AGP Executive Report

Heat Alert: Tunisia is bracing for an exceptionally intense heat wave, with temperatures nearing 50°C and record highs in places like Kairouan (49.7°C) and Zaghouan (48.6°C); 10 provinces are on orange alert as authorities urge residents to limit travel in peak hours, avoid long sun exposure, and stay hydrated. Tourism Finance: Tunisia’s tourism momentum continues: tourism revenues reached 3.68 billion dinars by July 10 (+4.5% year-on-year) while remittances from Tunisians abroad rose to 4.7452 billion dinars (+5.1%). UNESCO Watch: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meets in Busan to consider adding threatened sites to the World Heritage in Danger list, including Lebanon’s Mount Amel castles and the West Bank’s Sebastia, with the move often boosting preservation funding and future tourism planning. Travel Access (Regional): Tunisia’s visa-free 2026 list for several African countries (up to 90 days) is in focus, alongside broader regional updates to visa rules and eVisa systems. Business Travel Tech: Bolt appoints Milu Kipimo as Regional Manager for Africa at Bolt for Business, expanding corporate mobility across markets including Tunisia.

Tunisia Tourism Watch: Tunisia’s tourism keeps climbing in 2026. Central Bank figures show tourism revenues at 3.68 billion dinars as of July 10 (up 4.5% year-on-year), while remittances from Tunisians abroad rose 5.1% to 4.7452 billion dinars. Visa-Free Travel Roundup: Tunisia confirmed visa-free entry for citizens of 21 African countries for up to 90 days in 2026, with an organised-tour route for some other nationalities. Regional Entry Rules: Iran published a 15-day visa-free tourist list for six African countries (including Tunisia), while Russia’s visa-free access for most African nations is limited to diplomatic/service passports—South Africa is the standout exception. Travel Deals: Cruise shoppers get a boost: Ambassador is offering stacked discounts that can reach up to 40% off winter sun trips to the Caribbean and Canary Islands. Business Travel Tech: Bolt appointed Milu Kipimo as Regional Manager for Africa at Bolt for Business, expanding corporate mobility across markets including Tunisia. Sports Tourism Idea: Sierra Leone launched a Community Beach Sports Tourism Initiative linking beach football and volleyball with cleaner-coast goals.

Tunisia Tourism Update: Tunisia’s tourism momentum is holding up in 2026, with Central Bank figures showing tourism revenues at 3.68 billion dinars as of July 10 (up 4.5% year-on-year) and diaspora remittances rising 5.1% to 4.7452 billion dinars, while net foreign currency reserves fell to 22.9553 billion dinars after a €700 million Eurobond repayment. Travel Safety & Health: With heat rising across Tunisia, cardiologist Dhaker Lahidheb urged older people and heart patients to stay hydrated, avoid long sun exposure, and follow medication schedules. Air Travel Watch: Accertify’s Q2 fraud report flags Tunisia among the departure cities with the highest booking-stage fraud rates worldwide, alongside Cairo, Accra and Casablanca—another reminder for travellers to book through trusted channels. Sports Tourism Idea: Sierra Leone unveiled a Community Beach Sports Tourism Initiative linking beach football and volleyball with coastline clean-ups, with pilot events planned around major national festivals. Cruising & Routes: Ponant announced 150+ Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Atlantic itineraries for 2027/28, while Jet2 expanded from Birmingham with new France links and holiday deals aimed at UK travellers. Culture & Film: Locarno Film Festival revealed juries for its 79th edition (Aug 5–15), including Tunisian filmmaker Afef Ben Mahmoud in the emerging directors section.

