Tunisia Emphasizes Importance of Sustainable Coastal Tourism Development
Minister of Tourism, Sofiane Tekaya, Highlights the Need for an Integrated Tunisian Model of Sustainable Coastal Tourism
Speaking at the opening of the national forum on the theme "Sustainable Coastal Tourism in the Mediterranean Space" on May 12, 2026, Minister Tekaya emphasized the importance of developing a sustainable coastal tourism model that is integrated into the country's economic and territorial development. He stated that sustainability and blue economy have become essential pillars of economic and territorial development.
The minister noted that Tunisia has numerous advantages that enable it to strengthen its position in this field, thanks to its strategic geographical location in the Mediterranean and its cultural, patrimonial, and environmental diversity. He added that the country's coastal regions, spread across different areas, represent a strategic national asset capable of supporting balanced and inclusive growth, while contributing to improving the living conditions of local populations.
Minister Tekaya explained that his department is currently working on implementing a new approach to development aimed at transforming each region into an integrated tourist and economic hub. This will be achieved through the valorization of natural, cultural, and maritime specificities of each territory, as well as the reinforcement of complementarity between coastal and inland areas.
He also highlighted the existing maritime tourist infrastructure, mentioning that Tunisia currently has six major marinas offering over 2,930 mooring spaces, in addition to several international-renowned thalassotherapy centers. According to him, these infrastructure have contributed to consolidating Tunisia's position among the world's major destinations for wellness and healthcare tourism.
In the same context, Minister Tekaya emphasized the strategic role of Tunisian islands in developing high-value-added sustainable tourism. He cited the island of Djerba as an example of the convergence between tourism, culture, and sustainability. He also mentioned the potential of the Kerkennah, Kneiss, and Zembra islands in the fields of ecological tourism, scientific tourism, and local maritime economy.
Finally, the minister stated that the Ministry of Tourism will continue to support initiatives to make Tunisian islands platforms for innovation in the fields of sustainable tourism and blue economy, particularly through support for projects related to renewable energy, sustainable maritime transport, and intelligent resource management. He also emphasized the importance of supporting local initiatives and creating new investment opportunities for young people in the tourism sector.
