AGP Executive Report

Djerba Travel Alert: The U.S. Embassy urged Americans to avoid the island around Oct. 7 amid heightened threats. The date has passed, but travelers should check current guidance before visiting. Holiday Value: Jet2’s destination comparison puts Tunisia first for low-cost beer, averaging £1.27 per half-litre; Hammamet and Sousse are highlighted for beach breaks, while Djerba offers a quieter option. More Flights to Djerba: Hungary’s Hévíz-Balaton Airport plans charter service to the island next year after strong demand for its Antalya flights. Tourism and Costs: Tunisia’s remittances and tourism revenues topped TND 13.2 billion by the end of September, while accommodation prices rose 14.7% year-on-year in September.

Djerba Travel Alert: The US Embassy in Tunisia advised Americans to avoid Djerba on or around October 7, citing heightened threats, and urged visitors to stay alert and avoid crowds. Holiday Value: Tunisia topped Jet2’s list of budget-friendly beer destinations, with an average half-litre glass costing £1.27; Hammamet and Sousse were highlighted for beaches and resorts. New Djerba Flights: Hévíz-Balaton Airport in Hungary plans charter flights to Djerba next year after passenger numbers doubled by September, boosted by popular Antalya services. Tourism Revenues: Tunisia earned 6.3 billion dinars from tourism in the first nine months of 2026, up from 6.1 billion in the same period last year, according to the Central Bank.

Djerba Travel Alert: The US Embassy in Tunisia urged Americans to avoid Djerba on or around October 7, citing heightened security concerns, and advised visitors to steer clear of crowds and stay alert. US Visa Costs: Tunisia is among 50 countries whose citizens may face a US visa bond of up to $20,000. Tourism Revenue: Tunisia earned TND6.3 billion in tourism revenue in the first nine months of 2026, up from TND6.1 billion a year earlier. Visitor Costs: A Jet2 survey named Tunisia the cheapest destination for beer, with an average half-litre costing £1.27; meanwhile, accommodation prices rose 14.7% year on year in September. Djerba Connections: Hungary’s Hévíz-Balaton Airport plans to launch charter flights to Djerba next year after strong demand for its Antalya service.

Travel Safety Alert: The U.S. Embassy in Tunisia warns Americans to avoid Djerba on or around Oct. 7, urging travelers to skip crowds, stay alert, and monitor local media as threat levels rise around the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks. Tourism & Money Inflows: Tunisia’s foreign-currency picture gets a boost: workers’ remittances and tourism revenues together topped TND 13.2 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 4.7%, with tourism revenues reaching TND 6.3 billion. Cost of Living for Visitors: Beer prices are a big draw for budget travelers—Tunisia is flagged as the cheapest holiday destination in a Jet2 survey, with an average pint around £1.27. Inflation Watch: Tunisia’s inflation accelerated to 5.6% in September, driven mainly by higher food prices, while accommodation services also pushed costs up. Aviation/Entry Friction: Reports say some Moroccan travelers were held and denied entry at Tunis-Carthage Airport despite having hotel bookings and return tickets, with no clear official explanation cited. Infrastructure: Dubai’s RTA completed a road expansion in Al Mizhar 4, adding a lane and cutting journey times—useful for regional travelers watching transport upgrades.

Cheapest Beer Getaways: Jet2 says Tunisia is the top value holiday spot for a pint, with average beer at £1.27 (vs £5.01 in the UK), plus short flights and warm autumn/winter weather—ideal for Hammamet, Sousse and Djerba. Tunisia’s Tourism Cashflow: Tunisia’s Central Bank reports workers’ remittances and tourism revenues topped TND 13.2bn in the first nine months of 2026 (+4.7%), covering 142% of external debt service. Ferry Links for Tunisians Abroad: CTN schedules new winter sailings on the Zarzis–Marseille route, including Marseille–Zarzis (Dec 11–13, 2026) and two more crossings in January 2027, all on the “Carthage.” Aviation & Travel Demand: Hévíz-Balaton Airport passenger traffic doubled by end-September, with charter flights boosting interest—next year adding Djerba and Tirana routes. EU Asylum Rules: The EU lists Tunisia as a “safe country of origin,” meaning faster asylum processing for applicants. On the Radar: A new US visa-bond programme affects citizens of 50 countries; Tunisia isn’t listed.

