Tunisia remains ‘Algeria’s favorite destination’. There are a number of reasons why Algerian tourists flock to Tunisia. Firstly, the opening of the land and air borders between the two countries has made travel much easier.
This opening is seen as a positive sign for travelers looking for new experiences. In addition, bilateral relations between Tunisia and Algeria have improved, strengthening the ties between the two nations.
Tunisia also has a rich cultural, historical and architectural heritage to offer travelers. Its culinary traditions, typical dishes and colorful markets are just some of the attractions for visitors in search of gastronomic and cultural discoveries.
The modern and varied tourist infrastructure also adds to the appeal of this neighboring country.
Tunisia also organizes numerous cultural and artistic events throughout the year, attracting a diverse and curious public. These events offer Algerians the opportunity to discover Tunisian culture from a new angle.
Large numbers of Algerians at border crossings
The border crossings in the Jendouba governorate, particularly the Melloula crossing at Tabarka and Bouchebka, have seen a marked increase in the number of Algerian tourists arriving since the start of the winter season.
Regional tourism commissioner, Issa Marouani, told TAP news agency that the number of visitors rose by 30% during the first two weeks of December, with 6,150 tourists compared to 4,853 during the same period last year.
He added that the Algerian market recorded an increase of 21% between January 1 and December 15, 2024, with 1 million 200,000 Algerian tourists visiting the country, compared with 985,000 during the same period last year.
The number of Algerian tourists expected to visit the region for the end-of-year holidays is set to reach record levels, particularly in Tabarka.
Algerians top the list
In 2023, Tunisia saw impressive growth in tourism, with an increase of 49.3% over the previous year.
It is worth noting that this upward trend had already begun in 2022, when Tunisia welcomed 68% of the number of tourists in 2019.
Algerians were the main foreign visitors to Tunisia in 2023, with an impressive total of 2.7 million visitors.
This figure reflects not only the geographical proximity of the two countries, but also Tunisia’s appeal to Algerian travelers.
Libyans came second, with a total of 2.1 million visitors. The French are in third place, with 974,000 tourists visiting Tunisia in the same year.
Non-stop seduction campaigns
Algerian tourists are held in high esteem in Tunisia because, unlike other visitors, especially Europeans, they are not afraid to spend.
The fact that Algerians and Tunisians share the same language, history and traditions is a major factor in their choice of Tunisia, which also offers a diversified tourist product that meets their expectations.
The Ministry of Tourism is committed to improving Tunisia’s image among tourists, diversifying its tourist offer and promoting the quality of its services.
To this end, a number of promotional campaigns have been launched in several countries, including Algeria, whose market remains very loyal to Tunisia as a destination.
These promotional campaigns have focused on the launch of a series of measures, including improving the reception of Algerian tourists travelling to Tunisia by air and land.
Finally, it should be remembered that Tunisia has become a sort of pilgrimage to the seaside resorts of Nabeul, Hammamet, Sousse and Djerba, despite the fact that the service in some hotels leaves something to be desired, the reception by receptionists and other hotel staff who prefer to make eyes at foreigners, and a surge in bookings that are no longer affordable.
