EU Ambassador Highlights Importance of Sustainable Tourism in Tunisia
Closing Ceremony of the Sustainable Tourism Promotion Project in Tunis
Today, January 29, at the closing ceremony of the Sustainable Tourism Promotion Project in Tunis, Giuseppe Perrone, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Tunisia, emphasized the importance of developing sustainable tourism to preserve the country and increase employability.
Tourism: A Key Driver of the Tunisian Economy
According to the European Ambassador, tourism is a vital engine of the Tunisian economy, creating jobs and stimulating growth. This project alone has created nearly 1000 jobs. He recalled that the Sustainable Tourism Promotion Project is part of a larger initiative, "Tounes Wijhetouna," launched in 2019 and supported by the EU.
Innovative Initiatives in Tourism
Perrone highlighted several innovative initiatives, such as those in Sfax, where new tourist circuits focused on olive oil have been developed. These new perspectives and ambitions will benefit the important tourism sector in Tunisia and strengthen collaboration between Tunisia and the EU.
Tounes Wijhetouna: A Comprehensive Program for Sustainable Tourism
For reference, Tounes Wijhetouna aims to:
- Diversify tourism
- Develop artisanal industries
- Promote local products
- Highlight Tunisia's cultural heritage
The program consists of four components:
- Adapting the administrative and regulatory environment to support the diversification of tourism.
- Developing new eco-tourism, cultural, and local products, as well as new regional tourist destinations, by fostering synergies between actors in the agri-food, artisanal, cultural heritage, and tourism promotion sectors.
- Improving the competitiveness of the artisanal sector, ensuring a higher quality of products and access to markets.
- Enhancing the tourist value of Tunisia's cultural heritage.
By promoting sustainable tourism, Tunisia can preserve its natural beauty and cultural richness while creating jobs and driving economic growth.