Tunisia Tourism Finance: Tunisia’s Central Bank says workers’ remittances and tourism revenues topped TND 13.2 billion in the first nine months of 2026 (+4.7%). Remittances rose to about TND 6.9bn and tourism receipts to TND 6.3bn, covering 142% of external debt service. Airport & Travel Friction: Moroccan travelers report being held and denied entry at Tunis-Carthage Airport despite hotel bookings and proof of funds, with no clear explanation cited. Ferries for Tunisians Abroad: CTN announced new winter sailings on the Zarzis–Marseille route, including crossings in Dec 2026 and Jan 2027, operated by the vessel Carthage. Regional Mobility Boost: IsDB approved €335.49m to extend Tunisia’s highway network to Le Kef and Jendouba, aiming to improve access, road safety, and regional cohesion. Tourism Index Watch: Tunisia fell to 82nd in the WEF’s 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index.

Tunisia Tourism Finance: Tunisia’s Central Bank says workers’ remittances and tourism revenues topped TND 13.2 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 4.7% year-on-year, with remittances near TND 6.9bn and tourism receipts TND 6.3bn. Tourism Policy & Positioning: Tunisia slipped to 82nd in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index (score 3.62), while Namibia ranked 90th and Mauritius led Africa at 59th. Border & Travel Friction: Reports say Moroccan travelers were held and denied entry at Tunis-Carthage Airport despite hotel bookings and return tickets, amid strained Morocco–Tunisia relations. Regional Connectivity: CTN announced new winter sailings on the Zarzis–Marseille route, including crossings in Dec 2026 and Jan 2027. Infrastructure for Mobility: Tunisia also got a boost as the IsDB approved €335.49m to extend highway links to Le Kef and Jendouba, aiming to improve access and road safety. EU Asylum Rules: The EU lists Tunisia among countries considered “safe” for asylum applicants, meaning faster processing under EU rules.

Tunisia Tourism & Money: Tunisia’s central bank says workers’ remittances and tourism revenues topped TND 13.2bn in the first nine months of 2026, up 4.7%, with tourism at TND 6.3bn and remittances around TND 6.9bn. Transport & Connectivity: CTN will add winter sailings on the Zarzis–Marseille route, including crossings in Dec 2026 and Jan 2027, to give Tunisians in Europe more options. Roads & Regional Access: The IsDB approved €335.49m to extend Tunisia’s highway network to Le Kef and Jendouba, aiming to boost access, safety, and social cohesion. Tourism Leadership: The Tunisian National Tourist Office’s new director general, Mohamed Mehdi Haloui, is focused on improving the quality and value of demand, not just volume. Events in Tunisia: Carthage Music Days returns Oct 3–10 for its 11th edition, with industry panels and performances across the region. Visa/Entry Rules (EU): The EU lists Tunisia among countries considered “safe” for asylum origin, which can speed up asylum processing. International Travel Watch: Reports say some Moroccan travelers were detained or denied entry at Tunis-Carthage Airport despite documents and hotel bookings.

EU Asylum Rules: The EU has added Tunisia (along with Egypt and Morocco) to its 2026 list of “safe countries of origin,” meaning asylum claims can be pushed through faster procedures across member states. Tunisia Tourism Leadership: Tunisia’s National Tourist Office names Mohamed Mehdi Haloui as director general, with a focus on improving product quality and value, not just demand volume. Tunisia Travel Links: CTN schedules new winter sailings on the Zarzis–Marseille route, including crossings in Dec 2026 and Jan 2027. Money for Travel: Tunisia’s Central Bank reports workers’ remittances and tourism revenues topping TND 13.2bn in the first nine months of 2026. On-the-Ground Travel Friction: Moroccan travelers report detentions and entry denials at Tunis-Carthage Airport, with no clear official explanation cited. Big Regional Energy Move: Ministers sign up to the SoutH2 green hydrogen corridor, with Tunisia involved in the next steps. Culture & Events: Carthage Music Days returns Oct 3–10, while Tunisia also has festival buzz from major regional stages.

