Thibaud Hue, edited by Ophélie Artaud 07:02, July 06, 2022
After the 2015 attacks and the health crisis in 2020, fewer and fewer tourists went to Tunisia.
This year, they are back, especially in Hammamet.
A pleasure for holidaymakers, but also for tourism professionals, relieved after complicated years.
After two summer seasons marked by the health crisis, tourists are gradually returning to Tunisia, and in particular to Hammamet.
Straw hat on her head, Anne-Sophie, a French tourist, dips her feet in the Mediterranean.
Neither security issues nor the Covid-19 prevented her from coming to enjoy the heat.
"The last time we left was in 2019. It boosts morale. It's really to rest, to do nothing," she says.
“I was afraid of being stuck in a country”
Nabil, who walks in the souk, is back.
This Frenchman of Tunisian origin had not returned since the start of the pandemic.
"I haven't moved for three years. I was afraid of being stuck in a country. I finished the doses of vaccine and then I took the boat and I'm in Tunisia", explains- he.
>> Find Europe Matin in replay and podcast here
A few streets away, in front of the beach, the Hotel Le Sultan is almost full.
The director makes twice as much turnover as in 2021. A relief after long years of hardship.
"In 2015, the terrorist attacks then in 2020, the Covid. Over the last ten years, I think we have only had three rather normal years. It feels a lot of good. It restores confidence", he rejoices.
170,000 tourists in 2022
But for this owner of a restaurant on the port, it is not enough.
In high season, some tables are always empty.
"The streets were full of tourists before. At the moment, there are, but not enough. We are waiting," he regrets.
In 2022, 170,000 tourists visited the region, a figure up 150% compared to last year.
But it will take even more for the city of Hammamet to regain the attendance of its most prosperous years.