Tunisia is solidifying its return as a major Mediterranean destination, leveraging a sprawling coastline, recognized ancient heritage, and a compelling price-quality ratio that appeals to both families and independent travelers. As the country navigates its tourism recovery, the strategy now balances increasing visitor numbers with a push toward higher-quality offerings.
Airline Capacity Soars for 2025-2026 Season
The rebound is being fueled by significant growth in air connectivity. Transavia France has become a leading carrier on the France-Tunisia route, announcing a 10% capacity increase for winter 2025-2026, operating 16 direct routes. From France, it will serve Tunis, Djerba, Monastir, Sfax, and Tozeur from Paris-Orly, Nantes, Lyon, Montpellier, Marseille, Nice, and—new for this season—Toulouse. A new summer 2026 route between Montpellier and Djerba is also planned.
“Transavia bet on developing its air links, including to Tunisia, 18 years ago, and it has gradually established itself as one of the major airlines. This is a real asset for our destination,” said Mohamed Mehdi Haloui, Director General of the Tunisian National Tourist Office.
The air corridor is also served by a dense network from traditional and low-cost carriers like Air France, Tunisair, Nouvelair, and easyJet, connecting key hubs such as Paris-CDG, Marseille, Lyon, and Nice to Tunis and the resort island of Djerba. Flight frequencies are especially robust on the Paris-Tunis, Paris-Djerba, and Marseille-Tunis routes, peaking during the high season.
Data from fare comparators show an average round-trip economy ticket from Paris to Tunis costs around €214 in November, rising to approximately €350 during the year-end holidays, with Paris-Djerba flights following a similar pricing pattern.
Targeting 11 Million Visitors with a Multi-Faceted Appeal
Strategically located in North Africa, Tunisia is counting on a mix of beach resorts, UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, and Saharan landscapes to draw European vacationers. After surpassing 10.2 million tourists in 2024, authorities are targeting 11 million visitors in 2025. France remains the top European source market, delivering over one million visitors annually, ahead of Germany and the United Kingdom.
The country’s offer is distinctly segmented:
- Beach Resorts: Large coastal stations in Djerba, Hammamet, Sousse, and Monastir form the core of the all-inclusive market. They feature vast seafront complexes, easily accessible beaches, and a focus on swimming, water sports, and club entertainment. Djerba, with its white villages and shallow beaches, is particularly popular with families.
- Culture & Desert: Tunis caters to urban and cultural demand, centered on its historic medina, the Bardo Museum, and the World Heritage site of Carthage, with the iconic blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Saïd overlooking the gulf. Major Roman sites like El Jem and Dougga add to the historical itinerary, while gateways like Tozeur and Douz offer access to Sahara desert circuits, oases, and overnight camping.
Practical Travel and Competitive Costs
Spring and autumn are recommended for moderate temperatures suitable for both beach stays and cultural tours. Travel advisors suggest varying accommodations, opting for guided tours in desert regions, and patronizing local commerce for an authentic experience.
For French tourists, an average daily budget of €50-€60 is feasible for two people sharing a 2-3 star hotel and eating two meals at restaurants—often more than 50% less than the cost of a comparable stay in France.
Major tour operators like Havas Voyages and Fram offer a range of all-inclusive packages. Online travel agency Bourse-des-Voyages.com lists nearly 1,000 Tunisian offers, from short breaks to long stays combining resort hotels and excursions, with departures from numerous French cities.
Between volume recovery, offered diversification, and a stated ambition to move upmarket, Tunisia stands at a pivotal point in its tourism development. The national strategy aims to consolidate traditional markets like France while attracting new segments seeking culture and wellness.
TunisianMonitorOnline (NejiMed)
