TUNIS: Tourist numbers to Tunisia will hit a record high this year, fully reversing the damage inflicted on the sector by attacks on holidaymakers in 2015, the tourism minister said on Wednesday.
After three years of shunning Tunisia in the wake of a gun attack on a beach in Sousse that killed 39 tourists and one at the Bardo National Museum in Tunis that killed 21, major European tour operators have started to return.
“We aim to receive 8 million tourists this year with strong booking rates from European customers and other new customers,” Tourism Minister Salma Loumi said.
“The return of British tourists is a very good signal for us.”
Last week, Thomas Cook flew British tourists to Tunisia for the first time since an Islamist militant killed 30 Britons in Sousse. TUI , said last month it too planned to offer holidays in Tunisia again, starting in May.
The 8 million forecast brings tourist numbers above the pre-attack level of 7.1 million in 2014. Arrivals fell to 5.3 million in 2015. Loumi said tourism revenues would be up 25 percent on last year when they reached 2.8 billion dinar ($1.2 billion).
Tourist numbers in 2017 were already up 23 percent on the previous year to 7 million, as hotels filled beds with Russian and Algerian visitors, but operators say they spend less than European holidaymakers.
Tourism accounts for 8 percent of Tunisia’s gross domestic product. A return of European visitors would give a strong boost to the struggling economy and raise the country’s weak foreign currency reserves.
Tunisia sees record tourist numbers in 2018 as attack effect fades
Tunisia sees record tourist numbers in 2018 as attack effect fades
Royal Commission for AlUla, SURJ partner to develop sports sector
RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla has signed a memorandum of collaboration with SURJ Sports Investment to explore the development of sports programs and content in AlUla, evaluate opportunities for joint investment, and assess potential hosting of high‑quality sporting events, thereby strengthening AlUla’s position as a global destination for sport and major events.
The memorandum seeks to establish a framework for future collaboration in the field of sports investment, the activation of initiatives and programs related to hosting tournaments and events, and the exploration of opportunities within SURJ’s investment portfolio, in alignment with the commission’s strategic directions and in support of diversifying the sports landscape in the governorate.
The areas of cooperation include exploring opportunities to host and activate the Professional Fighters League MENA series in AlUla, developing tennis and polo, as well as cycling, athletics, and show jumping.
This also includes assessing investment opportunities in complementary sports content, recovery and rehabilitation programs, training camps, and the attraction of international championships, contributing to the strengthening of AlUla’s presence on global sporting calendars.
The memorandum further provides for cooperation in evaluating and developing polo in AlUla, including studying the possibility of awarding multi-year hosting rights starting from 2027, in line with AlUla’s long-term vision for the development of equestrian and heritage sports.
The Royal Commission for AlUla and SURJ Sports Investment emphasized the importance of integration in developing year-round promotional and activation opportunities, and leveraging SURJ’s intellectual property rights and content, contributing to the establishment of a comprehensive, multi-sport ecosystem in AlUla that supports its economic and developmental objectives.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its strategic partnerships and strengthening the role of the sports sector as a key driver of sustainable development, reflecting AlUla’s position as a leading destination for sporting and cultural events at both local and global levels.
