Tunisia Takes a New Step in Sustainable Tourism Development
The Tunisian Ministry of Tourism announced, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the Tunisian National Tourism Office (ONTT) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international reference for sustainability standards in the tourism sector.
Signing of the Agreement
The agreement was signed during the opening of the national workshop "Sustainable Tunisia | Human First", chaired by the Minister of Tourism, Soufiane Tekaya, in the presence of Randy Durband, Director General of the GSTC, as well as representatives of public institutions, professional organizations, and international partners. This convention aims to support Tunisia in aligning its tourism policies and programs with international sustainable tourism standards. It also provides for the strengthening of national skills in the areas of evaluation, certification, and sustainable management of tourist destinations and establishments.
Objectives of the Agreement
According to the ministry, this approach should contribute to improving the quality of tourist services and strengthening the competitiveness of the Tunisian destination on international markets. The Minister of Tourism emphasized that sustainable tourism has become an essential lever for ensuring the sustainability of destinations and responding to the evolution of travelers' expectations. He indicated that Tunisia has significant assets, including its cultural heritage, natural diversity, and human resources, to position itself as a reference destination in this field.
Priorities and Initiatives
The minister also highlighted the reforms undertaken to develop a more sustainable and diversified tourism model, based on quality, innovation, and the valorization of local resources. Among the priorities are:
- Modernizing the regulatory framework
- Developing alternative accommodation
- Supporting responsible investment
- Strengthening the employability of young people
International Recognition
Randy Durband estimated that Tunisia has significant potential to strengthen its position on the international tourism scene. He noted that global demand is increasingly oriented towards sustainable tourism offers that respect the environment, local cultures, and regional economies. This initiative is part of the preparations for Tunisia's designation as "Arab Capital of Tourism 2027", a deadline that the authorities want to take advantage of to strengthen the country's image as a sustainable, innovative, and competitive tourist destination.
