The Tunisian tourism sector is taking steps to better organize and structure domestic tourism. On September 17, 2026, the Federation Tunisienne des Agences de Voyages et de Tourisme (FTAV) held a meeting in Tunis to discuss the future of domestic tourism. The commission on domestic tourism, part of the FTAV, recommended the creation of a joint committee comprising all domestic tourism professionals. This committee will aim to define sales conditions and address unauthorized operators in the sector.
The joint committee is expected to play a crucial role in regulating the domestic tourism industry. Its primary objectives will be to establish clear guidelines for sales and to eliminate unlicensed operators. This move is intended to protect the interests of clients and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector. According to the FTAV, the domestic tourism market plays a vital stabilizing role, complementing the country's international tourism arrivals, which exceeded 11 million non-resident visitors in 2025.
In 2025, Tunisia's tourism sector experienced significant growth, with a record number of visitors and a substantial increase in revenue. The country's tourism revenues reached 8.09 billion dinars, representing a 6.5% increase compared to 2024, according to the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT). This growth has been driven in part by the resilience of domestic tourism, which accounts for approximately 20-25% of hotel nights and has become a key driver of domestic demand.
Domestic tourism is becoming increasingly important to Tunisia's tourism industry. Professionals in the sector believe that it has the potential to become a major pillar of the industry, supporting its resilience throughout the year. The FTAV has set an ambitious goal to increase the share of domestic tourism in terms of hotel nights to 50% by 2035. Achieving this goal will require sustained efforts to develop and promote domestic tourism.
The growth of domestic tourism in Tunisia is also driven by its potential to support the local economy. By promoting domestic travel and tourism, the sector can help to distribute tourism revenues more evenly across the country, benefiting local communities and businesses. Furthermore, a well-structured domestic tourism industry can help to reduce the country's reliance on international tourism, making the sector more resilient to external shocks.
To achieve its goals, the Tunisian tourism sector will need to invest in developing its domestic tourism infrastructure. This may involve upgrading accommodation facilities, improving tourist services, and promoting domestic destinations. The sector will also need to develop effective marketing strategies to promote domestic tourism and encourage Tunisians to explore their own country.
The FTAV's recommendations and goals for domestic tourism have been well-received by industry professionals. If successful, they could help to transform Tunisia's tourism sector, making it more resilient, sustainable, and beneficial to the local economy. With a growing focus on domestic tourism, Tunisia is poised to take advantage of new opportunities and challenges in the tourism industry.
Key points
- The FTAV recommends creating a joint committee to regulate domestic tourism and protect client interests.
- Domestic tourism accounts for approximately 20-25% of hotel nights in Tunisia.
- The FTAV aims to increase the share of domestic tourism in terms of hotel nights to 50% by 2035.
