Riwaya Travel Wins the APST Young Tourism Entrepreneur Award

Recognition for our approach to responsible travel in Algeria

Riwaya Travel is proud to have received the APST Young Tourism Entrepreneur Award. Presented by the Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme, the award recognises our approach to developing travel in Algeria.

The distinction acknowledges co-founders Merwan Boultif and Sofiane Lesage’s commitment to thoughtful, high-quality and responsible tourism.

A different vision of travel in Algeria

Riwaya Travel was created with a clear ambition: to change perceptions of Algeria and introduce more travellers to a country rich in heritage and traditions.

“Riwaya Travel grew from a deep conviction: Algeria deserves to regain its place in the world’s travel imagination.” — Merwan Boultif, co-founder of Riwaya Travel

Our approach connects the details of a trip, from the airport welcome to encounters with local traditions, within a carefully organised experience.

At the time of the award, Riwaya Travel’s story included:

🌍 Travellers of 29 nationalities welcomed since its creation;
💼 18 team members between France and Algeria;
🤝 150 local partners, including guides, craftspeople and accommodation providers;
📈 €510,000 in first-year revenue;
💚 A social media community of more than 70,000 travel enthusiasts.

These figures reflect the growth of Riwaya Travel and the interest in its approach to discovering Algeria.

📍 Read next: Algeria’s must-see destinations

Recognition that builds trust

The APST award recognises a strategy built around quality, responsibility and trust.

“Above all, this award is a vote of confidence in our everyday work and in Algeria’s enormous potential as a destination.” — Sofiane Lesage, CEO of Riwaya Travel

Through this award, APST recognises initiatives contributing to the tourism sector. The 2025 jury included Mumtaz Teker, Laurent Abitbol, Emmanuel Toromanof, Adriana Minchella, Patrick Pourbaix, François-Xavier Genar, Tatiana Benkaroun and Ouardia Bessalem. It acknowledged Riwaya Travel’s efforts to combine business development with a positive local contribution.

The distinction also supports the confidence of international travellers choosing Riwaya Travel to explore Algeria.

Responsible tourism: quality and local contribution

Our approach rests on three priorities: sustainability, quality and local involvement.

We work with Tuareg guides, family-run guesthouses and partners developing practical social and environmental commitments.

We also seek to support younger tourism professionals and present a contemporary, inclusive image of Algeria.

“Our vision rests on three pillars: sustainability, quality and people. Travel should create connections and value for visitors and residents alike.” — Merwan Boultif

📍 Learn more: our responsible travel commitments

Thank you, and looking ahead

We thank APST and the jury for this recognition, as well as our partners, Les Entreprises du Voyage, Amadeus and the wider travel community for their trust.

Above all, thank you to our community. Your messages, recommendations and journeys encourage us to keep developing our work.