The number of cruise passengers to visit the port of La Goulette in 2012 would reach 350,000 tourists (226 trips) against 313,000 (135 trips) in 2011, said Mohamed Jerbi, regional commissioner for tourism in Tunis.
Mr. Jerbi stated at a ceremony held Tuesday on the occasion of the arrival at the port of La Goulette of a cruise ship, coming under “MSC Cruises” Company that these forecasts are declining by 60% compared to 2010, considered a reference year marked by the arrival of 900,000 tourists (460 trips) to the port of La Goulette.
The official stressed the importance of cruise tourism, given its contribution to the revitalization of handicrafts trade and the development of activities of travel agencies and restaurants in the Medina of Tunis, especially since this category of tourists have a high purchasing power, he further stated.
Based in Geneva (Switzerland), “MSC Cruises,” which resumed its travels to Tunisia since July 2011, has 12 ships and 11 cruise ships.
Minister of Tourism, Mr. Elyes Fakhfakh, attended the ceremony.
