Tourism

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.