Tourism
From The Report: Tunisia 2017
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The previous years have been marked by highs and lows for many countries in the MENA region. The Tunisian tourism industry, however, has begun showing small signs of recovery following a sharp drop in international arrivals in the aftermath of two acts of terrorism. The Tunisian government and tourism industry actors have been working to capitalise on a renewed sense of stability by tapping into new markets, as well as reconceiving the way Tunisia approaches tourism. Beyond the traditional mass-market segment, the country is looking to diversify its selection by offering luxury accommodation, attracting major international hotel brands, expanding its medical tourism offering and developing alternative forms of tourism, such as bed and breakfasts and vacation rental home options. These attempts have begun to show results. The combination of new markets, new tourism offerings and new investors is beginning to lay the foundations for positive development in the next few years.

This chapter contains interviews with Salma Elloumi Rekik, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts; and Amine Moukarzel, President, Golden Tulip Hotels and Resorts, MENA Region.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Recovery road: Smart policy, increased security and a focus on new segments
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The previous years have been marked by highs and lows for many countries in the MENA region. The Tunisian tourism industry, however, has begun showing small signs of recovery following a sharp drop in international arrivals in the aftermath of two acts of terrorism – one at the Bardo Museum in Tunis in March 2015 and another at a Sousse resort in June 2015. The Tunisian government and tourism industry actors have been working towards capitalising on a renewed sense of stability by tapping…

Analysis

Up market: Expanding luxury tourism to attract high-end travellers
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Tunisia is mostly known for its mass-market packaged tourism; however, as the number of European arrivals continues to decline, the coming years will see Tunisia’s luxury hotels undergo a growth spurt as more international chains take over existing hotels and build new properties to attract upmarket travellers. Major Players A variety of international chains catering to a high-end and business clientele are already present, largely in Tunis’ premium neighbourhoods such as Les Berges…

Overview

Regaining ground: Salma Elloumi Rekik, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, on sector recovery efforts and diversification of offerings
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Interview:Salma Elloumi Rekik How important is tourism to the economy, and what actions has the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts taken to hasten the recovery of the sector? SALMA ELLOUMI REKIK: The tourism sector accounts for 7-14% of Tunisia’s GDP. For every 10 tourism jobs created, another 24 corollary jobs are generated. Given the significant amount of jobs created directly and indirectly by tourism, a crisis in the sector quickly reverberates throughout the rest of the economy. After…

Interview

Steps to recovery: Amine Moukarzel, President, Golden Tulip Hotels and Resorts, MENA Region, on widening the sector’s appeal and strengthening security
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Interview:Amine Moukarzel What steps should stakeholders take to hasten the recovery of the tourism sector? AMINE MOUKARZEL: The tourism industry in Tunis has all the necessary fundamentals in place and for many years led the national Tunisian economy as an important player that contributed to the development and success of the hospitality industry, providing many jobs and contributing to the GDP of the country. Though the shocks of the Arab Spring have opened up new opportunities in various…

Analysis

Restoring confidence: Added security measures coupled with new incentives aim to bring back tourists
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Tunisia’s 2015 season was marked by an unfortunate series of attacks targeting tourists at the Bardo Museum and the Imperial Marhaba, a Sousse beach-side resort. Such events, coupled with the neighbouring political and security crisis in Libya, caused a decrease in international tourism for the rest of the 2015 season and a slow recovery for 2016. In response, the Tunisian government has launched a multi-pronged attempt to bring visitors back to the country. Working in coordination with…