Tunisia embraces sustainable tourism to drive economic and environmental growth
However, what has particularly captured the attention of Tunisian authorities is sustainable tourism's potential to generate employment.
Since its launch in 2019, the 'Promotion of Sustainable Tourism' project has created approximately 1,100 new jobs, including 572 for women, and engaged 310 tourism operators in networking and market access activities to promote their products.
These achievements were highlighted by Soufiane Tekaya, Tunisia's Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, during the closing ceremony of the project held on Wednesday in Tunis.
The event, titled 'Diversification of the Tourism Offer and Creation of Inclusive Jobs,' showcased the project's success in supporting nearly 3,500 individuals, 66% of whom were women, and 851 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with 44% located in rural areas.
The initiative has also backed 54 local associations and organized 248 training sessions, significantly enhancing the capabilities of its partner operators.
Minister Tekaya emphasized the tourism sector's critical role in wealth and job creation, as well as its contribution to positioning Tunisia as a promising destination for sustainable economic development. He noted that the project's success stems from strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as Tunisia's international partners.
The Minister also stressed the importance of further improving the quality and diversity of tourism products, developing tailored training programs, and implementing effective communication and promotion strategies.
International support and achievements
Giuseppe Perrone, the European Union's Ambassador to Tunisia, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Tunisia's tourism sector through the 'Tounes Wijhetouna' (Tunisia as a Destination) program, which will run until 2027.
Elisabeth Wolbers, Germany's Ambassador to Tunisia, highlighted the project's tangible outcomes, including the development of over 50 new tourism products centered on culture, gastronomy, and nature.
Additionally, four themed routes have been established to showcase Tunisia's rich natural and cultural heritage. Ambassador Wolbers also pointed to the creation of three Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) aimed at promoting and managing regional tourism offerings while fostering long-term competitiveness through collaboration with local stakeholders.
The project has also fostered innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity, generating new jobs and innovative ideas while strengthening connections between coastal and inland regions.
A Collaborative effort
The 'Promotion of Sustainable Tourism' project is implemented by Tunisia's Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts, with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). It is jointly funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union as part of the 'Tounes Wijhetouna' program.
This initiative underscores Tunisia's commitment to transforming its tourism sector into a more sustainable, inclusive, and economically impactful industry, setting a benchmark for other nations to follow.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
African Manager
2 hours ago
- African Manager
Tunisia: ESSOUKNA records spectacular increase in revenues in H1 2025
The company ESSOUKNA achieved a remarkable performance during the first half of 2025, marked by a spectacular rise in its commercial activity and progress on several strategic real estate projects. At the end of the first six months of the year, revenue reached 12.5 million dinars (MD), compared to 0.2 MD during the same period in 2024, representing an impressive growth of 5,700%. This momentum is supported by a strong commercial portfolio: the total of sales and firm commitments amounts to 28.6 MD, divided between 12.5 MD in completed sales and 16 MD in firm promises of sale, the latter expected to be finalized before the end of the year. Operationally, the real estate developer has reached key milestones in the development of its projects. The company has obtained the completion report for the project located in El Menzah 9, whose projected revenue is estimated at 27 MD. Additionally, it plans to obtain, during the second half of the year, the completion report for the Manouba project, which is expected to generate projected revenue of 16 MD. In parallel, ESSOUKNA continues its land expansion strategy, with the acquisition of three land lots in El Mourouj during this semester, thus strengthening its future development potential. Thanks to this combination of exceptional commercial performance and real estate projects nearing completion, ESSOUKNA confirms its position as a dynamic player in the Tunisian real estate market and is preparing for a promising second half of the year.
