Tunisia's Tourism Sector on the Verge of a Major Overhaul
Tunisia's tourism industry is poised for a significant transformation, with three proposed laws currently under discussion at the Assembly of People's Representatives. These initiatives aim to better regulate certain activities and open up tourism to a wider audience.
Modernizing Tourist Guides
On March 11, 2026, the tourism, culture, services, and handicrafts commission held a session to hear from the proponents of these initiatives. The discussions focused on the organization of tourist guides, the creation of a national social tourism system, and the regulation of furnished apartment rentals. To modernize tourist guides, the project authors emphasize that the current rules date back to the 1970s and no longer reflect reality. They propose stricter conditions, including:
- Solid training
- Good knowledge of Tunisian history and culture
- Proficiency in foreign languages
- Better protection of guides' rights
During the debates, lawmakers stressed the role of guides as true ambassadors to foreign visitors. However, a key question remained unanswered: should the existing law be adjusted or replaced with a new framework?
Introducing a National Social Tourism System
The second proposal introduces a national social tourism system, aiming to make tourism more accessible. Proponents argue that high hotel and rental prices deter Tunisians with modest incomes. They suggest that establishments reserve a portion of their rooms for these families. However, several lawmakers doubt the feasibility of obliging hotels to allocate up to 30% of their capacity. An alternative emerged: motivating hotels with tax or financial incentives to participate voluntarily.
Regulating Furnished Apartment Rentals
The objective of regulating furnished apartment rentals is clear: to curb price hikes in popular areas and track undeclared rentals that evade taxes. The proposed law imposes a precise specification on property owners, a written contract for each rental, and a register kept by the tax administration to declare revenue and contracts. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of distinguishing between occasional private rentals and regular tourist activities.
Next Steps
At the end of the session, the commission chose to consult further with professionals and stakeholders to refine these texts. The direction is clear: to structure the sector, boost transparency, and build a more inclusive tourism industry for all Tunisians.
