Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
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Mohamed Salah Ben Ammar commented that the medical services rendered is amongst the
best in North Africa, offering high value for money.
Jamel Gamra Minister of Tourism Tunisia mentioned that the country is keenly exploring
Healthcare products and how it could improve and positively impact health tourism. Some
facilities have expressed a desire to participate in the activity.
Supply Side Analysis
a) Transport terminal services (airports, cruise terminals, railway stations, etc.)
The largest international airport in Tunisia is Tunis Carthage Airport. It has many Halal
restaurants and prayer rooms. There are separate prayer rooms within the airport after and
before security sections. Ablution could be done in the rest rooms. Passenger traffic has
reduced at the airport.
b) Transport services (airlines, cruises, railways, etc.)
Tunisair, Nouvelair Tunisia, TunisAir Express and Tunisavia are some of the airline companies
operate in the country.. Tunisia adequately caters to the needs of the Muslim travelers flying
into the country on the national carrier Tunisair in which. O only halal food is offered.
Jamel Gamra Minister for Tourism Tunisia mentioned that he is eager on establishing air-
connectivity with the GCC countries. If direct flight connections were offered between two
countries then tourist could perhaps easily travel. He further added that working with regulatory
authority to increase the connections was in progress.
c) Accommodation services (hotels, resorts, etc.)
Tunisia has a wide variety of hotels, offering budget to luxury accommodation. Its beach
resorts are popular in attracting Muslim tourist. Hotels offer basic services to Muslim such as
Halal food. Eateries might not display the Halal logo as they offer services to the non-Muslim
tourist as well. A number of restaurants in Tunisia are beginning to provide Ramadhan
services which may include buffet meals to be taken after iftar.
d) Attractions & Activities (shopping, beaches, sightseeing etc.)
Tunisia’s main attractions are the beaches. However, there are almost no beach resorts that
offer private beaches as the ones offered in some parts of Turkey.
Wahida Jaiet, Director at the Tunisian National Tourist Office (TNTO), said that the country still
has the sandy beaches and thousands of years of history that have attracted Muslim visitors for
many years, but add to that the fascinating culture and a renewed sense of optimism that you
can't help but share, and there really is more to celebrate in Tunisia than ever before. The
government remains very supportive in attracting the Muslim tourist.