Heightened security measures for tourists in Tunisia

Despite the 2015 terrorist attacks Tunisia is still a safe place for tourists, including Hungarians – globoport.hu writes.

The 2015 ISIS attacks left the country in a desperate situation. Tourists’ distrust is understandable, since both attacks were targeted at tourist attractions. 20 people died in the hostage crisis at the Bardo National Museum in March, and another 38 people lost their lives in a shooting at a hotel in Sousse four months later, most of them foreigners.

After the events many European countries began to discourage their citizens from visiting Tunisia, and soon several major travel agencies suspended their tours to the country.

The attacks have had enormous consequences for the economy. 2015 saw a 20% decrease in tourism rates; compared to 2014 statistics 1 million people decided to stay away. Tourism provides 7% of the country’s GDP and employs more than half a million people directly or indirectly, all of whom are affected.  Unemployment rates are at 30% after at least 70 hotels, and even more restaurants, cafés and bars had to close down, since hotel bookings did not even reach 20%. This results not only in economical problems but social tension as well.

The main objective of Tunisia now is to regain the trust of tourists. For this purpose, they have introduced strengthened security measures, especially around tourist attractions and places frequented by foreigners, such as holiday resorts, beaches and shopping centres. Several thousand police officers, soldiers and special units of the National Guard have been mobilised. There are frequent identity checks and hotels are under constant surveillance.

Globoport.hu visited the country on the request of the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT) and reported that many formerly popular areas were now deserted and the lack of tourists was definitely noticeable, but the country was overall safe and peaceful. This was confirmed by locals, who also mentioned that they felt the news about the events were exaggerated by the media, and that only discouraged the tourists.

Despite the difficulties, Tunisia still welcomes foreign tourists, including Hungarians, with open arms. Beautiful sandy beaches, the hospitality of the locals and many other elements, including the Star Wars set turned into tourist attraction, make the country an ideal holiday destination. From most European countries Tunisia can be reached by plane in 2 or 3 hours.

Copy editor: bm

Source: globoport.hu