Ahead of the 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year holidays, Tunisia is solidifying its status as a dynamic Mediterranean destination, attracting European and international travelers with its mild climate, competitive prices, and diverse offerings. Beyond its famed coastal resorts, a progressive revival of Saharan tourism and a robust archaeological heritage are positioning the country for year-round appeal.
The cruise sector is experiencing a particularly strong revival, serving as a winter catalyst. Major lines are reporting significant commitments, with MSC Cruises planning 42 calls carrying nearly 200,000 passengers to La Goulette in 2025. “MSC Splendida will bring 4,000 cruise passengers to La Goulette on Christmas Day and another 4,000 on New Year’s Day,” revealed Leonardo Massa, Vice President of MSC Cruises. Similarly, Costa Crociere is featuring Tunis prominently, offering passengers the chance to spend Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve in the capital.
These cruise stops are gateways to curated experiences, from exploring the UNESCO-listed Medina of Tunis and the ruins of Carthage to quad biking or relaxing in Hammamet. Costa Crociere’s Vice President of Worldwide Sales, Luigi Stefanelli, highlighted the integrated “Sea & Land” concept, which pairs maritime travel with authentic onshore activities like preparing couscous on local farms or exploring Berber villages.
On land, tourism authorities are emphasizing Tunisia’s profound cultural wealth to attract visitors beyond the beach season. Professor Antonella Coralini of the University of Bologna, an expert on Roman heritage, underscores the quality and accessibility of archaeological sites. “For travellers with half a day or a full day, Tunisia offers archaeological sites of extraordinary quality,” she stated, citing highlights from the Roman villas of Carthage to the underground dwellings of Bulla Regia and the marble quarries of Simittus.
The strategy to become a “four-season” destination appears to be yielding economic results. According to the Central Bank of Tunisia, tourism revenues increased to 7.5 billion dinars (approximately 2.21 billion euros) by the end of November 2025, up 6.8% from the previous year. The country is on track to welcome 11 million tourists by year’s end.
This momentum has been recognized internationally, with Lonely Planet ranking Tunisia among its top 25 global destinations to visit in 2026. The guide’s endorsement places the North African nation alongside destinations like Peru and Botswana, highlighting its growing international appeal.
Air connectivity supports this growth. Tunisair maintains the most extensive network between Italy and Tunisia, with 16 weekly flights in winter from cities like Rome and Milan, expanding to 20 weekly in summer 2026. “The flight schedule allows travelers to discover the riches and magic of the Tunisian hinterland and its magnificent desert,” said Nedra Lajili, Tunisair’s representative for Italy.
With sustained investment in promotion and infrastructure, industry professionals believe Tunisia has significant room for further growth, successfully transforming its geographical and cultural assets into a compelling multi-seasonal draw.
TunisianMonitorOnline (NejiMed)
