Some 166 small entrepreneurs, including 55 women, have been supported by the “Programme to Support Entrepreneurial Initiatives in Sustainable Tourism,” implemented by the Tunisian Association for Management and Social Stability (TAMSS).
This two-year programme was closed at a seminar organised Tuesday in Bardo.
This programme offers technical support covering a range of relevant topics related to entrepreneurs’ activities, as well as financial support of up to €5,000 (TND 16,700) per entrepreneur and aims to help boost the competitiveness of the regions and develop tourism ecosystem.
It helped create 42 small businesses and 200 jobs in various regions of Tunisia, including the northwest, the southwest, Nabeul, Zaghouan, Tunis, Mahdia, Sfax, Djerba-Zarzis, etc.
From alternative accommodation (guesthouses, rural hostels ) to waste collection and recycling, the organisation of excursions and hikes, speleology, jewellery making, the sale of drawings and watercolours on the internet, immersive technologies, the manufacture of traditional blankets and fabrics, traditional gastronomy, the production of ornamental and edible flowers, etc., the projects created will help develop local resources and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of target regions.
“The promotion of sustainable tourism is not simply an alternative to traditional tourism, but a necessity for the preservation of natural, cultural and social resources. Sustainable tourism is based on the fundamental principle of safeguarding natural and cultural resources for future generations. In Tunisia, we are blessed with remarkable biodiversity, spectacular landscapes from pristine beaches to verdant oases, and archaeological sites rich in history. It is our responsibility to protect these natural and cultural treasures, while sharing them with visitors from all over the world,” said Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Mohamed Moez Belhassine.
“Sustainable and responsible tourism also implies commitment to local communities. It’s about making sure economic benefits of tourism reach those who need them most, by promoting the development of small local businesses, creating sustainable jobs and respecting the rights and dignity of local people. Our sustainable tourism development strategy aims to balance the needs of visitors, industry, environment and local communities,” he added.
This programme is carried out under the “Promotion of Sustainable Tourism in Tunisia” project implemented by the Tourisl and Handicrafts Ministry with the support of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and jointly funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU) under the “Tounes Wijhetouna” programme.