Tunisia Tourism & Money Watch: Tunisia’s tourism keeps building momentum in 2026: Central Bank data shows tourism revenues at 3.68 billion dinars as of July 10 (up 4.5% year-on-year), while remittances from Tunisians abroad rose 5.1% to 4.7452 billion dinars. Foreign Reserves Update: Net foreign currency reserves fell to 22.9553 billion dinars (about 91 days of imports) after Tunisia repaid a €700 million Eurobond. Air Travel Fraud Alert: Accertify’s Q2 2026 report flags rising booking-stage fraud pressure across Middle East and Africa, with Tunis among the top departure cities worldwide for prevented fraud rates. Travel Deals (UK): Jet2 expands from Birmingham to La Rochelle (France) for Summer 2027, while cruise and holiday sales push big discounts for 2026/2027 departures. Visa News for Travelers: Mozambique published its 2026 eVisa eligibility list for African nationals, and Burundi confirmed five African countries eligible for visa-free entry in 2026. Culture & Events: The International Festival of Carthage lineup continues to draw attention, and AFRIMMA 2026 nominees were unveiled with Davido leading the pack.

Air Travel Security: Accertify’s Q2 Global Air Travel Fraud Report flags a sharp jump in fraud pressure across Middle East and Africa, with bookings departing from Cairo, Accra, Tunis and Casablanca among the highest worldwide—Cairo’s prevented fraud rate surged to 6.57% in Q2. Visa Rules for Travelers: Tunisia-linked entry options keep expanding across the region: South Africa published its 2026 visa-free list for 32 African countries (Tunisia included), while Algeria, Bahrain, Ethiopia and Barbados also updated visa-free or easier-entry schemes for selected African markets. Tunisia Tourism & Money: Tunisia repaid a Eurobond worth TND 2.35bn in one day, boosting net foreign currency reserves to 92 days of imports, with tourism revenues and diaspora remittances cited as key support. Health for Summer Travel: Tunisian cardiologist Dhaker Lahidheb urged extra heat precautions—especially for older people and heart patients—warning about dehydration and increased heart workload. Tunisia on the Holiday Map: UK travel demand is rising for Tunisia, with Hammamet and other destinations seeing stronger bookings as Britons look for value beyond crowded European resorts. Local Travel Disruption: Tunisia’s transport unions are split over a planned strike, with UGTT urging services to continue while other groups back the action.

Visa Updates for African Travelers: South Africa published a 2026 visa-free list for African countries, including Tunisia (90 days), plus Algeria, Gabon, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles and others, with some entries tied to conditions—always check the latest rules before you fly. Tunisia Travel & Tourism Pulse: Tunisia’s tourism is showing momentum, with H1 2026 tourism revenues reaching TND 3.3524 billion by June 30, alongside diaspora remittances of TND 4.4052 billion—good news for the summer travel season. Money & Markets: Tunisia repaid a 2019 Eurobond worth TND 2.35 billion in one day, affecting net foreign currency reserves (92 days of imports as of July 14), while reserves are expected to recover with peak tourism and remittances. Summer Safety: Cardiologist Dhaker Lahidheb urged Tunisians to protect older people and heart patients from heat risks—hydration, shade, and sticking to medication schedules matter. Transport Watch: Tunisia’s transport unions are split over a planned strike, with UGTT urging workers to keep services running while other unions push for action—travelers should expect possible disruptions. Culture for Travelers: Locarno Film Festival juries are set for August 5–15, with Tunisian filmmaker Afef Ben Mahmoud on the emerging directors panel, adding another reason for film fans to plan a trip. Festival Picks: The International Festival of Carthage runs July 16–August 19, with major Arab acts—an easy cultural add-on for visitors already in Tunisia.

