AGP Executive Report

UNESCO & Heritage: Tunisia officially received the original certificate for the Dahar UNESCO Global Geopark, a first for Tunisia, boosting tourism potential across Gabès, Tataouine and Médenine, with Jebel Tebaga highlighted as a rare marine rock outcrop. Rail Travel: SNCFT published long-distance train schedules valid from Sept 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 (excluding Ramadan), including Tunis–Kalaat Khasba, Tunis–Annaba, Tunis–Bizerte, Tunis–Tozeur/Métlaoui–Redeyef and Tunis–Nabeul. Tourism & Investment: Tunisia’s tourism performance stays on track, with arrivals surpassing 6 million by early August; Spanish hotel chains are moving from planning to implementation, while the ministry keeps a toll-free hotline for complaints. Air Connectivity: easyJet reported its busiest day ever, with new routes including options to Tunisia and Morocco, as it expands its summer network. Education & Mobility: Russia announced expanded scholarships for Tunisian students, covering tuition, accommodation, healthcare, travel and living costs. Culture & Media: Venice Film Festival opens Sept 2–12, with Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania on the jury—another spotlight for Tunisian talent on an international stage.

Tunisia Tourism & Investment: Tunisia’s tourism ministry says Spanish hotel groups are moving from plans to implementation, as arrivals topped 6 million in the first seven months of 2026, with European visitors up 3% and overall arrivals up 2.6% year-on-year. Germany–Tunisia Business & Travel Links: German FM Johann Wadephul met President Kais Saied in Tunis, pushing cooperation in higher education, energy and tech, and noting around 330,000 German tourists visit Tunisia each year. Air Connectivity: SIXT expands in Tunisia via a new franchise partnership, launching operations at three airports through Tunifleet. Student Mobility: Russia will expand scholarships for Tunisian students, covering tuition, accommodation, healthcare, travel and living costs. Cost of Living Pressure: A new report says Tunisia’s post-2011 price squeeze is still biting hard, with the dinar down sharply and key food items costing far more than in 2010. Travel Safety & Comfort: The Education Ministry opened a remote registration platform for school dormitories and cafeterias, a small but practical update for families planning the 2026-2027 school year. Global Travel Buzz (for readers planning trips): The Venice Film Festival kicks off on Wednesday (Sept 2 launch of Danny Boyle’s “Ink”), with a notably political lineup and major stars expected on the Lido.

Hotel & Awards Buzz: The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 longlist is out, with Tunisia’s tourism crowd likely watching for how top stays shape travel demand. Venice Film Festival: The 83rd Venice Film Festival opens Wednesday on the Lido with Danny Boyle’s “Ink,” promising major stars and a notably political lineup. Tunisia Cost of Living: A new look at Tunisia since the Arab Spring shows prices and the dinar’s slide hitting everyday essentials hard, keeping travel budgets under pressure. Water & Thirst Crisis: Tunisia’s summer bottled-water chaos points to deeper trust issues around tap water and SONEDE cuts, affecting daily life and visitors’ comfort. German-Tunisian Ties: German FM Johann Wadephul met Tunisian leaders to push cooperation in higher education, energy and tech, with a clear aim to boost German tourism. Migration & Safety: Germany and Tunisia also discussed migration drivers and smuggling networks, a reminder of regional risks for travelers. Fabrika Festival: Tunisia’s electronic music festival Fabrika announces its 2026 move to Monastir and a bigger lineup (Nov 5–9). Travel Disruption: Air Canada cancels its YUL–Algiers Francophone route, reshaping North Africa connectivity for Canadian travelers.

Tunisia–Germany ties: President Kais Saied met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to push deeper cooperation in higher education, research, vocational training, energy and tech innovation, with new agreements and financing contracts worth nearly €100m and a push to make it easier for more German tourists to visit. Protests & public services: Five years after Saied’s power grab, Tunisians are again taking to the streets over water cuts, power outages, rising prices and medicine shortages, as heatwaves push temperatures near 50°C and fuel anger at deteriorating services. Heatwave travel impact: Extreme temperatures are driving power cuts and worsening shortages, with regions on high alert—bad news for summer travel comfort and day-to-day logistics. Aviation & routes: Air Canada cancels its YUL–Algiers service, while Libyan Express plans new flights to Malta, Rome and Milan from 6 September. Tourism business: SIXT expands into Tunisia via a franchise partnership, launching operations at three airports. Culture for visitors: Fabrika electronic music festival announces its 2026 move to Monastir (Nov 5–9) with 100+ acts. Travel safety watch: Reports highlight ongoing risks on Mediterranean routes, including a ferry capsize off northern Cyprus with many casualties.

