The Medjerda region in Tunisia is gearing up to host the second edition of Via Bagrada, a festival that seeks to promote the area as a sustainable tourist destination. The event, which will take place from October 2 to 4, 2026, aims to showcase the region's cultural and natural heritage, including its historic sites, gastronomy, and handicrafts. This year's festival will feature a range of activities, including hiking, cycling, and kayaking, as well as workshops and exhibitions.
The Via Bagrada festival is part of a broader initiative to develop the Medjerda region as a tourist destination. According to Museum Lab, the organizer of the festival, 148 economic actors, tourism professionals, and artisans were consulted in preparation for the project. The goal is to create a network of entrepreneurs, artisans, associations, and alternative accommodations that can offer a range of experiences to tourists. This network will be connected through a common itinerary and a digital platform.
The Medjerda region has a rich cultural and natural heritage, with a number of historic sites, including the ancient city of Testour and the town of Téboursouk. The region is also known for its gastronomy, including its olive oil and wine production. However, despite its potential, the region's tourism infrastructure is still limited. According to recent statistics, the governorate of Béja recorded 11,982 arrivals and 22,756 overnight stays in 2023, with a occupancy rate of 16.9%.
One of the main challenges facing the development of the Medjerda region as a tourist destination is the limited availability of accommodations. According to the Tunisian National Office of Tourism (ODNO), there were only 381 hotel beds in the region in 2023, with 84 in Testour and 64 in Téboursouk. To address this issue, the Ministry of Tourism has announced plans to rehabilitate the Andalusian circuit in Testour and examine the obstacles facing the development of guesthouses.
Despite these challenges, the organizers of Via Bagrada are optimistic about the region's potential to become a sustainable tourist destination. The festival aims to promote the region's cultural and natural heritage, while also supporting local economic development. By connecting entrepreneurs, artisans, and accommodations through a common network, the organizers hope to create a sustainable tourism industry that benefits local communities.
The success of the Via Bagrada festival and the development of the Medjerda region as a tourist destination will depend on a range of factors, including the availability of accommodations, the quality of tourist infrastructure, and the level of local community engagement. The organizers of the festival will be monitoring a range of indicators, including visitor numbers, length of stay, and local economic impact, to assess the festival's success.
The second edition of Via Bagrada will take place from October 2 to 4, 2026, and will feature a range of activities and events. Key points include:
Key points
- The Via Bagrada festival aims to promote the Medjerda region as a sustainable tourist destination.
- The festival will feature a range of activities, including hiking, cycling, and kayaking, as well as workshops and exhibitions.
- The organizers of the festival are working to create a network of entrepreneurs, artisans, and accommodations that can offer a range of experiences to tourists.
