Tunisian Hotel and Restaurant Federations Express Concerns Over Proposed Social Tourism Law
Hearing Before Parliamentary Tourism Committee
On Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Tunisian Hotel Federation and the Tunisian Federation of Tourist Restaurants attended a joint hearing before the parliamentary tourism committee. The discussion focused on a proposed law aimed at creating a national social tourism system.
A Controversial Proposal
One topic garnered significant attention during the two sessions: the proposed law to establish a national social tourism system. The principle of allowing modest social categories to access tourist accommodations is not disputed in itself. However, the method of implementation is causing concern.
Mandatory Allocation of Capacity
The proposed law would require private establishments to reserve approximately one-third of their capacity for these social categories. Both federations believe this provision goes too far, as it:
- Infringes upon contractual freedom
- Restricts investment freedom
- Violates basic competition rules
- Risks deterring investors already wary of the complicated business environment
Alternative Proposal
The professionals propose a simpler alternative: making the system voluntary and attractive through genuine tax incentives. In parallel, they suggest:
- Repurposing closed hotels to develop internal accommodation offers
- Investing in the development of accessible beaches and public spaces for all families
By adopting a more flexible and incentive-based approach, the federations aim to promote social tourism while preserving the interests of private establishments and encouraging investment in the sector.