Tunisia Tourism & Economy: Tunisia repaid a 2026 Eurobond worth TND 2.35 billion (about €700m), boosting net foreign currency reserves to TND 23.15bn (92 days of imports) after the payment, with tourism revenues and diaspora remittances expected to support a recovery. Tunisia Travel Disruption: A split inside Tunisia’s transport unions is brewing over a planned nationwide strike, with UGTT urging non-regular transport workers to keep services running while UTICA backs the action. Visa Rules for Travelers: Denmark published a full visa-required list for 113 countries (with some exceptions for biometric passports), while Algeria, Ethiopia, Gabon, Barbados, Spain, the UK, and the UAE all updated entry/visa-free lists affecting African travelers’ holiday planning. Tunisia on the Map for Summer: Booking demand for Tunisia is rising among UK travelers, with Hammamet singled out as a fast-growing, lower-cost alternative to crowded European beach hotspots. Culture & Events: Tunisia’s International Festival of Carthage is set for July 16–Aug 19, and Testour’s 60th Malouf Festival was cancelled amid sponsor and funding delays. Travel Safety & Memory: France marked 10 years since the Nice Promenade des Anglais attack that killed 86, including Tunisian Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel.

International Festival of Carthage: Tunisia’s flagship music event returns July 16–Aug 19 in Tunis, with major Arab stars and performances in an ancient Roman amphitheatre. Transport & strikes: Tunisia’s transport unions are split over a planned nationwide strike (UGTT urges workers to keep services running; UTICA backs the action), adding uncertainty for travellers. Tourism momentum: Tunisia’s tourism is reported to be pushing toward record growth, with H1 2026 revenues topping $1.1bn and tourism receipts already rising by late June. External finances: Tunisia repaid a 2019 Eurobond worth TND 2.35bn in one day, boosting net foreign currency reserves (though repayments later in 2026 remain due). Summer travel planning: UK holiday demand for Tunisia is up, with Hammamet singled out as a fast-growing, lower-cost alternative for Britons. Entry rules for travellers: Algeria, the UAE, South Africa, Spain, Brazil, and Ethiopia have updated visa-free or visa-on-arrival lists affecting African travellers, including Tunisia in several cases. Tabarka Jazz & Malouf Festival: Tabarka Jazz Festival is set to return, while Testour’s 60th Malouf Festival has been cancelled amid funding and sponsor disputes. Safety at sea: Tunisian coast guards foiled 18 irregular migration attempts off Nabeul, arresting nearly 100 people and rescuing another at sea.

Tunisia Tourism & Travel: Tunisia is seeing fresh momentum with UK demand rising: First Choice reports a 19% year-on-year jump in bookings to Tunisia, led by Hammamet (+24%), as Britons look for good-value all-inclusive breaks beyond Europe’s busiest resorts. Transport & Strikes: Tunisia’s transport sector is split ahead of a planned nationwide strike: UGTT’s transport federation urged workers to keep services running, while UTICA backed the action tied to tariff commitments. Border & Safety: In Nabeul, maritime units and the Tunisian Navy foiled 18 irregular migration attempts in four days toward Italy, with nearly 100 arrests and rescue operations continuing. Tourism Economy: Tunisia’s tourism receipts reached 3.35 billion dinars by end-June 2026, up year-on-year, boosting foreign exchange and supporting expectations for the rest of the year. Travel Planning (Regional): With the Aug. 12, 2026 total solar eclipse, North Africa—including Tunisia—will be in the viewing mix for the next big sky event, making late-summer travel planning a hot topic. Culture & Events: Testour’s 60th Malouf Festival was cancelled, citing interference in the programme and delays in public funding.

Tunisia Tourism & Economy: Tunisia’s tourism receipts hit 3.35 billion dinars by end-June 2026, up year-on-year and boosting foreign currency inflows, while the World Bank warns growth remains modest and job creation is still weak. Transport & Connectivity: Transtu signed a deal with China’s CRRC Nanjing Puzhen for 18 electric trains for the Tunis–La Goulette–La Marsa line, with maintenance and safety upgrades funded by the EBRD and EIB. Travel Safety & Borders: Tunisian coast guards and the Tunisian Navy foiled 18 irregular migration attempts from Nabeul toward Italy, rescuing at least one person at sea. Holiday Rentals Watch: Tunisia’s consumer guidance group warns of summer apartment rental abuses, including sharp price hikes and unfulfilled services, calling for clearer rules and price ceilings. Festivals: Testour’s 60th Malouf Festival was cancelled, citing interference in the programme and delays in public funding. Visa News for Travelers: Spain’s 2026 update keeps visa-free access for only eight African countries (including Tunisia), while Japan confirms visa-free entry for just three African countries (Lesotho, Mauritius, Tunisia) under strict passport rules. Regional Travel Demand: Jet2.com says it will launch Tunisia flights to Enfidha–Hammamet from May 2027, and Regent Seven Seas unveils 56 holiday shore excursions across Europe for 2026.

