Tunisia tourism officials: Come home this summer!

Tourism is down in Tunsia. After a series of security issues and attacks, the country has a big problem convincing foreign tourists to visit this North African country.

A commission of the Committee of Tunisians Abroad Affairs convened a meeting on Friday to discuss new measures to encourage Tunisians living abroad come to Tunisia this summer. Representatives from Tunisian Customs, Tunisair, the Tunisian Company for Navigation (CTN), and the Ministry of Social Affairs were in attendance at the meeting.

According to Director of Tunisair Sarra Rjab, Tunisians abroad will benefit from a preferential rate, 17 percent cheaper than normal prices, and those who schedule trips between June 15 and September 15 will be allowed 9 more kilograms than the limit of 23 usually permitted for checked baggage. Moreover, measures will include increasing the number of programmed flights by eight percent, raising the age limit for kids eligible for a 50 percent promotion from 12 to 18 years old, and extending the age maximum for “youth” prices from 21 to 26 years.

On the other hand, CTN Chief Executive Officer Belgacem Ali announced that his company aims to reach 200,000 passengers this year, and that it will make available two luxurious boats with a combined capacity for 5,000 passengers. Tunisians planning to visit Tunisia in summer will benefit from a preferential rate as well, and a 10 percent discount will be available to the young, families of more than three members, and those who book early.

Tunisian Customs representative Chokri Saidi said that security for naval ports and airports will be strengthened, including the installment of at least 90 new security cameras. This follows a series of thefts, in particular having taken place at the Tunis-Carthage International Airport.

Abderraouf El May, the President of the Committee of Tunisians Abroad Affairs, stated that when the summer season starts, members of the special commission will be permanently present to monitor the implementation of these measures.