Rediscovering Métlaoui: A Hidden Gem of Tunisia
Beyond its reputation as a mining town, Métlaoui reveals another face: that of a region with enchanting landscapes, where mountains, oases, and desert intertwine in a rare harmony. It is in this setting that a young enthusiast's initiative breathes new life into a forgotten oasis, transforming it into an ecotourism project that resonates with the memory of ancestors and opens up new perspectives for sustainable tourism.
Born and raised in Métlaoui, in the heart of a territory marked by mining activities, Ali Sadraoui has long observed the scars left by this industry on nature and the inhabitants. However, behind this industrial face lies a region of rare beauty, with breathtaking landscapes, where mountains, oases, and the silence of the desert compose a unique setting.
Ali Sadraoui recounts the circumstances that led to the idea of his project: "After a university degree in communication and experience in the media, a personal drama changed my path. My father's cancer, caused by pollution, led me to return to my hometown with the conviction that it was necessary to revive this land. My gaze then turned to the natural and tourist potential of the region, still unknown and yet exceptionally rich."
Thus was born the idea of this unique project: to transform the abandoned oasis of Rich Naâm into a space for life and ecotourism. An oasis that once resonated with the voices of its farmers is now transformed into a welcoming center for visitors. This place has become an ideal starting point for discovering the region, its oases, majestic mountains, and enchanting landscapes.
Our interlocutor adds: "My project is not just an economic adventure, it is a human, heritage, and tourist mission. Far from the noise of cities, I offer visitors an immersion in nature, the discovery of a unique oasian heritage, and the possibility of experiencing the desert in a different way. With the help of women from the region and in a solidarity economy approach, we have created a space that combines authenticity, hospitality, and sustainability. My ambition is clear: to put Métlaoui on the map of sustainable tourist destinations in Tunisia, by enhancing its enchanting landscapes, history, and hospitality."
Today, the oasis is reborn and opens a new window on Métlaoui. No longer known only for its mines, the region reveals itself as a destination for mountain and ecotourism, offering its visitors an experience out of time.
