Government authorities and local media in Tunisia report that the country’s tourism sector experienced a significant upturn in activity throughout the first six months of this year.
Per a recent report from Agence de Presse Africaine (APA), several key indicators rose significantly throughout the first half of 2025.
Specifically, these were visitor numbers, overnight stays, and revenues, and their progress is mostly thanks to improved air connectivity, a resurgence in traditional European markets, as well as Tunisia’s more focused tourism strategy.
The Ministry of Tourism reported that visitor numbers from January to June were up 18 percent compared to the first half of 2024.
Additional figures suggest that foreign currency earnings rose by approximately 25 percent, based on preliminary updates.
The northern coast of the country, along with the Sahel Region and the Southern Sahara, are the ones primarily reaping the benefits of these developments, as they have helped boost local employment and community economies.
Challenges remain
It should be noted, however, that the sector’s competitiveness remains under pressure due to increasing competition from rival markets.
Indeed, a statement from the Tunisian Hotel Federation (FTH) pointedly declares: “Growth is here, but competition is as fierce as ever.”
Tunisia’s rivals in terms of tourism include Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco, all of whom are investing significantly in high-end tourism, infrastructure development, and attractive tax incentives for investors.
Likewise, issues like delays in hotel renovation, security management challenges, and the slow adoption of digitalisation are weighing down Tunisia’s tourism strategies.
With this in mind, tourism and hospitality professionals are calling upon relevant authorities to significantly overhaul the current Tunisian tourism model, seeing a need to shift from an approach that puts too much emphasis on resorts.
As of press time, the Tunisian government is set to present its strategic plan for 2025-2030 by September of this year.
This plan aims to reposition the country as a premier tourist destination and will include new tax measures, support for modernisation initiatives, and a significant overhaul of sector governance.
