The latest statistical indicators published by the Ministry of Tourism show that the sector has recorded positive figures from the beginning of this year until March 20, 2023. In fact, tourism revenues in Tunisia have increased by 66% to reach a value of 881 million dinars compared to the same period in 2022.
The number of arrivals in Tunisia reached almost 1.4 million, up 11.8% compared to the corresponding period in 2019, while the number of overnight stays reached 2.2 million.
These figures come at a time when the Ministry has confirmed that it has begun the adoption of a practical plan to revive tourism activity after COVID-19. This involves diversifying tourism products and offers according to the evolution of the demands of those who wish to spend their holidays in Tunisia. It has announced in particular the availability of the various tourist facilities to receive tourists from different countries of the world.
According to the Ministry, Tunisia is the fourth most popular destination for French tourists, and this predicts a promising tourist season.
Strong demand
Tourism revenues grew by 83% in 2022 compared to 2021, reaching 4.2 billion dinars, according to the monetary and financial indicators published by the Central Bank of Tunisia.
In this regard, the ministry stressed that the indicators for the tourism sector in Tunisia, recorded throughout the year 2022, show that the targets set for this year will be exceeded, being between 50 and 60% of the figures of 2019, to reach a total of about 70%.
The number of arrivals in Tunisia, according to the data published by the competent services of the Ministry of the Interior, has reached more than 6 million and 437 thousand tourists of various nationalities, an increase of more than 160% compared to 2021.
According to the Central Bank of Tunisia, tourism receipts in 2022 have increased by 83.1% compared to 2021, reaching approximately 4.279 million dinars, and have recovered 76% of the receipts of 2019.
Statistics on the number of overnight stays by foreign visitors show that around 20 million tourist overnight stays were recorded for the whole of 2022, an increase of around 140% compared to 2021 and a recovery rate of around 65% of the number of overnight stays in 2019.
Moreover, the Tunisian tourist destination will experience a strong demand from travelers in 2023, according to Minister Mohamed Moez Belhassine in several media statements. He stressed the importance of a good preparation for the summer of 2023 and expressing his hope for the return of the Russian market, which reached about 630 thousand tourists in 2019.
Same figures as in 2019
“Tourism is picking up again, we are on the same figures as in 2019,” rejoices Adel Mhenni, head of public relations for the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT), who was quoted by TourMaG during Ditex 2023.
“It is certainly the proximity, the price, the welcome that are our main assets”, he adds.
As every year, the ONTT takes advantage of the DITEX to review the partners: local travel agencies, tour operators, but also the airlines which serve Tunisia (Air France, Transavia, Tunisair, Nouvel Air).
The summer of 2023 is already shaping up to be “full” in terms of bookings and the destination is aiming for one million tourists against 800,000 in 2022.