Diplomacy & Business: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is set to visit Tunisia and Algeria on Aug 31, aiming to deepen economic and security cooperation, with talks expected on Sahel stability and connecting Tunisia to the European energy grid, plus renewable energy and a business delegation. Water Crisis & Protests: Tunisia is facing severe heat, power cuts and water shortages, with crowds in Tunis demanding President Kais Saied’s resignation over living-cost pressure and public-service failures. Tourism & Transport: SIXT expands in Tunisia via a new franchise partnership, launching operations at three airports through the Tunifleet deal. Culture & Events: Fabrika’s 2026 electronic music festival (Nov 5-9) moves to Monastir at the beachside One Resort with 100+ acts. Environment & Industry Debate: Namibia’s proposed Sandpiper marine phosphate project faces renewed opposition from IPC, citing Tunisia’s long-running phosphate-region environmental and health concerns. Regional Travel Safety: Algeria battles dozens of wildfires, with deaths and injuries reported.

Heat & Power Crisis: Tunisia is on high alert after a second extreme heatwave, with Kairouan hitting about 49.8°C, alongside power cuts and water shortages that are disrupting daily life and driving protests in Tunis. Tourism Mobility Boost: SIXT is entering Tunisia via a franchise with Tunifleet, launching at Tunis-Carthage, Monastir and Enfidha, with Djerba planned for 2027 and expansion toward Sousse, Hammamet, Mahdia and more. New Flights to Djerba: TUI is set to launch direct charter flights from Gatwick to Djerba next summer, adding to Tunisia’s push to attract more visitors. Festival Spotlight: Fabrika returns Nov 5–9, moving to Monastir at the beachside One Resort with 100+ acts across three stages. Culture & Diplomacy: Tunisia’s Minister of Culture heads to Saudi Arabia for the Arab Radio and TV Festival, while Tunisia hosts a Mauritanian cultural village around the Francophonie summit in Djerba. Travel Safety Watch: A ferry capsized off North Cyprus with at least 7 dead and 172+ rescued, a reminder of ongoing risks on Mediterranean routes. Global Context: A study warns global fertility may have slipped below replacement level, shaping long-term travel and migration trends.

Tunisia Heat & Power Crisis: Tunisia is facing a second extreme heatwave, with Kairouan hitting 49.8°C, triggering power cuts, water shortages and public anger—protests in Tunis are calling for President Kais Saied’s resignation. Tourism Mobility Boost: SIXT is entering Tunisia via a franchise with Tunifleet, launching at Tunis-Carthage, Monastir and Enfidha-Hammamet airports, with Djerba planned for 2027 and expansion toward Sousse, Hammamet, Mahdia and Sfax. Festival Spotlight (Tunisia): Fabrika returns for its 14th edition, moving to the beachside One Resort in Monastir, running Nov 5–9 with 100+ acts including Ion Ludwig and Aline Umber. Culture & Media (Tunisia-linked): Kaouther Ben Hania, Tunisia’s director, is part of the Venice Film Festival jury as the event reportedly scraps its opening jury press conference amid heavy political pressure. Travel Safety Watch: A ferry with about 270 passengers capsized off North Cyprus; rescue operations are underway. Regional Travel Costs: Turkey’s “cheap holiday” image is fading as prices rise, with European tourist numbers reportedly slipping. Passport Planning: A guide highlights passport validity rules that can still derail UK travellers, including for Tunisia.

Heatwave & Services: Tunisia is facing a second extreme heatwave, with Kairouan hitting 49.8°C and many regions on high alert as power cuts and water shortages disrupt daily life, sparking protests in Tunis. Tourism Business: SIXT is entering Tunisia via a franchise with Tunifleet Car Rental, launching at Tunis-Carthage, Monastir and Enfidha airports, with Djerba planned for 2027 and expansion toward Sousse, Hammamet, Mahdia and Sfax—car rentals, leasing and chauffeur services included. Travel Safety & Migration: New IOM-linked reporting highlights the Central Mediterranean route’s deadly toll, including recent incidents off Tunisia where bodies were recovered after migrant boat sinkings. Culture for Visitors: Applications are open for the Carthage Film Festival (JCC) 2026 poster design competition (Dec 12–19), with submissions due Sept 4—another reason to plan a Tunisia trip around major events. Regional Travel Context: Tunisia’s tourism and remittances are reported as covering external debt service, with tourism revenues and expat remittances together bringing nearly 11 billion dinars since January.

