Tunisia's tourism sector is set to see a clear improvement in 2019. Since bookings for the next tourist season have already begun two months ago, this indicates that the market is actively "recovering", said Selma Ellomi Rekik, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts of Tunisia in an interview with the Tunisian news agency TAP.
According to her, from January 1 to August 20, 2018, the country was visited by 5,151,633 tourists, which is 17.5% more than the same period in 2017.
"Up to August 20, 2018, tourism revenues increased by 48.2% compared to the same period in 2017 and amounted to 766 million euros (+ 27.5%), while in dollars they increased by 40.3%. The Ministry of Tourism is working to ensure that Tunisia fully returns to traditional markets and at the same time develops new partnerships. In addition, we are working to diversify the Tunisian tourism product and are in the process of establishing partnerships with tour operators to develop luxury holidays," — the minister clarified.
According to the head of the department, Tunisia is also focusing on the new Chinese market because it is one of the largest markets in the world. In addition, Chinese tourists are not interested in beach tourism, but are keen on culture, gastronomy and shopping in Tunisia.
The country's authorities are also targeting the Persian Gulf markets and Russia, which is one of the most attractive countries for Tunisia, Elloumi added, recalling that Over the past two years, the flow of Russian tourists has increased significantly.
"Russians spend more in our country than other tourists, according to a study prepared by the Tunisian Ministry of Tourism," the minister emphasized.
In addition, Tunisia launched PR-campaign to promote the “off-season” – staying in the country from the end of October and throughout November. The most anticipated market in this segment should be the Scandinavian market, because tourists from these countries come to Tunisia to play golf when the heat subsides.
Analysing the figures for the current year, the Minister noted that they “confirm the return of traditional markets with the arrival of 1,585,905 European tourists, which is 50.5% more than the year before”.
This growth is mainly due to a sharp increase in the number of French (+ 37.9%), German (+ 61.9%), Russian (+ 34.6%) and other European (+ 81.6%) visitors.
The Minister also reported that The country's new hotel classification scheme will be published and launched at the end of 2018 to improve the quality of service for guests of Tunisia.
Selma Ellomie Rekik also announced that the project is aimed at aligning with international hotel classification standards and increasing trust in the industry.
Source: trn-news.ru
