In a significant move to enhance its tourism sector, Tunisian Minister of Tourism Sofiane Tekaya announced on Tuesday that the country welcomed 24,000 Chinese tourists in 2024, with plans to increase this number to 30,000 “in the near future.”
This announcement was made during a visit to a higher institute of tourism and hotel studies in Sidi Dhrif, located in the northern suburbs of Tunis.
According to a report by private radio station Mosaique FM, Tekaya emphasized the importance of understanding the needs of Chinese tourists.
To this end, he unveiled a new training initiative aimed at teaching students the Chinese language and familiarizing them with Chinese dietary preferences. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the overall tourist experience for visitors from China.
The minister also reiterated the government’s ambitious tourism strategy, which aims to attract 11 million visitors by 2025. This goal comes on the heels of a strong performance in Tunisia’s tourism sector last year, with foreign arrivals reaching 10.25 million, marking a significant recovery post-pandemic.
Tourism is a vital component of Tunisia’s economy, contributing approximately 10 percent to the country’s GDP and providing hundreds of thousands of jobs. The country has long been a popular destination for tourists, known for its stunning Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins, and captivating Sahara desert attractions.
