Tunisia Focuses on Human Capital to Boost Tourism Competitiveness

In a world where global tourism is undergoing profound changes, marked by an increased demand for quality, innovation, and sustainability, human capital has become a crucial determinant of a destination's competitiveness, notes Ahmed Djemal, Director General of the Agency for Training in Tourism (Afmt).

Fostering Loyalty in a Volatile Market

In a world where tourists are increasingly diverse and volatile, loyalty has become a top priority for the Tunisian tourism sector, which is vital to the country's economy. This loyalty can be achieved by providing high-quality services throughout the tourist experience, which requires a well-trained workforce.

The State of Professional Training in the Tourism Sector

To address these challenges, we spoke with Ahmed Djemal, Director General of the Agency for Training in Tourism (Afmt). "The issue goes beyond just accommodating tourists or diversifying the offer," he explains. "It's fundamentally about the quality of human resources that design, implement, and promote the tourist experience. Tourism is not just an economic activity; it's a human experience that relies on professionalism, expertise, and adaptability."

A Comprehensive Reform of the Training System

In this context, the Agency for Training in Tourism is leading a dynamic modernization effort to adapt training programs to the rapid evolution of the sector. This reform involves updating pedagogical references, integrating digital tools, upgrading trainers' skills, and enhancing the overall quality of training programs.

Key Initiatives and Partnerships

This approach is part of a global and coherent strategy that mobilizes several programs and partnerships. Initiatives such as the Irada program, Erasmus+ projects, Interreg Next Tunisia-Italy cooperation programs, and the Destination Emploi project reflect the agency's commitment to innovation, international openness, and alignment with the most demanding quality standards.

Targeted Programs with a High Impact

In addition to these initiatives, the agency has developed targeted programs with a high impact, such as the Fiesp short-term training programs, designed to respond quickly to the needs of tourism businesses, and specialized training programs developed in partnership with Swiss cooperation, aimed at strengthening skills in strategic areas.

International Certification and Recognition

In line with this logic of quality and international recognition, the Afmt is also engaged in certification processes that conform to international references. The implementation of the ISO 21001 standard, dedicated to education organizations, aims to structure a learner-centered management system focused on continuous improvement. The ISO 17024 certification, on the other hand, aims to consolidate the credibility of competence certification programs by ensuring their alignment with internationally recognized standards.

Integrating Green and Blue Skills

In the context of evolving professions and new tourism sustainability requirements, the Afmt is gradually integrating Green Skills and Blue Skills into its training programs. These skills, related to ecological transition and blue economy, aim to prepare professionals who can respond to environmental challenges, promote responsible tourism, and value natural and marine resources sustainably.

Modernizing Training Institutions

In parallel, attention is being paid to restructuring and upgrading training institutions. In this context, schools in Sousse Nord, Monastir, Tozeur, and Aïn Draham are undergoing rehabilitation and modernization programs to improve infrastructure, adapt pedagogical equipment to international standards, and optimize learning conditions.

A Regional Project of Strategic Importance

In this transformation dynamic, Tunisia is also pursuing a strategic project of regional scope: the creation of the Afro-Mediterranean Center for Training in Tourism, designed as a regional excellence, innovation, and cooperation hub. Located in Hammamet, this center aims to bring together African, Arab, and Mediterranean expertise, promoting the harmonization of training standards, diploma recognition, and skill mobility. This center will be a major lever for Tunisia's international influence as a regional reference platform in the field of tourism training.

International Opening and Cooperation

In the face of challenges that now transcend national borders, the Tunisian training system is moving towards increased international openness. The development of partnerships, participation in multilateral programs, and promotion of learner and trainer mobility are contributing to the visibility of Tunisian expertise.

A Clear Vision for the Future

Through the modernization of its centers, the deployment of strategic projects, adherence to international standards, and the development of partnerships, Tunisia is affirming a clear vision: a tourism model based on competence, quality, and openness. The ambition is to position the country not only as a leading tourist destination but also as a regional reference actor in training and skills engineering, capable of forming qualified, certified, and competitive profiles at the international level.