Tunisia Tourism Watch: Tunisia’s tourism receipts hit 3.35 billion dinars by end-June 2026, up year-on-year and boosting foreign exchange reserves, with operators hopeful for a strong rest of the year. Rail & Mobility: Transtu signed with China’s CRRC Nanjing Puzhen for 18 electric trains on the Tunis–La Goulette–La Marsa line, plus a five-year maintenance deal, aiming for safer, more frequent suburban service. Local Travel Economy: Tunisia’s consumer watchdog warns of summer rental abuses, including sharp price hikes and promised services not delivered, calling for clearer rules and regional price ceilings. Culture & Events: The Testour Malouf Festival (60th edition) has been cancelled, citing interference in the programme and delays in public funding. Migration & Safety: Tunisian coast guards foiled 18 irregular migration attempts near Nabeul, with nearly 100 arrests and ongoing rescue operations. International Access for Tunisians: Japan confirms Tunisia among the only three African countries eligible for visa-free short stays, but only with ICAO-compliant machine-readable passports. Travel Deals (for context): Jet2 says it will launch Tunisia flights from five UK airports in summer 2027, including Enfidha–Hammamet.

Testour Festival: Tunisia’s Testour International Festival of Malouf and Traditional Arab Music has been cancelled for its 60th edition, after the organisers cited “significant interference” in the programme and delays in public funding. Tourism Economy: Tunisia’s tourism receipts hit 3.35 billion dinars by end-June 2026, up year-on-year, boosting foreign exchange and supporting hopes for a strong summer. Transport Upgrade: Transtu has signed with China’s CRRC Nanjing Puzhen for 18 electric trains (plus a five-year maintenance deal) for the Tunis–La Goulette–La Marsa line, aiming for safer, more frequent service. Consumer Watch: Tunisia’s consumer guidance body warns of summer rental abuses, including sharp price hikes and unfulfilled services, calling for clearer rules and price ceilings. Migration & Safety: In Nabeul’s Kélibia, maritime units foiled 18 irregular attempts and arrested nearly 100 people, with rescues continuing after dangerous sea crossings. Visa News for Travellers: Japan confirms Tunisia among the African countries eligible for visa-free short stays (with passport conditions), while the UK has reaffirmed visa requirements for Nigerians and many other nationalities.

Tunisia Tourism Boost: Tunisia’s tourism receipts hit 3.35 billion dinars by end-June 2026, up year-on-year and supporting foreign exchange reserves ahead of the peak summer season. Rail Upgrade: Transtu signed with CRRC Nanjing Puzhen for 18 electric trains on the Tunis–La Goulette–La Marsa line, with maintenance and safety upgrades funded by EBRD and EIB. Visitor Rules & Access: Japan confirmed Tunisia among the only three African countries eligible for visa-free short stays (with passport standards required), while the UK reaffirmed visa rules for Nigerians and nationals of 100+ countries. Consumer Watch: Tunisia’s consumer guidance group warns of abuses in summer holiday rentals, calling for clearer regulation on pricing and promised services. Migration at Sea: Tunisian forces foiled 18 irregular migration attempts from Nabeul toward Italy and arrested nearly 100 people, urging safer travel. Local Travel Deals (Abroad): UK data points to big price cuts for all-inclusive family breaks this summer, with UAE and Egypt among the biggest drops. Culture & Travel Links: Tourism Minister Nabeela Tunis pushed for deeper collaboration with China through cultural diplomacy.

