Tunisia Launches RÉG-TOUR Initiative to Foster Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Growth

Tunisia has formally launched the RÉG-TOUR initiative, a two-year project aimed at reforming tourism laws and promoting sustainable, community-based tourism practices, in a historic step to transform the nation’s tourism industry. A key component of Tunisia’s National Tourism Strategy 2035, the initiative aims to improve the country’s tourism industry while filling important regulatory gaps, particularly in the underregulated alternative and sustainable tourism sectors.

With generous funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) through the Destination Durable Tunisie (DDT) programme, Leaders International is implementing RÉG-TOUR, which is poised to transform Tunisia’s tourism model in collaboration with Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation. Through this collaboration, Tunisia is demonstrating its dedication to creating a tourism sector that respects environmental sustainability and responsible growth while benefiting both visitors and local communities.

Key Objectives and Vision: A Future for Sustainable Tourism

RÉG-TOUR is a long-term vision aimed at creating a sustainable and inclusive tourism model for Tunisia, one that nurtures local communities while driving economic growth. The initiative’s primary goal is to reform and enhance Tunisia’s tourism regulatory framework, enabling the country to better integrate and formalise local actors within the tourism sector. This will be achieved through targeted reforms, regulatory improvements, and the professionalisation of key players in the tourism industry, especially in underdeveloped areas.

Focusing on the regions of Djerba and Dahar, the project will primarily target two major objectives:

1. Legal recognition and professionalisation of local guides: This reform will officially recognise local and hiking guides, establishing clear professional standards and ensuring they receive the training and recognition they deserve. By doing so, the initiative aims to increase compliance with best practices and improve the overall service quality in Tunisia’s tourism industry.
2. Formalisation of guest-table activities: Guest-table operators (tables d’hôtes), small-scale tourism providers offering authentic, local culinary experiences, will benefit from increased visibility and formalisation under the RÉG-TOUR initiative. This move will ensure that their services meet high-quality standards while promoting their contribution to Tunisia’s tourism economy.

Collaborative Efforts for Long-Term Sustainability

The success of the RÉG-TOUR initiative is built on a foundation of collaboration and active participation from various stakeholders. The Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts (MTA), the National Tourism Office (ONTT), and professional tourism federations are all key partners in the project. By working closely together, these stakeholders will co-develop policy proposals and practical tools aimed at filling regulatory gaps and ensuring that reforms are effectively implemented.

RÉG-TOUR’s approach is evidence-based and participatory, involving local communities and tourism professionals in decision-making processes. This inclusive model will ensure that the reforms reflect the real needs of those working at the grassroots level in the tourism industry, while also meeting international standards for sustainability and tourism governance.

The Reforms and their Impact on Local Communities

One of the central pillars of the RÉG-TOUR project is its emphasis on the professionalisation of local tourism actors. By the end of the project, it is expected that 105 local guides, 45 guest-table operators, and 50 guesthouses will benefit from specialised training and technical support, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in a competitive market.

This training will cover areas such as best practices for sustainable tourism, customer service, regulatory compliance, and business management. The overarching goal is not just to enhance the quality of services but to foster a sense of ownership and pride within the local tourism workforce. The project’s impact will be felt not only by the businesses directly involved but also by the broader communities, as increased tourism revenue will support local economies and improve livelihoods.

Additionally, three regional ONTT offices will be strengthened to sustain the reforms long after the project’s conclusion. These offices will play a crucial role in overseeing and monitoring the long-term success of the reforms, ensuring that they are fully integrated into Tunisia’s national tourism strategy.

The Significance of the Initiative for Tunisia’s Tourism Future

The RÉG-TOUR initiative is more than just a regulatory reform; it represents a bold step towards transforming Tunisia’s tourism industry into a more resilient, sustainable, and community-focused model. By focusing on areas such as sustainable tourism, local empowerment, and responsible travel, the initiative aligns with Tunisia’s broader vision of diversifying its tourism offerings and reducing its reliance on mass tourism.

In particular, Tunisia’s tourism sector has long struggled with balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. By addressing these challenges through strategic reforms, RÉG-TOUR aims to create a tourism sector that not only brings economic benefits but also enhances the lives of locals while preserving the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

A Bright Future for Tunisia’s Tourism Sector

As Tunisia continues to recover from the challenges posed by global economic shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic, the RÉG-TOUR initiative provides hope for a brighter future. The project’s emphasis on sustainable tourism practices and local empowerment positions Tunisia to become a leader in responsible tourism in the region, setting a global example for other nations striving to balance growth with environmental stewardship.

Moreover, the reforms set in motion by RÉG-TOUR will have long-lasting effects, ensuring that Tunisia’s tourism industry continues to thrive in the coming decades. By attracting responsible, eco-conscious travellers and creating opportunities for small-scale operators, the initiative aims to redefine Tunisia as a prime destination for sustainable tourism.

A New Era for Tunisia’s Tourism

To sum up, the introduction of the RÉG-TOUR programme represents a turning point in Tunisia’s development of a more formalised, inclusive, and ecologically conscious tourism industry. The initiative presents a positive outlook for Tunisia’s tourism sector by emphasizing regulatory reforms, empowering local communities, and advancing sustainability.

Undoubtedly, as the project progresses, it will open the door to a more resilient and diverse tourism industry that benefits all parties involved in Tunisia, from small local businesses to the national government. By doing this, RÉG-TOUR will assist Tunisia in achieving its long-term tourism goals and securing its position as the region’s leader in sustainable tourism.

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