Coastal Safety & Climate: San Clemente, California is seeing North Beach split by rising seas, with erosion already disrupting a key coastal rail corridor—another warning for tourism-dependent shorelines. Tunisia Travel Connectivity: Tunisian Navigation Company (CTN) adds winter sailings on the Zarzis–Marseille route (Dec 11–13, 2026; Jan 9–11 and Jan 11–13, 2027), aiming for more options and comfort for Tunisians abroad. Road & Regional Access: The Islamic Development Bank approved €335.49m to extend Tunisia’s highway network to Le Kef and Jendouba, boosting connectivity and road safety. Tourism Finance Pulse: Tunisia’s Central Bank reports workers’ remittances plus tourism revenues topped TND 13.2bn in the first nine months of 2026 (+4.7%). Air Travel Friction: Moroccan travelers report detentions and entry denials at Tunis-Carthage Airport despite hotel bookings and return tickets. Events in Tunisia: Carthage Music Days returns Oct 3–10 (11th edition), bringing 26 acts and industry panels. Energy for Travel & Trade: Tunisia’s role in the SoutH2 green hydrogen corridor keeps advancing, with ministerial declarations and feasibility work expected to feed into 2027 milestones.

Tunisia Travel & Tourism: CTN is adding winter ferry options on the Zarzis route, with new Marseille–Zarzis crossings (Dec 11–13, 2026 and Jan 9–11, 2027) plus a Zarzis–Marseille sailing (Jan 11–13, 2027) aboard the “Carthage,” giving travellers more flexibility. Festivals: Carthage Music Days returns for its 11th edition from Oct 3–10, bringing performances and industry panels with participants from 15 countries. More Tunisia events: Fabrika Festival has revealed its full 2026 lineup, running Nov 5–9 at its new Monastir beachside home (One Resort), with 100+ artists across three stages. Infrastructure for travel: The IsDB approved €335.49m to extend Tunisia’s highway network to Le Kef and Jendouba, aiming to improve connectivity, road safety and regional access. Tourism pressure point: Reports say some Moroccan travellers were detained or denied entry at Tunis-Carthage Airport despite hotel bookings and return tickets, with no clear official explanation cited. Regional energy with travel links: Tunisia is moving ahead on major green-energy plans, including SouthH2 corridor work and a reported 1,400 MW power plant proposal in Tunisia tied to Algeria cooperation.

Tunisia Travel & Transport: Tunisian Navigation Company (CTN) is adding winter sailings on the Zarzis–Marseille route, with crossings on Dec 11–13 (Marseille→Zarzis), Jan 9–11 (Marseille→Zarzis) and Jan 11–13 (Zarzis→Marseille), all operated by the “Carthage,” giving Tunisians in Europe more options and flexibility. Roads & Connectivity: The Islamic Development Bank approved €335.49m to extend Tunisia’s highway network to Le Kef and Jendouba, aiming to boost regional access, road safety and social cohesion. Energy for Travel Infrastructure: Tunisia is also in the spotlight for regional energy projects: Algeria and partners signed the SoutH2 Corridor declaration in Algiers, while Algeria’s feasibility work for green hydrogen exports is expected to deliver initial results in 2027—potentially shaping future cross-Mediterranean logistics. Culture & Events: Carthage Music Days returns for its 11th edition Oct 3–10, bringing 26+ acts and industry panels to Tunisia. Food & Water Reality Check: Despite 2.4% first-half growth, Tunisia is facing shortages of staples and bottled water, with analysts pointing to supply, distribution and import funding strains—important context for visitors planning trips.

F1 & Travel Buzz: Tunisia’s Emna Ben Salem and other fans are turning the Bahrain Grand Prix into a “two-cultures” trip after F1’s return to Sepang, with travellers mixing Gulf and Malaysian experiences. Tunisia Tourism Push: Tunisia’s National Tourist Office is set to promote the destination at COITM in Beijing (Oct 14–16), aiming to grow China arrivals after nearly 28,000 Chinese visitors in 2025 and visa-free stays up to 90 days. Events in Tunisia: Carthage Music Days returns for its 11th edition (Oct 3–10) with 26+ acts and industry panels, while Fabrika Festival unveils its 2026 lineup and dates (Nov 5–9) in Monastir. Infrastructure & Energy: Algeria and Tunisia sign on the SoutH2 South Hydrogen Corridor in Algiers, and Tunisia is also in the spotlight for a planned 1,400 MW power plant tied to the SouthH2 push. On-the-ground Services: Sfax’s digital hospital expands remote specialist care to patients, reducing the need to travel for consultations. Supply Strain: Tunisia faces shortages of staples and bottled water despite 2.4% growth, pointing to distribution and import constraints.

