After two years of global health crisis and a delicate political and social context, a wind of optimism is blowing on the tourism sector, which hopes to regain color.
Cruise tourism is booming in Tunisia. Stopovers, in this case at the port of La Goulette, are an opportunity to diversify the tourist offer and enhance the Tunisian cities which, for the most part, are full of a very rich cultural heritage.
After two years of global health crisis and a delicate political and social context, a wind of optimism is blowing on the tourism sector, which hopes to regain color.
At the port of La Goulette, tourists are back in numbers. In addition to the ordinary visits of the Medina and the archaeological sites of Carthage, some opt for a discovery of the port city.
”The giant of the seas MSC Grandiosa capable of carrying 6,500 passengers and 1,700 crew members has moored in port for a maritime stopover. Since the incidents in 2015, the image of Tunisia has changed, which has led us to participate in international fairs abroad to promote the country,” said the general manager of the port of La Goulette. , Sami Debbiche at the microphone of Anadolu.
With 2,421 cabins spread over 19 floors, this ship entered service in 2019, consists of several amenities and means of comfort and leisure, including a swimming pool, a theater, an art museum, restaurants, cafes and game rooms.
“The development of this tourism can regain its charm thanks to tourists who are interested in art, cultural experiences and visits to archaeological sites. The stopover is the ideal formula for discovering a part of Tunisia known for its great diversity of landscapes and its cultural sites.
Every Thursday, the port welcomes a cruise ship with at least 5,500 tourists of different nationalities, including French, Italian and Spanish, on board,” he told us.
According to him, Tunisia is working to position itself on the world stage and make it a powerful instrument in the service of competitiveness.
”This sector which had come up against the harmful effects of the pandemic, economic and social crisis wants to be reborn from its ashes through stopovers which will extend from March to November 2023. Tourists are satisfied with the service and the welcome . Every Thursday, 2,500 tourists take part in excursions during their stopover, where 300 taxis and buses have been made available to them,” explained Debbiche.
In this context, Debbiche assured that Tunisia intends to welcome 500,000 cruise passengers by 2027.
A light at the end of the tunnel for Tunisian tourism, but also for other sectors such as transport, crafts and culture.
“These cruise ships are a reassuring sign of a promising tourist season and an opportunity for artisans to sell their products,” he explained.
A total of 44 cruises are expected in Tunisia. While between 180,000 and 190,000 cruise passengers will set sail for the country against 50,000 visitors last year, according to Debbiche.
Mehdi, a taxi driver, goes to the port every Thursday to transfer tourists. He considers himself lucky to have the opportunity to be on the list of carriers. These excursions represent, according to him, an opportunity to earn more money.
”I am very satisfied with my experience in Tunisia and I would like to come back with my family for the next vacation. We are impressed by the gastronomy, the feeling of security and the warm welcome of the population,” said Carla, a Spanish tourist.
Between January and May 2023, Tunisia welcomed nearly 3 million tourists, thus registering an increase of 89% compared to the same period of the past year.
Data released by the Central Bank indicated that revenue from the tourism sector stood at 1.7 billion dinars (550 million dollars) during the first five months of 2023, an increase of 57.7% compared to in the same period of 2022, which is a record since the health crisis.
The promotion of Tunisia’s destinations is placed at the heart of the strategies of the Ministry of Tourism, which continues to deploy its efforts through actions and campaigns to strengthen its positioning, particularly in the face of competition from world markets and above all to the era of cruise tourism. For this summer season, the beginnings of tourist recovery are beginning to emerge…
