relic of the French colonial era still popularly known under its original name, the St George, and the more contemporary El-Aurassi have until June 11 to express interest.
Ownership of the properties would remain in the hands of the Algerian government, which has been undertaking a broad privatisation of the economy of north Africa's biggest country.
The El-Djazair, with 296 rooms, sits high over Algiers, and boasts a guest list that has included British World War II leader Winston Churchill, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and author Rudyard Kipling.
The El-Aurassi boasts 455 rooms, many of them with panoramic views over downtown Algiers and the Mediterranean Sea.
It also rises above the headquarters of the Algerian government -- one of three targets hit by suicide bombers on April 11 that left 30 dead and 220 injured, in an attack claimed by Al-Qaeda's branch in north Africa.
Both hotels are popular with foreign visitors, although recent guests agree they could do with a face-lift.
The investment promotion ministry, which is inviting the tenders, said bidders should have a track record in running top-end hotels, including at least two five-star properties in cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants.
hz-abh/rom/ar
Algeria-tourism-hotel-privatisation
