France and Tunisia: A Deepening Tourism Partnership Highlighted on World Tourism Day
On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the French Embassy in Tunisia has shed light on the significant weight of bilateral relations in the tourism sector. This partnership is measured not only by visitor numbers but also by investments, job creation, and vocational training initiatives.
Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers
In 2025, 1.143 million French tourists chose Tunisia as their destination, according to data from the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior relayed by the embassy. This represents a 5.7% year-on-year increase, solidifying France’s position as the country’s leading European tourist market.
Economic Presence and Job Creation
Beyond tourist flows, there is a substantial economic footprint. French companies active in the sector have accumulated 628 million Tunisian dinars in investments and contributed to the creation of more than 4,500 direct jobs. According to data from the Tunisian Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) cited by the embassy, these jobs account for approximately 22% of those generated by foreign direct investment (FDI) in Tunisia’s tourism sector.
Strengthening Human Capital Through Training
The Franco-Tunisian relationship extends beyond investments and tourist arrivals to include capacity building. The French Development Agency (AFD) and the Institut français de Tunisie are partnering with the Agency for Training in Tourism Professions (AFMT) to enhance skills and professional standards.
Key initiatives include:
- Moustadam: Supported by the Fonds Mostadem with a grant of €100,000, this program benefits eight AFMT training centers. Its primary goals are to boost the attractiveness of tourism careers and improve professional French language proficiency among young trainees.
- GustOdyssée: This program aims to promote a more sustainable approach to gastronomy across the Mediterranean region, further deepening cultural and economic ties.
A Broader Economic Context
Tourism serves as a visible facet of a much wider economic relationship. In 2025, total goods trade between France and Tunisia reached €8.9 billion, according to French Customs data. Specifically:
- France exported €3.56 billion worth of goods to Tunisia.
- France imported €5.34 billion worth of goods from Tunisia.
This robust trade balance underscores the depth and diversity of the economic partnership between the two nations.
