02-07-2025
Call to allocate 30% of national tourism capacity to citizens
The Tunisian Organization for Consumer Information (OTIC) has called for an urgent legislative initiative to guarantee Tunisian citizens, especially low-income families the right to access at least 30% of the country's national tourism capacity. This access would be provided at preferential, transparent and clearly defined prices and subject to oversight by independent bodies.
The organization also proposed the creation of a 'permanent national mechanism for social tourism', aimed at mobilizing unused public resources and facilities during school holidays, such as dormitories, school and university canteens, youth and cultural centers, campgrounds, and sports complexes.
These would serve to provide accommodation and activities for children, pupils, students, and youth within structured recreational, cultural, and educational programs.
Furthermore, OTIC reiterated the need to include a special clause in the upcoming Finance Law to establish a dedicated public fund to support social and domestic tourism, along with tax incentives for tourism establishments that adopt this approach.
OTIC emphasized that citizens' right to leisure and to discovering the geographical and cultural wealth of their country is a civic right and a fundamental pillar of belonging, citizenship, and balanced development.
FTH: 38% of Hotel Guests Are Tunisians
JalelEddineHenchiri, Vice President of the Tunisian Hotel Federation (FTH), highlighted the growing importance of domestic tourism and its key role in supporting the national economy and promoting regional development.
Speaking on Midi Express, Henchiri noted that in 2024, Tunisian residents spent over 5 million hotel nights, accounting for 21% of total overnight stays, and 38% of hotel guests were Tunisians.
He stressed that domestic tourism goes beyond traditional hotels and underscored the value of alternative tourism.
Henchiri also called for greater diversification in tourism offerings for local citizens.
The Ministry of Tourism is currently conducting a comprehensive study to develop an integrated vision for domestic tourism in Tunisia.
This includes updating regulations and specifications for alternative tourist accommodations.
Tunisia boasts major assets that can help turn new forms of tourism into a real engine for regional development while appealing to tourists interested in culture, nature, and authenticity.
Thanks to its ecological diversity and rich cultural, archaeological, and culinary heritage, Tunisia holds enormous potential for sustainable tourism, a concept that has emerged globally as a response to the harmful effects of mass tourism.
