Tunisia's tourism industry is experiencing a paradoxical situation, where a growing number of tourists is not matched by an equivalent increase in operational hotels. According to data from the Italian Trade Agency (ITA/ICE), between 164 and 177 hotels are currently closed in Tunisia. In contrast, only 15 to 17 new hotels, representing over 4,000 rooms, are under construction. This disparity presents a potential market for Italian companies specializing in hotel renovation and modernization.
The ITA highlights the needs of Tunisia's existing hotels, which require renovation, modernization, and upgrading. The sector's new capacities are growing less rapidly than tourist demand, creating an opportunity for businesses that provide hotel equipment, digital technologies, furniture, and water management solutions. The Italian agency emphasizes that the potential for growth lies not only in building new hotels but also in renovating the existing stock.
Four Tunisian operators will participate in the InOut | The Hospitality Community trade show in Rimini, Italy, from October 14 to 16, 2026, as part of a delegation organized by the ITA. The event focuses on technologies, supplies, services, equipment, furniture, and wellness solutions for the hospitality sector. This participation aims to connect Tunisian businesses with Italian suppliers and facilitate the modernization of Tunisia's hotel infrastructure.
Tunisia's tourism sector has shown significant growth, with over 11 million visitors in 2025, generating 29.1 million overnight stays and 8.1 billion dinars in revenue. The trend continued in 2026, with approximately 7.1 million arrivals recorded by the end of August and revenue reaching 5.52 billion dinars for the first eight months. This growth highlights the need for Tunisia's hotel offer to adapt and improve to meet increasing demand.
The Italian Trade Agency sees an opportunity to support the modernization of Tunisia's hotel sector, rather than focusing solely on constructing new units. Italian companies can provide expertise and solutions to upgrade existing hotels, addressing the needs of the sector and capitalizing on the growing demand for tourism in Tunisia.
The ITA's approach is oriented towards professionals in the hospitality sector and suppliers in the tourism chain. By promoting the renovation and modernization of existing hotels, Italian businesses can tap into a new market and establish partnerships with Tunisian operators. This collaboration aims to enhance the quality and competitiveness of Tunisia's hotel offer.
The contrast between the growing tourism sector and the closed hotels in Tunisia presents a unique opportunity for renovation and modernization. With the support of Italian companies and expertise, Tunisian hotels can improve their infrastructure, services, and overall quality, ultimately benefiting the country's tourism industry and economy.
Key points
- Up to 177 hotels are currently closed in Tunisia, while only 15 to 17 new hotels are under construction.
- The Italian Trade Agency is promoting the renovation and modernization of Tunisia's existing hotels to meet growing tourist demand.
- Four Tunisian operators will participate in a trade show in Italy to connect with suppliers and facilitate the modernization of Tunisia's hotel infrastructure.
