Tunisia has over 800 hotels, with 670 currently operational. The direct GDP of the tourism sector is estimated at 7.3 billion dinars, contributing 4.9% to national GDP.
While efforts have been made to boost Tunisia’s image, through modernized promotion, stronger international presence, and high-value projects—the sector still faces major challenges. MP Yassine Mami emphasized the need to treat tourism as a national priority, given its role in attracting foreign currency and supporting state revenues.
Speaking to Express FM, Mami called for a year-round tourism strategy focused on diversifying offerings beyond traditional beach tourism. He noted that private initiatives have taken the lead, but the state has yet to provide a clear or effective response, despite the country’s rich cultural and natural assets.
He criticized the outdated operating mechanisms in the sector, stressing that no major structural reforms have been made to align with global tourism trends.
He urged the government to move beyond general slogans and provide real support, saying the private sector cannot carry the weight alone.
Mami called for greater investment, service improvement, and better coordination, arguing that tourism must become a true engine of economic growth and job creation.
Although tourist arrivals have returned to pre-COVID levels, he stressed that success should be measured not only in numbers of visitors or overnight stays, but in tourist spending across museums, restaurants, cultural sites, and interregional travel—activities that directly boost local economies.
Call for diversification and clear frameworks
Mami advocated for innovative approaches that encourage tourists to explore beyond their hotels, integrating cultural, recreational, and experiential elements into a complete travel experience.
He criticized the lack of concrete implementation of tourism strategies, urging Tunisia to capitalize on its strategic location, diverse climate, and human capital.
He also highlighted the urgent need to publish regulatory frameworks for alternative tourism, which would offer a legal and operational structure to attract investment and ensure sustainable development in this growing niche.
Tourism Revenue on the Rise
Tunisia welcomed 2.3 million tourists between January 1 and April 20, 2025, an 8.8% increase over the same period in 2024. According to Mohamed Mehdi Haloui, Director-General of the National Tourist Office (ONTT), tourism revenues reached nearly 1.6 billion dinars, up 85.3 million dinars from last year.
He also noted strong growth from European markets (+24.4%) and the Maghreb region (+4.6%).
Haloui predicted 2025 will surpass 2024, which already saw 10.26 million visitors, and said reaching 11 million tourists in 2025 is within reach.
