Tunisia is witnessing a tourism boom.. Is the secret the crisis situation in the Middle East?

The tourism sector in Tunisia is gaining increasing momentum as the situation in the Middle East region becomes tense. Ofoq News examines how changes in perception of stability, prices and accessibility are reshaping tourism in the Middle East and North Africa.

Known for its ancient architecture, bustling markets, Mediterranean beaches and desert landscapes, Tunisia is thought by some to be quietly on its way to becoming the next travel alternative to the Middle East. La Badera is a five-star luxury resort in the Hammamet area of ​​Tunisia, with full rooms, and many of the guests are regular visitors.

Ashwaq Sheikh Farraj, general manager of the resort, said that visitors “are not only looking for comfort, beautiful hotels, beautiful beaches, or stunning landscapes in Tunisia. Rather, they are looking for connection with the people, the authenticity of the country and its culture, and so they want to discover and interact with the country. When they return to their countries, they return with an unforgettable experience and stories to tell about the country they visited.”

She added: “Through this approach, we can turn visitors into permanent guests, because visiting all of Tunisia does not take place in one trip.” This new demand for Tunisian tourism highlights the need for change and adaptation.

Can Tunisia remain a major tourist destination after the conflict ends, or is this recovery only temporary? Tunisia's tourism sector is witnessing a "recovery, and conflict is a factor amplifying this trend," said Aram Belhaj, an assistant professor at the University of Carthage.

He explained: “If the situation in the Middle East calms down tomorrow, I believe that tourism will decline if Tunisia does not take advantage of its comparative advantages. The most important question is: How do we transform Tunisia from a temporary alternative into a permanently attractive tourist destination?”

Belhaj believes that there is a delay in hotel renovation, digital transformation, and air connectivity, adding: “I believe that if we do not address these constraints, transforming Tunisia from a temporary alternative to a permanent attraction destination will require taking advantage of the added value and comparative advantages that Tunisia enjoys, so that it becomes a sustainable tourist attraction destination.” How are mega projects implemented in Saudi Arabia?