WTM 2022: Tunisia ramps up to 2024 with increased air capacity
Tunisia has its sights set on 2024 as the springboard year for further growth, with airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air reportedly expressing an interest in flying to the destination.
Nizar Slimane, general director of the Tunisian National Tourist Office, said 2022 had been dedicated to relaunching the country’s tourism markets, striving towards 2019 visitor numbers – which was the country’s best year yet.
Overall arrivals stand at five million for 2022 up to 20 October – a 171% increase on 2021, but still 35% off 2019 numbers. “We are nearing the target though,” he said.
Tunisia is still awaiting the commencement of its Open Skies agreement with the EU (and UK), despite it having been agreed in June 2021. Slimane hopes this, coupled with the end of the pandemic and improved security measures means 2024 will see a return to “more normal” arrival figures such as it saw in 2019.
The tourist board still wants to see flights to the destination increase. “[Airlines] have started to react positively because they know there’s a demand for Tunisia,” said Slimane. “New airline companies have expressed their desire to put on flights too”.
Currently only Tui, easyJet, Nouvelair and Tunisair fly to Tunisia from the UK, but it’s hoped they’ll increase capacity. WizzAir and Ryanair have also reportedly expressed their interest.
In terms of security in hotels, the country said it was working with many European markets, especially the British.
“This was started four years ago and we are working on a consistent programme together with mainly British partners,” Slimane said.
While France remains Tunisia’s biggest European market, the UK is in the top five for Europe and is the priority. The destination is also looking to develop its long-haul network, with its sights set on China, the US and Canada.
Latin America – specifically Brazil – is also a focus as it has “opposite seasons”.
Like other destinations Tunisia is working on its year-round appeal, targeting quality of service as well as sustainable tourism.
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