Tunisia’s tourism industry getting back on track
As per the tourism industry’s reports, Tunisia has achieved considerable growth in tourism sector registering a great recovery after the industry was hit badly by jihadi attacks in 2015. The tourist arrivals in the country recorded more than 2.3 million till May 20th, recording a rise of 21.8 per cent in visitor numbers when compared to same period last year and 5.7 per cent more when compared to same period in 2010.
Reports suggest that the recovery of tourism industry is partially accelerated by the conventional market including France and Germany, up by 45 per cent and 42 per cent respectively. Visitors from China and Russia increased by 57 per cent and 46 per cent respectively. It is believed that return of tour operators like TUI France and Thomas Cook, who backed out after 2015 attacks, has alos helped in boosting the tourism sector.
“There is a significant improvement as visitor numbers bettered the first five months of 2014, largely due to rising Russian and Chinese arrivals. This is the year of real recovery. All hotels in key tourist hotspots like Djerba, Hammamet and Mahdia are full for the summer season. In 2018, we will surpass eight million visitors with growth from the Russian and Chinese markets as well as the traditional market. People are coming back to Tunisia because there is security. We are at the same level of security as any European city,” said Tourism Minister Selma Elloumi Rekik.