Saharan tourism remains a hidden asset of the national economy. Promoting it today is more than a necessity, it is a relatively underexploited niche poised for significant development in the coming years.
To this end, efforts are being coordinated and strategies refined by both the authorities and, even more so, the private sector.
Adel Sbita, Regional Commissioner for Tourism in Tozeur, stated in an exclusive interview with Africanmanager that “after more than 13 years of closure, the Tamerza Palace Hotel in Tozeur is preparing to reopen and resume operations.”
He noted that the hotel, closed since 2013, will resume activity within three months at the latest and added that the sector will also be strengthened by the upcoming opening of the Nakhil Hotel, bringing the total number of tourism establishments to 25, including both hotels and guest houses.
He confirmed that visitor arrivals in the region increased by 9.7% between early January and June 10, 2025, while overnight stays rose by 10.3%, despite a national average of around 11%.
He added that the general situation is reassuring and Tunisia is on track to achieve the goal of attracting around 11 million tourists this year.
In the same context, the regional official stated that the booking rate in the region has increased by 12% during the current period.
He noted that the indicators have clearly improved and that the region experienced significant tourist activity, especially from November to March, with domestic tourism showing a strong rebound, particularly during New Year’s and school holidays.
On another note, the official mentioned that domestic tourism has grown, representing more than one-third of total tourism during the past period.
Despite high temperatures, the region’s hotels are mostly frequented by visitors coming from other tourist destinations,” he said.
Organized trips and early bookings
In response to a question about promotional offers aimed at attracting more local tourists, he stressed that the southern region offers packages adapted to Tunisians’ purchasing power. He pointed out that organized trips greatly reduce expenses.
He also encouraged Tunisians who want to visit southern Tunisia to book early to benefit from preferential and reasonable rates.
According to the latest data from the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT), tourism revenues reached a new high in 2024.
Cumulative tourism revenues rose by 6.3% to 6.6 billion dinars as of November 20, 2024, according to monetary and financial indicators published by the issuing institution.
The observed growth is explained by several factors: the return of political stability, combined with an aggressive international tourism promotion campaign, has clearly paid off.
Tourists, attracted by Tunisia’s cultural and natural treasures, have been turning out in growing numbers.
Tourism professionals have welcomed these encouraging results, while remaining cautious about the future.
Challenges remain, particularly increased competition from rival tourist destinations and global economic uncertainty.
Nonetheless, medium-term prospects appear rather favorable.
