Tunisian Tourism Sector Faces Critical Phase Amid Persistent Structural Challenges

The Tunisian tourism sector, a vital pillar of the national economy generating nearly 8 billion dinars in foreign exchange revenue, is currently navigating a critical phase marked by the closure of 164 hotels, highlighting the sector's persistent structural difficulties.

This was revealed by Mohamed Yahyaoui, president of the tourism commission at the Assembly of Representatives of the People, during a radio interview on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Despite its strategic importance, the sector does not always receive the necessary government support, he noted. He pointed out a 4% decrease in the allocated budget for this year, as well as gaps in the management mechanisms.

Yahyaoui announced that upcoming hearings with travel agencies and the Ministry of Tourism are scheduled as part of the preparations for the upcoming summer season and in anticipation of the major milestone of "Tunis, Capital of Arab Tourism 2027," designated at the Arab Tourism Council meeting in Baghdad in December 2025.

At the heart of the challenges lies the issue of governance. The official highlighted the entanglement of competencies between several ministries (Interior, Commerce, Transport, Environment) and the Ministry of Tourism, as well as the overlap of prerogatives with the National Tourism Office. He also lamented the non-activation of the Supreme Tourism Council, which was announced as a strategic coordination instance.

The most worrying signal remains the situation of the hotel park. The closure of 164 hotels illustrates the extent of the sector's fragilities, exacerbated by the degradation of ancient tourist areas requiring urgent rehabilitation. Additionally, private investment projects worth nearly 1 billion dinars, particularly in the Tabarka region, are blocked due to outdated development documents.

Yahyaoui also noted that Tunisia has not fully capitalized on geopolitical tensions in certain regions of the world to capture new tourist markets. He pointed out difficulties in air transport and at domestic airports, calling for rapid solutions to enhance their attractiveness.

Furthermore, several alternative accommodation projects remain suspended due to a lack of clear regulatory framework, while tourist restaurants continue to suffer from the aftermath of the health crisis, including bankruptcies, tax pressure, and administrative complexity.

Legislatively, around 130 proposals have been submitted, but some are hindered by executive-level blockages, particularly regarding the investment code and the complexity of procedures, which also hinder local and foreign investments.