Tunisian Tourism Sector Faces Structural Challenges and Insufficient Support
Despite its strategic importance and estimated revenue of nearly 8 billion dinars in foreign currency, the Tunisian tourism sector continues to face structural challenges and insufficient support. This was highlighted by Mohamed Yahyaoui, President of the Tourism Commission at the Assembly of Representatives of the People (ARP), on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Speaking on Express Fm, the deputy noted that the budget allocated to the sector has seen a 4% decline this year, pointing out gaps in management mechanisms. In this context, the Tourism Commission plans to hold hearings with travel agencies and the Ministry of Tourism, in preparation for the upcoming summer season and as part of the preparations for the event "Tunis, Arab Tourism Capital" in 2027.
Beyond the current challenges, Mohamed Yahyaoui emphasized deep-seated dysfunctions related to sector governance. He mentioned the multiplicity of stakeholders, with several ministries involved, as well as overlapping competencies between the Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Office. Additionally, the absence of the Higher Council of Tourism, which was announced as a key coordination body, has been noted.
According to him, the effective establishment of this Council, accompanied by regular meetings, would have allowed for concrete responses to several problems. He proposed the creation of a commission bringing together various sector stakeholders, under the presidency of the Minister of Tourism.
On the ground, difficulties are numerous. The deputy pointed out the degradation of infrastructure in old tourist areas, requiring rehabilitation programs, while 164 hotels are currently closed. He also highlighted the delay in updating territorial development plans, which has led to the blocking of significant private investments, estimated at nearly 1,000 billion dinars, particularly in the Tabarka region.
Furthermore, Tunisia has not fully capitalized on international tensions to attract new tourist markets. The sector is also facing constraints in air transport and at internal airports, limiting its development potential.
Other obstacles persist, including the delay in publishing guidelines for alternative tourist accommodations, essential for diversifying the offer. Additionally, difficulties faced by tourist restaurants, with several having gone bankrupt since the COVID-19 pandemic, have been noted in a context marked by fiscal and administrative constraints.
Finally, on the legislative front, Mohamed Yahyaoui stated that approximately 130 bills have been submitted by deputies. However, some of these bills are met with resistance from the executive, particularly due to the complexity of the Investment Code and procedures deemed dissuasive for investors, whether national or foreign.
