Tourism has always been one of Tunisia’s economic engines as well as an essential source of foreign currency for the country. It was among the sectors most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, which is now trying to recover despite the uncertainties that persist. Today, the supervising ministry is called upon to ensure the transition from an offer mainly positioned on mass tourism to an offer more oriented towards sustainable and cultural tourism by taking advantage of its great potential.
After two difficult years, during which the health crisis practically reduced the country’s tourist activity to zero, the sector seems ready to rebound. Operators and professionals in the sector are hoping for a quick return to normal and are already planning towards a new sector strategy. Beyond the figures, it is all the operators who have been hard hit within the most affected sector. Agencies, hotels, restaurants, tourist carriers, vehicle rental companies or even guides and leisure companies, craftsmen: many are in great difficulty or have simply closed down due to lack of revenue and visibility for two years.
The Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts indicates that the 2022 summer season is looking very good, with an average forecast recovery rate close to that of 2019. To achieve this, this department and its various structures are sparing no effort. efforts. For months, they have concluded several international agreements to attract more and more foreign tourists and strengthen the presence of the Tunisia destination with international travel prescribers. According to the latest monetary and financial indicators, published by the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT), cumulative tourist receipts increased by 51% to stand at 1.1 billion dinars. We also note an improvement in net assets in foreign currency which amounted to 24.2 billion dinars, against 21.3 billion dinars, on the same date of the previous year. Beyond this recovery, how can we strengthen tourism for the next few years? We must continue to invest in this major industry, which provides jobs, foreign currency and added value.