The number of tourists visiting Tunisia this year should return to the levels before the terrorist attacks of Sousse and Bardo which occurred in 2015, according to the Tunisian tourism minister. In 2014, the country welcomed 7.1 million visitors and in 2017 there were only 5.3 million travelers.
"Tunisia plans to host eight million tourists during the year 2018, with significant booking rates from European customers and new customers," said Selma Elloumi Rekik, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts.
Mrs. Elloumi Rekik stated that, as a result, Tunisian tourism revenues are expected to increase by 25% in 2018 compared to the year 2017, which posted estimated revenues of 2.8 billion.
The return of tourists to Tunisia is beginning to be confirmed by that of the British, which constitute a strong signal for Tunisia. In fact, most of the major European tour operators have begun to return.
The multinational tour operator TUI announced, in early January 2018, the return of Tunisia destination to its British customers, after two and a half years after the attack in Sousse which took the lives of 30 British tourists. This attack also caused a fall in the TUI stock of 7.82% on the London Stock Exchange.
However, TUI will start the current tourist season with 20 thousand British tourists whose arrival is scheduled from May 2018. Due to this, it expects four flights per week from Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, and Gatwick to Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport. The British operator Thomas Cook will ensure three flights a week to Tunisia.