A Tunisian-Italian meeting was held on November 13, 2026, in Djerba, to launch the "Sustainable and Participatory UNESCO Sites" project, also known as "SUPER". The project aims to promote cooperation between Djerba and the Italian cities of Noto and Caltagirone in the field of cultural heritage preservation and sustainable tourism development. The project is part of a cross-border cooperation program between Tunisia and Italy.
The project brings together three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Djerba, Noto, and Caltagirone. It seeks to create a more inclusive and sustainable tourism approach, providing new opportunities for local artisans, tour guides, restaurant owners, and tourism operators. The project also aims to strengthen the link between tourism development and local identity preservation. According to Farhat Ben Tannfus, from the University of Tourism Management in Djerba, the project will help diversify the island's tourism offer and create new experiences for visitors.
The project includes several components, including the creation of two tourist paths using augmented reality technology, with multilingual content to enhance the visitor experience. A participatory environmental museum will also be established, in collaboration with local residents, artisans, and cultural actors, to promote the island's heritage and living skills. Additionally, the project will develop two complete tourist products, offering alternatives to traditional beach tourism, and improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
The project was launched in June 2026 in Caltagirone, Italy, and several workshops were organized in Djerba to select the sites to be included in the project. The project will run until summer 2027, and efforts are being made to secure funding to complete its remaining components. The project is seen as an opportunity to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between Tunisia and Italy.
The importance of the project was emphasized by Koula El Kadhi, president of the Djerba Island Conservation Association, who highlighted its role in preserving and promoting the island's UNESCO-listed heritage. She also stressed the importance of citizen participation in achieving the project's objectives. Participants in the meeting noted that the cooperation between Djerba and the Italian cities of Noto and Caltagirone is significant, given the shared cultural and heritage characteristics of these regions.
The meeting was attended by several Tunisian parties, including the Governor of Medenine, Walid Tobbubi, and an Italian delegation led by the mayors of Noto and Caltagirone. The project is supported by partners such as the Djerba Island municipalities, the Medenine Regional Tourism Office, and the Southeastern Sicily Tourism Board. The project aims to promote sustainable tourism and cultural exchange between Tunisia and Italy.
The launch of the project is seen as a positive step towards promoting sustainable tourism and cultural preservation in Djerba and the region. The project's focus on community participation and environmental conservation is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and environment. Key stakeholders will continue to work together to ensure the project's success and sustainability.
Key points
- The project aims to promote sustainable tourism and cultural exchange between Tunisia and Italy.
- The project includes the creation of tourist paths using augmented reality technology and a participatory environmental museum.
- The project seeks to strengthen the link between tourism development and local identity preservation.
