Tunisia's Sahara Desert: A Hidden Gem for Sustainable Tourism
The southern region of Tunisia, despite attracting only a fraction of foreign visitors, has the potential to become a pillar of sustainable, authentic, and innovative tourism, provided that its development model is rethought.
A Vast and Fascinating Space
The Tunisian Sahara, a vast, poetic, and fascinating space, remains one of the country's most under-exploited jewels. From the golden dunes of Douz to the lunar mountains of Tamaghza, passing through the oases of Tozeur and Nefta, the Tunisian desert is rich in spectacular landscapes and a millennia-old cultural heritage. However, Saharan tourism still struggles to establish itself as a pillar of the national tourism sector.
Unlocking the Potential
Today, the question is no longer whether the Sahara can become a driver of growth, but how to promote and modernize it sustainably. According to the Tunisian National Tourism Office (ONTT), less than 10% of foreign visitors venture beyond the coast. In fact, among the 9.2 million tourists who visited Tunisia in 2024, only 10% traveled to the south. Nevertheless, Saharan tourism accounts for 3,000 direct jobs, a significant number to preserve and develop.
A Unique Experience
The south offers a unique experience that combines authenticity, adventure, and total immersion, attracting more and more travelers seeking authenticity and ecotourism. Modernizing Saharan tourism does not mean concreting the desert, but rather adapting infrastructure and services to the expectations of modern travelers. This can be achieved by:
- Encouraging sustainable accommodations using local materials and renewable energy
- Developing interactive platforms for online booking of excursions, with maps, audio guides, and thematic itineraries
- Modernizing access roads and promoting electric vehicles adapted to desert environments
- Valuing Saharan music, gastronomy, and craftsmanship through festivals and participatory workshops
Inspiring Local Initiatives
In Tozeur, local entrepreneurs are already betting on experiential tourism. The concept of "intelligent campsites," combining comfort, internet connection, and environmental respect, attracts a European clientele seeking authenticity. In Douz, the International Sahara Festival is held annually, showcasing nomadic heritage, including camel racing, Bedouin poetry, and desert gastronomy.
Creating a Sustainable Ecosystem
The challenge is to create an economic ecosystem around the Sahara that benefits the inhabitants, not just tour operators. To make Saharan tourism a lever for sustainable development, an integrated and long-term vision is essential. Some avenues to explore include:
- Training young people from the south in tourism and digital professions
- Promoting private investment in Saharan areas through tax incentives
- Establishing a "Sustainable Saharan Tourism" label, guaranteeing respect for the environment and local communities
- Promoting the Tunisian Sahara internationally through targeted campaigns on adventure tourism, wellness, and cinema
A Dream Destination for Cinema and New Trends
Cult films like "Star Wars" or "The English Patient" have already highlighted the surreal landscapes of southern Tunisia. Today, with the rise of cinematic tourism and "slow travel," the desert could become a global stage, provided it is well told, well protected, and well managed. Emerging film industries, such as Chinese, Turkish, and Korean, could be targeted.
A Strategic and Cultural Choice
Modernizing Saharan tourism is more than just a question of infrastructure; it is a strategic and cultural choice: making the southern Tunisian region a model of sustainable, creative, and inclusive tourism. The Sahara can become the beating heart of a new, greener, more human, and more intelligent Tunisian tourism. However, those who want to go far must take care of their mount.
