The Tunisian tourism ministry reported that 2.5 million tourists visited the country during the first half of 2001, reflecting a 15.5 percent climb compared with the corresponding period last year. The sector’s impressive performance is expected to continue throughout 2001, and especially in September, when Tunisia plays host to the Mediterranean Olympic Games.
The number of nights these visitors spent in the country also rose, pushing up foreign currency returns, according to Al-Sharq Al-Awsat. An estimated $750 million in revenues was reported for the same period, reflecting a 13 percent climb compared with 2000.
The ministry reported 12 percent rise in the number of incoming French and British tourists, a 4.7 percent rise in German tourists, a seven percent rise in Italian tourists, a 22.9 percent rise in Belgian tourists and an 8.7 percent rise in the number of incoming Swiss tourists. — (Mena Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