Festival Spotlight: Carthage Music Days returns for its 11th edition from Oct 3–10, bringing 26+ acts across 15 countries and a full slate of panels on music’s future, including AI’s impact on the industry. Culture & Screen: National Geographic’s new series “Africa: Earth’s Wild Home” is set to spotlight wildlife across the continent, with a major multi-country production effort. Tunisia Travel Demand: Tunisia’s National Tourist Office is heading to Beijing’s COITM (Oct 14–16) to push the Chinese market, citing nearly 28,000 Chinese visitors in 2025 and visa-free stays up to 90 days. On-the-Ground Reality Check: Despite 2.4% growth, Tunisia is still hit by shortages of staples and bottled water, blamed on supply-chain strain, distribution disruptions, and public finance limits. Digital Health for Travelers: Sfax’s digital hospital is expanding remote specialist consultations weekly, aiming to reduce patients’ need to travel. Energy & Connectivity: Tunisia is in focus as OMV weighs further upstream expansion after decades of operations, while regional hydrogen corridor talks continue across North Africa and Europe. What’s Next in Tunisia: Fabrika Festival has unveiled its full 2026 lineup for Nov 5–9 at Monastir’s beachside One Resort.

Tunisia Tourism & Culture: Fabrika Festival has revealed its full 2026 lineup, running Nov 5–9 at a new Monastir beach venue (One Resort), with 100+ artists across three stages. Travel Trade & Demand: Tunisia’s National Tourist Office will take part in Beijing’s COITM (Oct 14–16) to boost Chinese arrivals, citing nearly 28,000 Chinese visitors in 2025 and visa-free stays of up to 90 days since Sept 2023. Digital Health for Travelers & Locals: Sfax’s digital hospital is delivering weekly remote specialist consultations (child psychiatry, psychiatry, neurology, joint/bone diseases) to nearby facilities, aiming to reduce patients’ need to travel. Food & Water Pressure: Despite 2.4% economic growth in H1, Tunisia is facing shortages of key foods and bottled water, linked to supply network and distribution disruptions. Halal Economy: Tunisia’s halal market is still underused, but the first International Halal Forum in Tunis highlighted export potential for agri-food, olive oil, seafood, tourism and services, pushing for wider certification and a proposed Higher Halal Council. Regional Connectivity: Austria’s OMV is exploring expansion in Tunisia after decades of operations, while energy ministers signed on the SoutH2 green hydrogen corridor—both signals of broader investment momentum affecting travel and business links.

Tunisia-China tourism push: Tunisia’s National Tourist Office is heading to Beijing’s COITM (Oct 14–16, 2026) to boost the Chinese market, spotlighting tailored trips for tour operators and business travel. Tunisia arrivals momentum: Nearly 28,000 Chinese tourists visited Tunisia in 2025 (+19.3% y/y), with arrivals up again in early 2026 (+12% in Q1), and Tunisia plans more Chinese-speaking guide training. Tunisia tourism performance check: Tunisia slipped to 82nd in the 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index (WEF), scoring 3.62/7 and ranking third in North Africa behind Egypt and Morocco. Tunisians’ travel spending abroad: Central Bank figures show Tunisians spent 1.68bn dinars on travel-related services in the first eight months of 2026, including 841.5m dinars under the tourism allowance. Regional travel infrastructure (for Tunisians transiting): Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz Airport has started phased operations at Terminal 4, with Tunisair among carriers scheduled to move by Oct 3—passengers are urged to confirm terminals before travel. Holiday travel context: Air Algérie launched a new Doha–Tunis return offer (QAR 2,000) with promo fares on several routes, with bookings open until Oct 31, 2026.