The tourism sector experienced an unprecedented recovery in 2024, exceeding even the most optimistic forecasts.
After the dark years of the COVID crisis and the global economic challenges, its performance is reaching new heights.
By December 10, 2024, Tunisia will have welcomed a total of 9 million and 555,000 tourists, exceeding the forecasts made at the beginning of the year, Ayem Rahmani, director of studies and international cooperation at the Tunisian National Tourist Office said in an interview with Mosaïque FM.
If this growth trend continues, Tunisia could attract more than 10 million tourists by the end of the year, thanks to the “considerable efforts” made by the authorities and promotional policies that have enabled Tunisia’s tourism offer to adapt to the different expectations of visitors, while at the same time attracting new markets.
Rahmani pointed out that by December 10, the number of tourists had already exceeded last year’s figure of around 9.37 million, as well as the record set in 2019, the reference year before the COVID-19 pandemic, when Tunisia welcomed more than 9.4 million tourists.
Tourism revenues also increased by 7.3% until December 10, reaching 7.05 billion dinars, an increase of 11.5% compared to the same period in 2019.
Tourism sector in need of overhaul
However, today, several decades after its introduction in the country and in view of the changes it has undergone in Tunisia and the world, tourism needs a complete overhaul, encompassing all its sub-products and all its related parameters, starting with a broad debate to define a new strategy to ensure its development and sustainability.
The adoption of a tourism code, the simplification of procedures for managing alternative tourism and the creation of labeled projects in this field are the main recommendations aimed at resolving the administrative and legal difficulties encountered by professionals in the tourism sector.
These recommendations were adopted at the end of a study initiated by the Tunisian Federation of Travel Agencies (FTAV) in partnership with the German Association of Tour Operators (DRV).
They relate to the drafting and promulgation of a single “tourism code”, including a specific chapter on alternative and sustainable tourism, “to put an end to the current maze of procedures and ensure greater consistency in the rules and procedures to be followed by operators in the sector”.
The code also aims to simplify the monitoring and control of activities by the relevant ministries and bodies.
Tunisia has no shortage of assets that will enable it to turn the new forms of tourism into a real driving force for regional development and to attract a tourist clientele that is interested in culture, nature and authenticity.
Tunisia is another country that warns against welcoming “too many tourists” who limit themselves to the most popular beaches and seaside resorts.
That’s why the authorities are now trying to spread tourism around the country to avoid overcrowding in the most popular spots.
The country hopes to welcome 10 million visitors by the end of 2024, including nearly 300,000 from the UK.
