The summer season is fast approaching and looks promising according to the forecasts of tour operators, travel agencies and tourism specialists. Currently, preparations are well underway in the hotel units in Djerba and Zarzis, as well as the recovery of staff who have been unemployed for two years due to Covid-19.
Several hotels were stormed on the occasion of the Jewish pilgrimage of Ghriba which takes place from May 14 to 22. Indeed, between 4 and 5 thousand faithful are currently visiting the Synagogue of Djerba.
Taking advantage of his presence on the island of dreams, Mr. Moez Belhassine, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, visited some tourist units in Djerba and made a quick trip to Zarzis to visit the “Sultana” hotel, a charming guest house, classified 5 stars, the only one in the region approved by the Ministry of Tourism, to supervise the inventory of fixtures. Addressing the Minister, the owner of the hotel, who is of French nationality, pointed out that the state of the surroundings and especially the beach leave something to be desired, not hesitating to announce the closure of the hotel if the municipality of Zarzis Nord and Apal continue to turn a deaf ear.
After taking note, the minister moved to the locality of Jdéria, then and on board a boat he went to another small hotel which is on an islet at Lake El-Biban.
But, at the level of the tourism sector which, according to professionals, supports hundreds of families, many things remain to be done to give it the importance it deserves. Nothing has in fact been accomplished so far, apart from the allocation of a few authorizations allowing some to install refreshments, cabins and parasols on the public maritime domain.
In addition to the lack of parking lots, garbage is strewn everywhere and a foul smell attracts attention. On the other hand, last Sunday, a French tourist drowned at the level of shatt Amira because there are no lifeguards. However, last summer, three children died of drowning for the same reason, unlike previous years. Hopefully it won’t be carelessness and negligence. All you have to do is hire a dozen students who will be trained by the Civil Protection to take care of this temporary mission for two months (July-August). They will supervise the places that are supposed to be dangerous at the Corniche, Chott Sonia, Chott Amira, Béni Fteïel and intervene when necessary to help those who cannot swim.