The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) paints a bright picture for Tunisia’s tourism industry. The report forecasts a record-breaking year, with the sector poised to inject a staggering TND 23 billion (approximately USD 7.3 billion) into the national economy. This remarkable growth signifies a near-full recovery from the pandemic’s impact and surpasses all previous records.
A Year of Record-Breaking Numbers: Domestic and Sector-Wide Growth
The positive outlook for Tunisia’s tourism industry is driven by a combination of factors:
- Economic Contribution: Travel & Tourism’s contribution to Tunisia’s GDP is expected to reach 14% in 2024, a significant milestone highlighting its growing importance to the national economy.
- Job Creation: The sector is projected to create nearly 418,000 jobs this year, representing a 3.9% increase compared to 2023. This translates to one in nine jobs in Tunisia being directly or indirectly supported by tourism.
- Domestic Tourism Boom: Domestic visitor spending is anticipated to surge by 5% in 2024, reaching TND 11.7 billion. This surpasses pre-pandemic levels (2019) by a healthy 0.7%, indicating a strong domestic travel market.
International Tourism on the Rise: Nearing Pre-Pandemic Levels
While international visitor spending isn’t expected to fully recover in 2024, the WTTC report forecasts a significant improvement:
- International Spending Growth: International visitor spending is projected to reach nearly TND 11 billion, representing a growth of over 12% compared to 2023.
- Closing the Gap: Although international spending remains around 9% below 2019 peak levels, this substantial upward trend signifies a robust recovery.
Reasons for Optimism: Government Support and Industry Resilience
Several factors contribute to the positive outlook for Tunisia’s tourism industry:
- Public-Private Collaboration: The re-establishment of the Higher Council of Tourism by the Tunisian government is a welcome sign. This council brings together public and private sector stakeholders, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment of initiatives aimed at propelling tourism growth.
- Resilient Sector: Despite past challenges, Tunisia’s tourism industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The sector’s ability to bounce back quickly reinforces its potential as a major economic driver.
Looking Past 2024: Tunisia’s Tourism Future
The WTTC report suggests a bright long-term future for Tunisia’s tourism industry:
- Growth Potential: With continued government support, the sector’s annual GDP contribution could reach TND 32 billion by 2034. This signifies a potential increase of 16% in its share of the national economy.
- Employment Opportunities: The tourism sector has the potential to employ over 485,000 people across Tunisia by 2034, further bolstering the country’s economic prospects.
North Africa’s Tourism Landscape: Positive Outlook
Beyond Tunisia, the broader North African region is also experiencing positive tourism trends:
- Regional Contribution: Travel & Tourism is forecast to contribute TND 225.7 billion to the regional economy in 2024, representing approximately 8.5% of the total GDP.
- Job Creation: The sector is expected to support over 5.3 million jobs across North Africa, constituting one in eleven jobs in the region.
- Travel Spending: Domestic and international visitor spending is anticipated to reach TND 97.5 billion and TND 101.9 billion respectively, signifying a thriving travel market.
For a deeper dive into the data and analysis, access the full Tunisia Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Report on the WTTC Research Hub.