African Manager
2 hours ago
- African Manager
Tunisia: Microcred implements historic 8-point cut in interest rates
Microcred SA, a leading microfinance player in Tunisia, today announces an exceptional measure in support of economic inclusion: a single, unified pricing for all its loans, reduced by 8 points compared to current rates. This new unified pricing, applied to all types of loans designed prior to this decision, positions Microcred SA among the most competitive institutions on the market. It will cover all its loan products disbursed starting Monday, August 4, 2025. This significant rate cut is the direct result of the 'NEXTT' transformation plan, launched in October 2022 following the company's transition to 100% Tunisian ownership. The plan enabled a deep modernization of operations, significant productivity improvements, and a reduction in operating costs. Customer-focused modernization 'Our transformation was not an end, but above all a way to fulfill a promise: making financial autonomy more accessible. Today, we are translating our efficiency gains into direct and tangible benefits for our clients, especially the most vulnerable,' said Ms. Awatef Mechri, CEO of Microcred SA. 'By reducing the cost of credit, we're giving them additional means to create value, better develop their impact projects, and sustainably improve their daily lives.' The success of Microcred SA's transformation relies on two major pillars: Complete digitalization of the customer journey: From online loan simulation to fund disbursement, all processes have been fully digitized to offer a simpler, faster, and more transparent experience. A culture of hyper-proximity: Teams have been trained to strengthen listening and personalized support, addressing both experienced project holders and those who are only at the idea stage. Over 50 New Credit Products to Accelerate Social and Economic Impact In parallel with this general rate cut, Microcred SA is expanding its offerings with more than 50 new credit formulas tailored to specific needs: Young graduates and women in rural areas with high-impact projects (green, circular, or solidarity economy); Low-income and unbanked salaried workers needing financing for personal or family projects. These new offerings also benefit from flexible repayment terms (monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual), adapted to the seasonality and actual financial capacity of each project. With all these strong commitments, Microcred SA reaffirms its mission: to be a trusted partner and a growth catalyst of choice for micro-entrepreneurs and households excluded from the traditional financial system in Tunisia.
African Manager
2 hours ago
- African Manager
Accumulated debts and unpaid checks… UGTT files complaint against Amilcar Hotel investor!
The company ESSOUKNA achieved a remarkable performance during the first half of 2025, marked by a spectacular rise in its commercial activity and progress on several strategic real estate projects. At the end of the first six months of the year, revenue reached 12.5 million dinars (MD), compared to 0.2 MD during the same period in 2024, representing an impressive growth of 5,700%. This momentum is supported by a strong commercial portfolio: the total of sales and firm commitments amounts to 28.6 MD, divided between 12.5 MD in completed sales and 16 MD in firm promises of sale, the latter expected to be finalized before the end of the year. Operationally, the real estate developer has reached key milestones in the development of its projects. The company has obtained the completion report for the project located in El Menzah 9, whose projected revenue is estimated at 27 MD. Additionally, it plans to obtain, during the second half of the year, the completion report for the Manouba project, which is expected to generate projected revenue of 16 MD. In parallel, ESSOUKNA continues its land expansion strategy, with the acquisition of three land lots in El Mourouj during this semester, thus strengthening its future development potential. Thanks to this combination of exceptional commercial performance and real estate projects nearing completion, ESSOUKNA confirms its position as a dynamic player in the Tunisian real estate market and is preparing for a promising second half of the year. Tunisia: Microcred implements historic 8-point cut in interest rates AfricanManager Microcred SA, a leading microfinance player in Tunisia, today announces an exceptional measure in support of economic inclusion: a single, unified pricing for all its loans, reduced by 8 points compared to current rates. This new unified pricing, applied to all types of loans designed prior to this decision, positions Microcred SA among the most competitive institutions on the market. It will cover all its loan products disbursed starting Monday, August 4, 2025. This significant rate cut is the direct result of the 'NEXTT' transformation plan, launched in October 2022 following the company's transition to 100% Tunisian ownership. The plan enabled a deep modernization of operations, significant productivity improvements, and a reduction in operating costs. Customer-focused modernization 'Our transformation was not an end, but above all a way to fulfill a promise: making financial autonomy more accessible. Today, we are translating our efficiency gains into direct and tangible benefits for our clients, especially the most vulnerable,' said Ms. Awatef Mechri, CEO of Microcred SA. 'By reducing the cost of credit, we're giving them additional means to create value, better develop their impact projects, and sustainably improve their daily lives.' The success of Microcred SA's transformation relies on two major pillars: Complete digitalization of the customer journey: From online loan simulation to fund disbursement, all processes have been fully digitized to offer a simpler, faster, and more transparent experience. A culture of hyper-proximity: Teams have been trained to strengthen listening and personalized support, addressing both experienced project holders and those who are only at the idea stage. Over 50 New Credit Products to Accelerate Social and Economic Impact In parallel with this general rate cut, Microcred SA is expanding its offerings with more than 50 new credit formulas tailored to specific needs: Young graduates and women in rural areas with high-impact projects (green, circular, or solidarity economy); Low-income and unbanked salaried workers needing financing for personal or family projects. These new offerings also benefit from flexible repayment terms (monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual), adapted to the seasonality and actual financial capacity of each project. With all these strong commitments, Microcred SA reaffirms its mission: to be a trusted partner and a growth catalyst of choice for micro-entrepreneurs and households excluded from the traditional financial system in Tunisia.
