Tunisia's tourism industry is expected to sharply rise after being dormant since the country's revolution during the Arab Spring. While Tunisia still faces threats of terrorism, the government is working to increase security and political stability in hopes of encouraging tourism, which accounts for 7.5% of GDP. Shop owners and citizens are desperate for tourism to return to boost the economy. Tunisia received international recognition as a new travel destination and the tourism minister has predicted 7 million visitors this year, which would be a record.

1. Tunisia Tourism Expected to Rise

2. Many American’s think of Tunisia as
a dangerous place, but there are
signs that perspectives may be
shifting.

3. There have been a number of
terrorist attacks in the country,
including one on the US embassy
there in 2012,

4. but the country is undergoing
monumental changes to increase
political stability and increase
security.

5. Will this be enough to encourage a
tourism industry? Many Tunisians
are banking on it.

6. USA Today reports that tourism is
expected to rise sharply in Tunisia,
an industry that has been more or
less dormant since their revolution
during the Arab Spring.

7. With revolution has come social and
political freedom, and that is giving
citizens hope that they can
overcome economic struggles.

8. And they are officially ready to
welcome travelers.

9. Shop owners in the old quarter of
Tunis, the country’s capital, are
desperate to have tourism return.

10. Before the revolutions, the massive
Mediterranean coastline was full of
popular beach resorts in close
proximity to ancient ruins and
beautiful desert landscapes.

11. Dougga, a northern village, is
considered by UNESCO to be the
closest thing to antiquity-like daily
life in Northern Africa, and also a big
draw for curious foreigners.

12. A couple months ago Tunisia
received a shout-out from Condê
Nast Traveler, calling them the next
big travel destination.

13. Reasons cited were the optimism
and diversity.

14. While these qualities aren’t usually
cited as vacation makers, they are
notable in light of other nearby
Muslim countries.

15. But don’t worry, there’s also a
vibrant nightlife where non-muslims
can partake in alcohol and dance
until the morning.

16. The country’s tourism minister, Amel
Karboul, has predicted they will
receive seven million tourists this
year, which would be a record.

17. The hope is that Tunisia’s boast as
the first democracy in the Arab
world will help to attract travelers
hoping to be a part of an historic
event.

18. The tourism industry in Tunisia
employs over 400k people, and
accounts for 7.5% of GDP.

19. Despite the national feeling of
change and progress, Tunisia still
has to battle with some harsh
realities.

20. Terrorism is still a problem there.

21. Militant attacks continue, and
they are constantly facing travel
warnings issued by the western
world.

22. A suicide attack last year near a
beach hotel in a tourist resort
town doesn’t make for good
press.

23. Future attacks, including
kidnappings, are possible, and
even expected.

24. With continued work, though,
Tunisia will most likely be grow
the number of tourists,

25. which could in itself even play a
role in helping to shape the
future of the country.

26. Perhaps once the country feels
the positive economic impact of
tourism, unrest will decline in a
more substantial way.

27. Tunisia Tourism Expected to Rise