Tunisian government to support tour operators promoting the country

The government of Tunisia plans to invest €2.5 million in promoting it to Russian market. It was reported by the General Director of the National Tourism Office of Tunisia Khabib Ammar at a press conference organized by Biblio Globus Tour operator within media tour in Tunisia. Journalists inquired about the first Tunisian state support of Russian tour operators in the amount of €500 thousand.

According to Khabib Ammar, while only 190 thousand Russians visited Tunisia in 2010, such steps will allow to increase the amount of tourists to one million people a year and within four-five years. As predicted by the National Tourism Office, 230 thousand Russians will visit the country this year. 

The General Director of the receiving Biblio Globus Tunisia Company Mohammed Saadaui noted that in spite of the last year’s political background, the situation currently came back to normal and the demand for the destination restored. 

“This year Biblio Globus Tour Operator will attract about 85 thousand tourists”, - read out aloud Mohammed Saadaui.

According to Khabib Ammar, Tunisian government is ready to refund major Russian players about 50% costs spent on advertising campaign. When administrating budgetary funds, the Administration on Tourism and the Headquarters of Tunisia will pay respect to the number of announced tourists, amendments to advertising campaign, tour performance and hotel exclusivity.

Assessing the situation on Tunisian market Khabib Ammar noted that the income from tour business amounts to 7% of GDP of the country. Currently the income has reached the pre-revolutionary level due to increasing by 34% within four month if compared to the same period in 2011. At the same time the number of tourists has increased by 52%.

According to Mohammed Saadaui, there’s every reason for positive estimates for the coming summer season. Currently the intensity of sales reaches October. 70% of June’s tours are sold.