Tunisian Tourism Slows as Mideast War Impact Felt
Rising oil prices and travel costs, coupled with the fallout from regional conflict, have led to a decline in Tunisia's tourism industry.
In Tunisia, May typically marks the beginning of the summer tourism surge.
However, this year’s season is unfolding under uncertain circumstances due to the ongoing Middle East war, which has significantly impacted the region.
Tourism officials attribute the slowdown to the repercussions of the conflict, which have led to increased oil prices and subsequently higher travel costs.
On Tunisia’s popular island of Djerba, hotel reservations have decreased by approximately half compared to previous years, according to Anane Kamoun, director of the Royal Garden Palace hotel.
The recent surge in kerosene prices has necessitated a corresponding increase in airfares, with some flights even being canceled due to minimal profitability.
The tourism sector, which accounts for 10% of Tunisia’s GDP and typically employs around 400,000 Tunisians, is bracing for the potential negative impact on employment.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of resilience within the industry.
Last year, Djerba saw a record influx of 1.2 million tourists, representing a five-percent increase from the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Hichem Mahouachi, regional representative for Tunisia’s national tourism office, noted that airlines have scheduled 5,600 flights to Djerba between April and September—an increase of 3.3% compared to the previous year—with connections from sixteen mostly European countries.
Mahouachi acknowledges that some destinations will be more severely affected by the ongoing disruptions, particularly long-haul routes that are more susceptible to the adverse effects of increased fuel costs.
However, Tunisia benefits from its proximity to Europe, being just a two-hour flight from most major European capitals.
Mahouachi emphasizes that the rise in kerosene prices will have a less pronounced impact on short-haul travel.
Tunisia is regarded as one of the safest destinations in the Mediterranean basin, providing travelers with an attractive alternative amid regional turmoil.
However, this year’s season is unfolding under uncertain circumstances due to the ongoing Middle East war, which has significantly impacted the region.
Tourism officials attribute the slowdown to the repercussions of the conflict, which have led to increased oil prices and subsequently higher travel costs.
On Tunisia’s popular island of Djerba, hotel reservations have decreased by approximately half compared to previous years, according to Anane Kamoun, director of the Royal Garden Palace hotel.
The recent surge in kerosene prices has necessitated a corresponding increase in airfares, with some flights even being canceled due to minimal profitability.
The tourism sector, which accounts for 10% of Tunisia’s GDP and typically employs around 400,000 Tunisians, is bracing for the potential negative impact on employment.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of resilience within the industry.
Last year, Djerba saw a record influx of 1.2 million tourists, representing a five-percent increase from the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Hichem Mahouachi, regional representative for Tunisia’s national tourism office, noted that airlines have scheduled 5,600 flights to Djerba between April and September—an increase of 3.3% compared to the previous year—with connections from sixteen mostly European countries.
Mahouachi acknowledges that some destinations will be more severely affected by the ongoing disruptions, particularly long-haul routes that are more susceptible to the adverse effects of increased fuel costs.
However, Tunisia benefits from its proximity to Europe, being just a two-hour flight from most major European capitals.
Mahouachi emphasizes that the rise in kerosene prices will have a less pronounced impact on short-haul travel.
Tunisia is regarded as one of the safest destinations in the Mediterranean basin, providing travelers with an attractive alternative amid regional turmoil.
