In Tunisia, the start of the summer tourist season is taking place in a climate of anxiety. The cause: the repercussions of the war in the Middle East, which are leading to a rise in oil prices and air transport costs.
In Djerba, a leading Tunisian tourist destination, several professionals are already noticing a slowdown in bookings.
According to the manager of the Royal Garden Palace hotel, bookings have fallen by nearly 50% this year. Rising airfares are forcing many tourists to reconsider their travel plans.
The price of kerosene has risen sharply since the beginning of the year, forcing some airlines to raise their prices, or even cancel flights.
The tourism sector represents approximately 10% of Tunisia's GDP and provides a livelihood for nearly 400,000 people.
Despite this difficult context, Tunisian authorities want to remain optimistic. Last year, Djerba welcomed a record 1.2 million visitors.
Between April and September, more than 5,600 flights are scheduled to the island, up more than 3% year-on-year, with connections from 16 countries, mainly European.
Tourism officials believe that Tunisia's proximity to Europe remains a major advantage. The country also emphasizes its image as a stable and safe destination in the Mediterranean.
