Mohamed Mehdi Haloui, the director general of Tunisia's National Tourism Office (ONTT), has been ranked 40th in Forbes Middle East's Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders 2026 list. This is his second consecutive year on the list, having ranked 43rd in 2025. The ranking evaluates leaders based on their organization's size and performance, experience, and strategic achievements.
Haloui was appointed to his current position in April 2025. Prior to this, he held various roles within the ONTT, including positions in the heritage and environment department, regional tourism commissions, and director of quality and investment. He has also worked for the municipality of Hammamet. His diverse experience has given him a broad understanding of the tourism sector.
According to Forbes ME, Haloui's ranking is attributed to Tunisia's strong tourism performance in 2025. The country welcomed 11.3 million non-resident visitors, a 10.4% increase from the previous year. Tourism revenues reached approximately $2.8 billion, a 6.5% increase. These figures, cited from the central bank, highlight the success of Tunisia's tourism industry.
The Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders 2026 list covers the tourism, hospitality, air transport, airport, destination, and travel service sectors in the Middle East and North Africa. Haloui's achievement is a testament to his leadership and the growth of Tunisia's tourism sector. His background as an architect, graduating in 2000, has also contributed to his unique perspective in the industry.
Haloui joined the ONTT in 2003 and has since held various positions, allowing him to gain a comprehensive understanding of the sector. His roles have included chef de division, commissaire régional, and director of quality and investment. This experience has equipped him to drive growth and development in Tunisia's tourism industry.
The recognition by Forbes ME underscores the progress made by Tunisia's tourism sector under Haloui's leadership. The country's tourism industry has shown significant growth, with a notable increase in visitors and revenues. This achievement is a result of strategic efforts to promote Tunisia as a tourist destination.
Haloui's ranking in the Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders 2026 list is a notable achievement for Tunisia's tourism sector. His leadership and experience have contributed to the sector's growth, and his recognition by Forbes ME highlights the country's progress in the industry. The ONTT continues to work towards further development and growth of Tunisia's tourism sector.
Key points
- Mohamed Mehdi Haloui ranks 40th in Forbes ME's Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders 2026 list.
- Tunisia's tourism sector showed significant growth in 2025, with 11.3 million visitors and $2.8 billion in revenues.
- Haloui's experience and leadership have contributed to the growth of Tunisia's tourism industry.
