The Medjerda valley in Tunisia is set to become a standalone tourist destination, with the Via Bagrada event taking place from October 2-4. The event aims to showcase the region's cultural and natural attractions, including its historic medinas, traditional olive oil production, and local handicrafts. The event will feature a range of activities, including heritage trails, artisan demonstrations, and local food experiences. The goal is to create a sustainable tourism industry that generates income for local communities.
The Via Bagrada event is taking place in three locations: Testour, Téboursouk, and Slouguia. In Testour, visitors can explore the historic medina, while in Téboursouk, they can visit traditional olive oil production facilities and the ancient city of Dougga. Slouguia will host an experience centered around traditional pottery. The event is organized by Museum Lab, which has consulted with 148 local economic actors, including entrepreneurs, artisans, and institutions.
To support the development of the Medjerda valley as a tourist destination, Museum Lab has launched a cluster that brings together actors from six governorates: Béja, Jendouba, Le Kef, Siliana, Bizerte, and Manouba. The cluster aims to create a common itinerary and online platform for tourists to book their trips. The platform will also feature a reservation system, making it easier for visitors to plan their stay.
Despite the potential of the Medjerda valley, the region currently lacks adequate infrastructure to support tourism. According to data from 2023, the governorate of Béja has only 381 hotel beds, with 84 in Testour and 64 in Téboursouk. The region recorded 11,982 tourist arrivals and 22,756 overnight stays, with an occupancy rate of 16.9%. The Tunisian Ministry of Tourism has announced plans to rehabilitate the Andalusian circuit in Testour and facilitate the opening of guesthouses in the region.
The success of the Via Bagrada event will be measured by the number of visitors who return, stay overnight, and spend money with local operators. The event's organizers hope that it will mark the beginning of a sustainable tourism industry in the Medjerda valley. The region's economic indicators are still underdeveloped, and significant work remains to be done to create a viable tourist destination.
The Via Bagrada event is part of a broader effort to develop the tourism sector in Tunisia. The country's tourism industry has faced challenges in recent years, and the government is seeking to diversify and promote new destinations. The Medjerda valley offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, making it an attractive option for tourists.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the success of the Medjerda valley as a tourist destination. The region's infrastructure and services will need to be developed to support an increasing number of visitors. If successful, the Via Bagrada event could become a model for sustainable tourism development in other regions of Tunisia.
Key points
- The Via Bagrada event aims to transform the Medjerda valley into a standalone tourist destination.
- The region currently lacks adequate infrastructure to support tourism, with only 381 hotel beds in the governorate of Béja.
- The success of the event will be measured by the number of visitors who return, stay overnight, and spend money with local operators.