Heatwave Fallout in Tunisia: Protesters in Tunis are demanding President Kais Saied’s resignation as a second late-August heatwave pushes temperatures near 50°C, worsening power cuts, water shortages and rising heatstroke deaths. Tourism & Mobility in Tunisia: SIXT is entering Tunisia via a franchise with Tunifleet Car Rental, launching at Tunis-Carthage, Monastir and Enfidha-Hammamet, with Djerba planned for 2027 and expansion toward Sousse, Hammamet, Mahdia and more. Tourism Economics Watch: Tunisia’s tourism and remittances are covering external debt service, but the money is going to creditors rather than new investment. Regional Travel Safety: The Mediterranean’s Central route remains deadly, with recent reports of migrant deaths and recoveries linked to sinkings near Tunisia. Culture & Travel Calendar: Applications are open for the Carthage Film Festival (JCC) 2026 poster design competition, running Dec 12–19.

Tunisia Tourism & Mobility: SIXT is entering Tunisia via a franchise with Tunifleet Car Rental, launching at Tunis-Carthage, Monastir and Enfidha-Hammamet, with Djerba-Zarzis planned for 2027, plus city-centre expansion in Sousse, Hammamet, Mahdia and Sfax—offering rentals, leasing and chauffeur services. Heat & Travel Disruption: Tunisia is in a second extreme heatwave, with Kairouan hitting 49.8°C; officials warn beachgoers to hydrate and avoid peak sun as power cuts and water shortages continue. Tourism Economy: New figures say tourism and remittances have brought nearly 11 billion dinars into Tunisia by Aug 20, covering external debt service rather than funding new investment. Culture & Events: Applications are open for the Carthage Film Festival (JCC) 2026 official poster design (Dec 12–19), with submissions due Sept 4. Safety on the Move: Reports highlight ongoing Mediterranean migration deaths and rescues, including incidents involving boats off Zarzis and other Central Mediterranean routes.

Heatwave Watch: Tunisia is on high alert after a second extreme heatwave, with Kairouan hitting 49.8°C and officials urging beachgoers to stay hydrated as power cuts and water shortages add pressure. Tourism & Money Flow: New Central Bank figures show banknotes and coins in circulation topping 30 billion dinars, while tourism and remittances together bring in nearly 11 billion dinars by Aug 20—covering debt service more than funding new growth. Air Connectivity: SIXT is entering Tunisia via a Tunifleet franchise, launching at Tunis-Carthage, Monastir and Enfidha, with Djerba planned for 2027; TUI also announces direct Gatwick–Djerba charters next summer. Travel Disruption: Brits report being stranded in Tunisia for almost three days after an easyJet cancellation, with a “rescue” flight later arranged. Cultural Calendar: Applications are open for the Carthage Film Festival (JCC) 2026 official poster competition, running Dec 12–19. Safety on the Routes: IOM highlights the Central Mediterranean as the deadliest route as new incidents and recoveries continue around Tunisia and Libya.

Extreme Heat & Power Strain: Tunisia is on high alert after a second intense heatwave since Wednesday, with temperatures hitting 49°C in parts of the country (Kairouan 49.8°C). Officials urge people to stay hydrated and avoid peak-hour outdoor activity as the heat worsens temporary power cuts and water scarcity; Saied blamed “premeditated acts” for outages that can last over 10 hours, while supermarkets impose bottled-water purchase quotas amid protests. Car Rental Expansion: SIXT is entering Tunisia via a Tunifleet franchise partnership, launching at Tunis-Carthage, Monastir (Habib Bourguiba) and Enfidha-Hammamet, with Djerba-Zarzis planned for 2027 and services spanning short/long rentals, leasing and chauffeur-driven options. Tourism Access Boost: TUI will start direct charter flights from London Gatwick to Djerba next summer (two weekly flights), with package deals from £659pp. Cash & Travel Economy: Tunisia’s cash in circulation hit a record 30 billion dinars, highlighting liquidity pressure and the continued weight of cash in daily spending. Culture on the Calendar: Applications are open for the Carthage Film Festival (JCC) 37th edition official poster competition, running Dec 12–19, 2026. Safety & Travel Disruption: Reports continue around stranded passengers after an easyJet flight cancellation in Tunisia, with a “rescue” flight arranged after criticism.

