The Tunisian Minister of Tourism announced financial aid to support this crucial sector for the country, as well as easing of entry conditions in order to revive Saharan tourism.
Tunisian tourism is finally recovering after difficult years, it must now face the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. To face this unprecedented crisis, the Tunisian Minister of Tourism, Habib Ammar, on Monday announced some relaxation and financial aid to support the sector. Among the measures is the payment to employees of the sector on technical unemployment and to tourist guides a monthly allowance of 200 dinars (80 euros). Habib Ammar also demanded greater flexibility in the banks’ application of the state-guaranteed loan mechanism, so that it can be used by struggling tourism businesses.
Relaunching Saharan tourism
According to the Tunisian Tourism Federation, 27,000 jobs are threatened and six out of ten families whose heads work in tourism risk falling into poverty. As of November 10, 1.8 million tourists had entered Tunisia according to the ministry, a drop of 77% compared to the same period last year. Revenues fell 60.3% to 593.2 million euros over the same period.
Tourists “come to camping in the desert” will have relaxed access conditions, without the obligation of quarantine, in order to revive Saharan tourism, provided they are part of organized trips and comply with a health protocol, announced the minister.
