Tunisian authorities are working to reclaim their share of the Russian tourism market and are actively searching for solutions to attract more travelers from Russia, according to Hassine Helmi, Director General of Tunisia’s National Tourism Office.
"We are determined to restore our position in this important market and continue coordinating efforts with all key stakeholders—both in diplomacy and through our Moscow office—to relaunch Tunisia as a prime destination as soon as possible," Hassine told TASS.
However, he acknowledged that several challenges are hindering progress. Currently, only one airline is operating direct flights between Russia and Tunisia, while soaring transportation costs further complicate the situation. Despite these obstacles, Tunisian tourism officials remain engaged, attending major travel expos in Russia and holding discussions with Russian airlines, tour operators, and tourism authorities.
"Everything suggests that solutions can be found, allowing us to regain our market share in Russia," Hassine said confidently.
He highlighted Tunisia’s enduring appeal among Russian tourists, citing the country's diverse landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural traditions. Russian travelers, he noted, are known for their high spending habits and strong interest in desert excursions, archaeological sites, and museums.
In 2019, Tunisia welcomed over 633,000 Russian tourists, who collectively spent around 6.5 million nights in the country—more than any other foreign visitor group. However, post-pandemic recovery has been slow, and Tunisia has yet to restore Russian visitor numbers to pre-COVID levels.
The National Tourism Office of Tunisia, which operates under the Ministry of Tourism, remains committed to revitalizing this key market segment.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Alex Sky/Pixabay
Based on TASS materials