Why It Matters
- Strengthening air connectivity is central to boosting Tunisia’s tourism sector and diversifying international markets.
- New airlines would help activate domestic airports and improve utilisation of national air infrastructure.
- Rising demand from China, Germany and Russia underscores the urgency of expanding capacity.
- Coordinated action between transport and tourism ministries aligns infrastructure development with economic growth priorities.
- Complementary focus on maritime tourism and recreational ports broadens Tunisia’s tourism offering.
A working session was held on 25 August at the headquarters of the Ministry of Transport, chaired by the Minister of Transport, Mr Rashid Ameri, and the Minister of Tourism, Mr Sufyan Taqia, to study the possibility of establishing airlines with the capacity to activate domestic airports and support tourism by attracting new markets.
The session was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Transport, the Director General of Civil Aviation, the official responsible for the management of Tunisian Airlines, the acting commissioner of the Department of Civil Aviation and Airports, and from the Ministry of Tourism, the Director-General of the Tunisian National Tourism Board, along with other officials from both ministries.
The Minister of Transport highlighted the importance of establishing a joint programme between the two ministries to strengthen Tunisia’s position as a destination, while considering the logistical and operational possibilities of the air transport sector. He also noted ongoing efforts to develop the infrastructure of Tunisian airports, including domestic facilities, improve the readiness of the Tunisian fleet and Tunisian Express services, and upgrade relief operations.
The Minister of Transport acknowledged the role of Tunisian Airlines not only in passenger transport and supporting tourism, but also in serving national and international events such as cultural, sporting and economic activities, as well as in extraordinary circumstances, including global health crises and regional emergencies.
The Minister of Tourism underlined the cross-cutting nature of the tourism sector and its close link to transport, particularly air and sea. He emphasised its contribution to the economic cycle, foreign currency generation and job creation. He referred to United Nations World Tourism Organization studies indicating rapid international growth in the sector, presenting opportunities to further consolidate Tunisia’s position as a leading tourist destination.
He stressed the importance of approving urgent measures to sustain air travel, both domestically and internationally, as a key driver of tourism, especially in regions with airports. The Ministry is currently receiving growing requests from international embassy agencies, particularly from markets such as China, Germany and Russia, highlighting the need to meet this demand.
The Minister of Tourism also emphasised the importance of developing maritime tourism and expanding activities to more regions of the country. He referred to pilot projects scheduled to begin in 2026 in the ports of Sfax, Sousse, Zarzis and Gabès, and stressed the need to accelerate the development of recreational ports. He also called for the allocation of spaces for artisans within airports and ports to promote traditional industries and showcase Tunisian products.
The ministers agreed to form a joint team from both ministries to coordinate responses to current challenges and advance work towards the establishment of new airlines, particularly to meet growing demand from markets such as Russia and China.
