Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
90
3.5 Tunisia
Muslim Tourist Arrivals
The overall tourism receipt of Tunisia has reached US$ 3.6 billion in 2014 and contributing 7
percent of total Tunisia GDP. Based on estimation, the receipt from Muslim tourism is around
US$ 1.5 billion. Table 26 shows the inbound tourism to Tunisia. The data from 2010 to 2014
are actual and the forecast is from 2015 to 2020.
Table 26: Muslim visitor arrivals to Tunisia from 2010 to 2020
Year (Inbound Tourism) 2010 2014 2020
Inbound Muslim Visitor Arrivals (Millions) 3.08 2.97 3.03
Inbound Expenditure by Muslim Visitor (US$ Millions) 1,551 1,316 1,122
Source: CrescentRating, 2015
The country does provide Muslim family friendly attractions and activities, which
encompasses mainly historical sites and coastal resorts. The below are key statistics on Muslim
arrivals into Tunisia.
- Although the inbound Muslim visitors are expected to grow over the forecast period,
the expenditure per visitor will decline by 2.5 percent. By the year 2020 Muslim visitor
arrivals will be 3.03 million.
- The average Inbound Muslim Visitor Expenditure is relatively low at US$443 in 2014.
By 2020 the inbound Muslim tourist expenditure will be US$370.
- Nearly 50 percent of all inbound tourist to the country are Muslims. The average
expenditure by the Muslim tourist is higher than as compared to the general tourist
expenditure. Tunisia could further improve its Muslim friendly facilities to cater for
the expected growth of Muslim tourist arrivals in the next five years. In 2014 total
Muslim arrivals into Tunisia were 2.97.
Jamel Gamra Minister of Tourism Tunisia mentioned that the country witnessed about 35
percent of the hotels either closing operations or downsizing. However, the country is highly
optimistic that it would recover. Positive plans are in place to attract the Muslim tourist. The
country plans to develop Muslim friendly facilities and service. In addition, Medical tourism is an
area which the country is exploring. Having some of the oldest educational institutions, it could
also look at making them attracting for Muslim to visit.
Faith-based needs of Muslim Traveler
a) Halal Food
Tunisia has good foundations and great potential for further developing Muslim-services
infrastructure as well as Halal food and awareness. The country has been ranked in the top ten
best destinations for Muslim tourists worldwide. Although the Halal certification process is
still being finalized, halal food is available almost all restaurants and dining outlets. Muslim
population percentage in the country is 99.8 percent. It means that Tunisia has nearly 11
million Muslim people in 2014.