“Tunisia boasts rich cultural and natural heritage with amazing sites like Carthage, Roman amphitheatres, and the preserved Medina of Tunis.”
Tunisia is known for its rich history and diverse landscapes. What do you think are the Indian tourists to visit in Tunisia? Could you highlight some must particularly appeal to Indian travelers?
Tunisia, located in the south of Mediterranean Sea, is one of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists worldwide thanks to its mild climate, legendary hospitality , varied and unique attraction sowing to its rich blend of history. For more than 5 thousands years ,the country has been at the crossroad of various civilizations and settlements shaping its culture and its unique character and legendary hospitability .The country boasts natural impressive landscapes: golden sandy beaches, rocky and sandy desert, oases ,forests and natural parcs catering to the discerning tastes of Indian travellers seeking something authentic and particular experiences .Besides, the country is easy accessible within to 2 to 3 hour flight from most European cities.
It’s worth knowing that tourism is a vital sector for our economy and a driving force for creating jobs. With more than 10% in the global GDP, this industry affects positively other sectors and bearing an increase of regional integration thus helping for a more balanced distribution of wealth and reducing poverty.
Nowadays, taking into full consideration the new trends of the tourism sector, we are implementing a new strategy based on a sustainable approach not only to meet the new expectations of today’s consumers but also to assure growth and profitability to the stakeholders while preserving our natural resources and heritage for future generations.
Hence, our strategy which is acting on 4 core pillars is focusing on the Diversification of the offer
For example the destination offers a wide variety of accommodation all from classified hotels to “Dars” (Boutique hotels) and farmhouses
Also, Tunisia remains a strong spot for wellness and hydrotherapy treatment adding to the 60 Thalassotherapy centers (Spa & Wellness) bringing the country to the second place in world thalassotherapy destination. Actually the country has become a bespoke pole for the export of healthcare service in Africa and Europe at excellent value for money while proposing a high level of knowhow and medical expertise recognized all over the world .
Tunisia is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Can you tell us more about these sites, and how they represent Tunisia’s cultural and historical heritage?
Tunisia boasts rich cultural and natural heritage with amazing sites like Carthage, Roman amphitheatres, and the preserved Medina of Tunis. It has 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Bardo Museum with the world’s largest mosaic collection, El Jem’s Roman Colosseum, Dougga Roman Ruins, and Carthage. The bustling Medinas in Tunis, Sousse, and Kairouan add to its charm.
As for the iconic Djerba Island, it has recently joined UNESCO’s World Heritage List, highlighting its patterns, its history with 24 monuments tangible and intangible heritage, showing the unique religious diversity and the distinctive human settlement of how local people have adapted their lifestyle to the conditions of their water-scarce natural environment.
Tunisia is also the homeland of Dido, Amilcar and Hannibal displaying a rich Roman Heritage. And the largest collection and preserved collection of Roman mosaics.
All over the country, the traveller can enjoy exploring the ruin sites dating back to Phoenician and Roman Carthage, Byzantine, Vandals, Medinas and also to Islamic architecture.
We believe that discovering a country as a cultural destination can only enrich the scope of knowledge of the visitor and allow to know how much our destination is worth exploring!
Tunisia has a strong focus on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. Could you elaborate on the efforts your ministry is making to promote sustainable tourism?
TNTO (Tunisian National Tourism Office under the umbrella of the Ministry of Tourism and Handicraft) plans every year intensive marketing campaign, focusing on traditional and new markets in Europe, Asia and neighbourhood in addition to the growing domestic market.
Several PR events and intensive marketing and advertising campaigns are implemented in main source markets focusing on diversification and innovative products at both regional and national levels.
We have made sustainability our motto and we know this is a huge challenge.
That’s why the 2035 national tourism strategy is based on 4 key pillars: competitiveness, diversification, investment and marketing while bearing in mind that proper governance and digitalization are ta must to reach the goals.
In the recent years, our main milestone has been to restore the image of the destination and the confidence of tourist in our destination which we successfully achieved as the country has attracted more than 10 million visitors in 2024 breaking 2019 record.
That said, we shall endeavour to keep up with our guidelines lines to promote our rich heritage, with respect of the environmental and sustainability values.
Tunisia is known for its vibrant cultural events or local experiences that you believe Indian tourists would enjoy when visiting Tunisia?
We are putting all the energy and efforts to meet the expectations of our visitors. Indian tourists are no exception and can fully enjoy these experiences.
Several projects relating to alternative tourism have been launched such as the “Culinary Route” and the “Cinematic Route” and especially the “Dahar Destination” located in the South East which won first prize in the category “Culture and Community” at the Green Destination Story Awards during ITB Berlin 2022.
Tunisia is a renowned class golfing destination, well established on the international circuit enjoyed by professionals and amateurs alike.
The aim is to offer guests an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional hospitality. This might include cultural activities such as traditional Tunisian cooking classes, guided tours to nearby historical sites like Carthage and opportunities to engage with local artisans and discover genuine hand made products.
Through themed sport and art events and unique music performances showcasing our heritage, we want to create unique and memorable stay for guests.
For this purpose ,we are always connected with our key partners, stakeholders and airlines, with always a one-to-one discussion with them aiming to expand their capacities and programs for Tunisia year on year, and we launched a several joint advertising campaigns to enhance our visibility while improving training and quality of service within our facilities .
Tunisia’s cuisine, with its unique flavors and Mediterranean influences, is gaining in recognition. What culinary experiences would you recommend for Indian tourists looking to explore Tunisian food culture?
Tunisia’s rich culinary heritage reflects its diverse history, from Berbers and Carthaginians to Romans, Ottomans, and the French. Start in Tunis, where the ancient medina offers street food delights like “brik àl’oeuf,”. Wines as well with a history dating back more than 2.000 years, including rosés, sparkling whites and rich reds. Nabeul, near Hammamet, is renowned for its peppers and the famous Tunisian chilli paste, Harissa.
Head to the Sahel region on the coast, a top olive oil producer, carrying on a tradition introduced by the Romans. Tunisian cuisine is a flavourful journey through history and culture.
The Tunisian recipes are a mix of different flavors and influences, mainly of Mediterranean dishes. Olive oil and herbs are made use of in the kitchen. Couscous is the national dish and it can be served with vegetables, lamb or fish. Our cuisine offers also variety of fresh fish and seafood and a very good wine.
Tunisia’s film locations have been iconic, particularly with famous movies like Star Wars and The English Patient being filmed there. How is Tunisia leveraging its cinematic history to attract tourists, especially from India where cinema plays a large cultural role?
Filming in Tunisia has been the top choice for many Hollywood well-known filmmakers. The English Patient or Indiana Jones and The Raiders of the Lost Ark are movies set in Cairo but shot in Tunisia. You know by now the Tataouine Berber homes and the surrounding desert from Star Wars. A New Hope used the area to envision Tatooine, the planet far away in the galaxy.
With such a prolific filmmaking portfolio, Tunisia sounds very attractive to international producers. Add all-encompassing production assistance in the scene and it gets better.
Would you like to give any message to our Envoy Excellency readers?
Tunisia is a touristic destination, which offers many products through the whole country.
As it is a small country, you can enjoy various activities the same day and in different regions from North to South.
With regard to the tourism sector, Tunisia has several assets to remain a famous Tourism destinations in the Euro-Mediterranean Region, with its privileged geographical position, the mild weather, its rich cultural heritage and more than 800 miles of beautiful and sandy beaches. Last but not least, our Sahara which stand as the most amazing in the whole Mediterranean Region.
So travelers have a lot to explore and experience amidst genuine and hospitable dwellers.