- As part of FITUR, Tunisia Tourism held the ‘Tunisia Reborn’ forum on Thursday.
- This professional meeting aimed to showcase the richness, diversity and authenticity of the destination to the Spanish market.
- The event brought together representatives of Tunisian tourism, specialised journalists, consultants, content creators and professionals from the tourism sector, as well as the media.
The day began with a welcome from Leila Tekaia, Regional Director of Tourism for Tunisia in Spain and Portugal, who highlighted the country’s current renewal and its close cultural and Mediterranean connection with Spain. During her speech, Tekaia emphasised the destination’s ability to encompass all its facets from north to south, highlighting two key milestones: this year’s celebration of the long-awaited 50th anniversary of the Star Wars saga, and Tunisia’s future status as the Arab Tourism Capital in 2027. Both events will consolidate the country as an international benchmark, and Tekaya pointed out that no one better than the forum’s guests to recall the attributes of a destination that continues to be an iconic film setting and a cultural centre of the first order. The forum, moderated by Arturo Crosby (CEO of Forum Natura), was structured as a 360º analysis of Tunisia’s potential.
During the meeting, Nuria Cabrero, a journalist from Lonely Planet, pointed out that what makes Tunisia unique is the combination of its cultural diversity and natural contrasts—ranging from lush cork oak forests to desert landscapes—as well as its craftsmanship and fusion cuisine that reflects the crossroads of civilisations. Cabrero took advantage of the forum to announce the upcoming launch of the new Lonely Planet Tunisia guide, which will be available from 4 March.
Next, Caroline Couret, CEO of Creative Tourism, presented a culinary route developed in Tunisia with the aim of diversifying the tourist offer throughout the territory, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in the country’s wealth through local products such as cheese, olive oil and dates, and incorporating participatory workshops where visitors can make cosmetics with dates or produce their own cheese, living the experience like a true Tunisian.
Next, TVE journalist and participant in Around the World in 80 Days, Eva Rojas, shared a deeply transformative travel experience, recounting her journey from the capital to the south, her direct contact with local communities and her discovery of ancestral techniques on the island of Yerba, such as traditional fishing with jars and ancient traditional pottery, culminating in the unique experience of spending the night in a camp and watching the sunrise in the Sahara desert.
For his part, Vincent Lopez, creator of the Visit the Sahara project, emphasised that Tunisia is much more than just the desert, highlighting its historical and cultural value as a fundamental part of the history of Africa and the Arab world, as well as the need to structure experiences that help agencies and tour operators offer better organised stays, also highlighting the Mediterranean ties that unite Tunisia and Spain, such as the tradition of olive oil.
Elena del Amo, journalist, freelance contributor, tour leader and former editor of Viajar magazine, has highlighted Tunisia as a safe, friendly and very accessible destination, ideal for those visiting an Arab country for the first time, emphasising its Roman heritage, cultural diversity and pioneering role in women’s rights, factors that make it a firm and consolidated choice within the current tourism landscape.
From a local perspective, Ridha Mami, expert consultant at DMC Tunisian Travel Service, explained that Tunisia’s uniqueness lies in its historical and territorial richness, with 163,000 km² that include different forms of the Sahara desert, and in its multicultural identity, the result of the passage of Carthaginians, Romans, Spaniards, Italians, Turks and French, a heritage that defines Tunisians as open and hospitable people, where many surnames of Spanish origin are still preserved.
The forum also featured the emotional perspective of Carlos Cuñado, content creator, who emphasised ‘what is not always seen’ in Tunisia: the emotions, the inspiring sunsets, the friendliness of its people and the country’s ability to break down prejudices about North Africa, also highlighting the good connection with Spain and the possibility of enjoying a complete and balanced trip in just a few days.
With the ‘Tunisia Reborn’ forum, the country reaffirms its commitment to positioning itself in the British market as an authentic, diverse and safe destination, capable of offering unique cultural, gastronomic and human experiences, where ancient history, creativity and hospitality combine to offer a memorable trip.
Source: MUNKA Comunicación