Tunisia Tourism & Money: Tunisia hit a record 30 billion dinars in cash in circulation (Aug 24), a sign of heavy summer spending but also a cash-heavy economy that strains bank liquidity and complicates cashless efforts. Air Travel Disruption: Around 150 easyJet passengers were stranded at Enfidha for nearly three days after a Belfast flight was cancelled due to a technical issue, with limited alternative options and frustration over care and accommodation. New Routes to Tunisia: TUI is set to launch direct charter flights from London Gatwick to Djerba next summer (two weekly flights), with package prices starting from £659 and a mix of resort options. Local Events in Tunis: La Goulette is closing Franklin Roosevelt Avenue and parking for the Fish Festival (Aug 25–27), running a street carnival with sea, heritage and interfaith themes. Travel Demand Boost: easyJet says bookings for the 2027 total solar eclipse are up sharply, with Tunisia (Enfidha and Djerba) seeing a big jump as travellers chase desert-view totality. Culture & Film: Carthage Film Festival (JCC) 2026 opened applications for the official poster design competition, with submissions due Sept 4 and the festival running Dec 12–19. Regional Context: Algeria’s northern wildfires have killed at least 12, adding to heatwave pressure across Tunisia and the region.

Tunisia Travel & Tourism: TUI is set to launch direct charter flights from London Gatwick to Djerba next summer, with two weekly TUI Airways services and package prices from £659 per person, as the island’s “laid-back” appeal grows for families and couples. Airport Disruption: Around 150 easyJet passengers were left stranded in Tunisia’s Enfidha airport for almost three days after a Belfast flight was cancelled due to a technical issue, with limited alternative options and accommodation only for two nights. Money & Spending: Tunisia hit a record 30 billion dinars in cash in circulation (banknotes and coins) as summer holiday demand and diaspora returns keep liquidity tight and cash use dominant. Travel Demand Forecast: easyJet says bookings for the 2 August 2027 total solar eclipse are up sharply, with Tunisia (Enfidha and Djerba) seeing a 189% jump as travellers plan for the path of totality. Local Events: La Goulette is rolling out Fish Festival celebrations with street closures on Franklin Roosevelt Avenue from August 25–27, featuring a carnival, sea-and-heritage programming, and direct fish sales.

Tunisia Travel Disruption: About 150 easyJet passengers were left stranded at Enfidha airport for nearly three days after a Belfast-bound flight was cancelled due to a technical issue, with limited alternative options and only two nights’ accommodation arranged. Local Festivities in Tunis Area: La Goulette is closing Franklin Roosevelt Avenue and parking from Aug 25–27 (5pm–midnight) for its Fish Festival, featuring a street carnival, heritage and direct producer-to-consumer fish sales. Tunisia as an Eclipse Hotspot: easyJet says bookings to eclipse-viewing destinations are up sharply, with Tunisia (Enfidha and Djerba) seeing a massive surge as travellers plan for the Aug 2, 2027 total solar eclipse. New Direct Access to Djerba: TUI launches new charter flights to Djerba from London Gatwick for Summer 2027, twice weekly, targeting sun-and-beach travellers with packages starting from £659. Mediterranean Migration Pressure: Tunisia’s coast saw a migrant boat tragedy off Zarzis/Ben Guerdane, with bodies recovered and protests erupting in Ben Guerdane over living conditions and opportunities. Travel Planning Tip: easyJet is also reshuffling Leeds Bradford routes for 2027, urging passengers to check bookings as some services are withdrawn.

Tunisia Tourism Boost: Tunisia’s tourism receipts rose to 5,127.5 million dinars as of Aug 20, up from 4,885 million dinars a year earlier, helping foreign-currency purchases by the Central Bank; arrivals also climbed to 5.928 million tourists through July 31. Travel Disruption in Tunisia: Around 150 easyJet passengers were stranded at Enfidha for nearly three days after a Belfast flight was cancelled due to a technical issue, with limited alternative options and only two nights’ accommodation arranged. Tunisia Cash Economy Watch: Cash in circulation hit a new record, topping 30 billion dinars in August as tougher cheque rules push more spending into physical money—raising questions for bank liquidity. Mediterranean Games Coverage: Broadcasters across Europe and North Africa signed on for Taranto 2026 (Aug 21–Sep 3), with Télévision Tunisienne among the partners. Djerba Charter Flights: TUI launches new charter flights to Djerba from London Gatwick for Summer 2027, targeting beach holidays with ~34°C summer weather. Migrant Tragedy & Protests: After a migrant boat sank off Zarzis/Ben Guerdane, Tunisia recovered bodies and volunteers searched for missing people as protests erupted locally.