short haul FEATURE
Tunisia offers the magic and mystique of North Africa combined with the essence of laidback Mediterranean culture, says Lauren Razavi
O
ffering over 700 miles of sandy beaches, an excellent hotel infrastructure, along
with a plethora of activities, 2014 is set to be a big year for tourism in the nation known as ‘The Jewel of the Mediterranean’. It’s been three years since the
Tunisian Revolution ousted dictator Ben Ali and caused unrest across the nation. Awarding Tunisia’s population new political freedoms also caused an enormous drop in tourism numbers amid concerns about the country’s future and the potential dangers. However, 2013 has seen Tunisia
make important strides in its recovery and the tourism board has proven particularly responsive and creative to Tunisian efforts to attract foreign visitors. Over the course of the past
TUNISIA Bright jewel “No trip to Tunisia would be
summer, UK visitors to this Mediterranean hotspot rose by 29% compared with 2012, marking Tunisia’s considerable accomplishments in reinvigorating tourism after facing such challenges. Tunisia is an all-year-round destination that appeals to a breadth of travellers. Cultural tours, among the country’s most popular, showcase 3,000 years of fascinating history, and an assortment of operators offer tours encompassing a range of authentic, traditional Tunisian experiences. Active holidaymakers are drawn
in by diving and other water sports, quad biking and cave exploration. Undoubtedly the most popular option for active and adventure travellers, however, is the opportunity for trekking and camping in the Saharan desert.
complete without exploring the dunes of the world’s largest desert, the Sahara,” said Jim Eite of Exodus. “The remote valleys, rolling dunes and refreshing oases all display astonishing diversity. “A Saharan trekking holiday is one that will be vivid in the minds of visitors forever,” he adds. Tunisia is also a burgeoning location for family tourism, according to Nicola Frame of The Adventure Company. “Tunisia makes a great short-haul destination for families who are looking for more than a fl y and fl op holiday, but don’t want to travel too far,” she said. “Kids love following in the
footsteps of Luke Skywalker on Tatooine, taking camel rides among the Saharan dunes, and playing gladiators at the Roman amphitheatre of El Djem, while adults enjoy watching the sunset in the desert, shopping for spices in Sousse Old Town and having some beachside bliss on the Mediterranean coastline.” Those looking for a taste of the luxurious and the relaxing can enjoy
www.sellinglonghaul.com
“Visit the ancient city of Dougga on an organised day trip or combine culture and the Sahara on a three-day guided desert safari in a luxury 4x4, with the option for
camel rides. NICK KIRK, PROJECT MANAGER TUNISIA FIRST
A girl on the Red Lizard train; in the spice market and; mountian stop for the Red Lizard
November 2013 63
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