In an article examining the outlook for Tunisia’s upcoming tourist season, particularly regarding French visitors, Visa Algérie notes that while Tunisia remains a leading destination for the French market, it is experiencing a notable decline for the summer 2024 season. According to data from Entreprises du Voyage (EdV) and the Orchestra barometer:
Drop in bookings: The number of French tourists choosing Tunisia this summer is down by 15% compared to the same period in 2023.
Losing ground to competitors: Historically on the podium, Tunisia has this year been overtaken by destinations such as Greece and Spain, although it remains among the top choices for both long-haul and medium-haul travel.
Beyond the decline in visitor numbers, the spending behavior of French travelers in Tunisia is also changing. French holidaymakers are becoming more budget-conscious.
The article highlights a desire to control costs, resulting in a lower average spending per traveler.
This caution is attributed to inflation in France and declining purchasing power, prompting tourists to opt for shorter stays or more affordable options.
This trend is not unique to Tunisia. Morocco is also seeing a drop in French visitors (around -7%).
Overall, the Maghreb is experiencing budget trade-offs from French travelers who, despite their strong attachment to these destinations, are scaling back this summer mainly for economic and social reasons, including the context of elections and political uncertainty in France, which are cited as factors slowing bookings.
