Tunisia tourism booms in 2025 as European visitors return

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At a Glance

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• Tunisia tourism surges 9.8% in 2025, fueled by strong European arrivals.
• Industry generates $1.38 billion revenues, 400,000 jobs, boosting Tunisia’s economy.
• France, UK, Germany lead record-breaking visitor comeback, restoring global travel confidence.

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Tunisia’s tourism industry is staging one of its strongest comebacks in a decade, with 2025 shaping up to be a record-breaking year.

The North African destination, once battered by security concerns and the global pandemic, is witnessing a surge in arrivals, led primarily by European travelers.

Officials say the momentum underscores renewed international confidence in Tunisia’s safety, cultural appeal, and economic resilience. 

By July 20, 2025, the country had welcomed 5.3 million tourists, up 9.8 percent from the same period in 2024.

The figure also represents a 16.2 percent jump over 2019 levels, making it one of the strongest rebounds in the region.

With current trends, authorities forecast more than 11 million arrivals by year-end, up from 10 million in 2024.

A cornerstone of Tunisia’s economy 

Tourism continues to be one of Tunisia’s largest economic drivers, contributing about 9 percent of GDP and supporting more than 400,000 jobs. T

he first half of 2025 alone generated TND 3.998 billion ($1.38 billion) in revenues, up 8.2 percent year-on-year. Hotel overnight stays reached 12.36 million, a 7.1 percent increase compared to the previous year. 

The government has been quick to reinforce the sector’s growth trajectory. Initiatives include a new digital hotel booking platform for Tunisian citizens, designed to boost domestic participation, and expanded tourism investments totaling TND 943 million ($325.29 million) by mid-2025.

Officials are also pushing for greater diversification in tourism products, from eco-tourism and luxury resorts to cultural and desert experiences, to reduce reliance on traditional sun-and-sea holidaymakers.

Europe’s strong return 

European markets remain the backbone of Tunisia’s resurgence. Arrivals from the continent rose 10.7 percent in 2025, with France, the UK, Germany, and Italy leading inflows. 

France: Visitor numbers rose 9.6 percent, consolidating its position as Tunisia’s largest European source market. UK: Arrivals surged 46.9 percent, with forecasts pointing to 400,000 British travelers this year—restoring levels last seen before 2015.

Italy and Switzerland: Growth of 11.6 percent and 17.6 percent, respectively, highlights renewed Mediterranean interest. Ireland: Nearly doubled its contribution with a 97 percent spike, one of the sharpest gains across Europe. 

The British return has been particularly significant. Following years of absence due to security warnings, UK travelers are flocking back, encouraged by improved stability and competitive travel packages.

Tour operators have expanded charter flights, while Tunisia’s Ministry of Tourism has ramped up promotional campaigns across European capitals.

Regional and global markets add momentum 

Tunisia’s appeal is not confined to Europe. The Maghreb region continues to play a vital role, with Algeria and Libya together contributing nearly half of arrivals.

By mid-2025, the Maghreb accounted for 2.7 million visitors, including 1.46 million Algerians and 1.25 million Libyans. 

Outside the region, long-haul markets are showing promising growth. Visitors from the US climbed 4.9 percent, Canada increased by 7.5 percent, and China—considered a key future growth market—recorded a 15 percent rise.

Tunisia has been negotiating expanded air connectivity to capture more of these markets, particularly from North America and Asia.

Outlook: Sustaining the momentum 

With security perceptions improving, infrastructure expanding, and diversification strategies underway, Tunisia’s tourism sector is set for its strongest performance in years.

Industry analysts suggest the country could sustain double-digit growth if investments in transport, digital platforms, and destination marketing continue. 

For a nation that has faced a turbulent decade, the 2025 tourism boom signals not only economic revival but also a renewed position on the global travel map—one increasingly attractive to Europeans, regional neighbors, and a growing pool of long-haul visitors.