Tourism Growth: Tunisia’s tourism receipts hit 3.35 billion dinars by end-June 2026, up year-on-year and set to support operators’ hopes for a strong peak season. Transport Upgrade: Transtu signed with CRRC for 18 new electric trains (plus 5-year maintenance) for the Tunis–La Goulette–La Marsa line, aiming for safer, more frequent service. New Visitor Experience: Jendouba’s Tabarka–Aïn Draham is set to launch tourist helicopter flights—about one hour for 250 dinars per person—adding a fresh way to market the region. Consumer Watch: Tunisia’s consumer guidance group warns of summer rental abuses, including sharp price hikes and promised services not delivered, calling for clearer rules and price limits. Sustainability Push: Tunisia moves to ban single-use plastic bags nationwide, with phased changes for packaging and penalties for repeat offenders. Migration & Safety: Nabeul’s Kélibia Maritime Guard foiled 18 irregular sea attempts in four days, with nearly 100 arrests and rescues underway. Culture & Events: Tabarka Jazz Festival returns after a six-year break, with international stars and free street performances expected to revive tourism across the “Coral Coast.” Travel Access: Japan confirms Tunisia among the few African countries eligible for visa-free short stays (with passport standards required). Regional Links: Tourism Minister Nabeela Tunis calls for deeper cultural and tourism collaboration with China during Sierra Leone’s 55th diplomatic ties anniversary.

Tunisia Tourism Boost: Tunisia’s tourism receipts hit 3.35 billion dinars by end-June 2026, up year-on-year and supporting much-needed foreign currency inflows. Budget Worries: A Central Bank review flags that 2026 projections lean heavily on government assumptions, with fuel-subsidy cuts and external financing limits adding pressure. Consumer Watch: Tunisia’s consumer group warns of summer rental abuses—steep price hikes and promised services not delivered—calling for clearer rules and price ceilings. Rail Upgrade: Transtu signed with CRRC for 18 electric trains on the Tunis–La Goulette–La Marsa line, plus maintenance and safety upgrades, aiming to improve frequency and comfort. New Air Experience: Jendouba’s Tabarka-Aïn Draham is set to launch tourist helicopter flights (about 250 dinars for an hour) to showcase the region from above. Festival Energy: Tabarka Jazz Festival returns after a six-year break, with international and Tunisian acts and free street performances. Visa News for Travelers: Japan confirms Tunisia among the African countries eligible for visa-free short stays, with passport standards required. Sustainability Push: Tunisia is among 21 African countries harmonising microplastics monitoring protocols, using nuclear and isotopic techniques. Plastic Ban Move: Tunisia advances a national plan to ban single-use plastic bags, with phased production changes and penalties for violations.

Tourism & Travel (Tunisia): Tunisia’s tourism sector is eyeing record growth, with a new “first” in the Tabarka–Aïn Draham region: tourist helicopter flights are set to launch after legal and administrative steps, offering about one hour of panoramic rides for 250 dinars per person. Festivals & Culture: Tabarka Jazz Festival returns after a six-year break, bringing international and Tunisian acts to the Théâtre de la Mer and boosting local businesses with free street jazz. Travel Policy & Visas: Japan confirms Tunisia among the only three African countries eligible for visa-free entry (with strict passport standards), and also updates visa-exemption rules for 74 countries/regions. Environment & Regulation: Tunisia moves to ban single-use plastic bags nationwide, with a transition period and penalties for violations. Economy Watch: The World Bank warns Tunisia’s fragile recovery is still threatened by high debt, limited external financing, and weak job creation. Sustainability Science: African scientists (including Tunisia) meet in Accra to harmonize microplastics monitoring protocols for coastal ecosystems.