For Immediate Release
Press Release
U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome joined the Tunisian Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts Mr. Mohamed Moez Belhassine today at the Sbeitla archeological site in Kasserine, Tunisia, to launch the $50 million "Visit Tunisia" project funded by the U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Visit Tunisia is a five-year project designed to help Tunisia’s vital tourism sector rebound through public-private sector partnerships and digital innovations that will capitalize on the country’s rich natural, cultural, and historical heritage. This USG investment has the potential of generating 15,000 new sustainable tourism-related jobs in underserved communities across Tunisia.
Through Visit Tunisia, the U.S. government will work with the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts to design and promote experience-based tourism activities beyond the coast, with goal of drawing new international tourists to areas of Tunisia that are often overlooked. Activities will integrate the perspectives of women and youth as local tourism strategies are developed and broad access to small business support will be available.
Visit Tunisia will place a special focus on year-round experiences to encourage tourism arrivals beyond the narrow summer season. Expanding tourism offerings will lead to an increase in the number of tour operators selling Tunisia as a destination, and an increase in visitor spending by 20 percent. Targets include an increase in arrivals to 11.5 million by 2026.
