TUNIS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Tunisia aims to attract more than 11 million tourists in 2025 as the country strives to broaden its tourism offerings, Tourism Minister Sofiane Tekaya said on Wednesday.
The North African country is launching a public-private initiative to promote coastal, health, cultural, and environmental tourism year-round, Tekaya told state news agency Tunis Afrique Presse. The plan includes boosting air connectivity with major European markets, a critical source of visitors, through partnerships with airlines and travel firms.
The announcement follows a strong performance in Tunisia's tourism sector last year, with foreign arrivals hitting 10.25 million.
Tourism is a critical pillar of Tunisia's economy, contributing roughly 10 percent of GDP and providing hundreds of thousands of jobs. The country has historically drawn visitors to its Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins, and Sahara desert attractions, though political instability and security concerns have periodically impacted the sector. ■