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- Tunisia gets the first cruise ship since 2019 since the Covid-19 pandemic. A cruise ship carrying over 700 passengers has docked in its port, cheering people across geographies who are dependent on tourism
Tunisia gets the first cruise ship since 2019 since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. A cruise ship carrying over 700 passengers has docked in its port, cheering people across geographies who are dependent on tourism. The Spirit of Discovery, owned by the UK operator Saga, anchored at La Goulette port on the edge of Tunis. The dock was in a festive mood and the cruise was welcomed in the Tunisian traditional manner – with a caravan of camels accompanied by a band playing traditional Tunisian music.
The ship is carrying 724 passengers, mostly British but also German, Italian and Spanish. Delighted by the arrival of the cruise, the country’s Tourism Minister Moez Belhassen said that it would benefit many sectors of the economy as tourists start spending.
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The country had faced two disastrous seasons. Now, the Tunisian authorities are hopeful that the worst season is over and are looking forward to a season, which can bring thousands of tourists into the North African country. Tourism makes up around 14 percent of Gross Domestic Product and provides a living for two million Tunisians. Tunisia has a population of 12 million.
The country has suffered several crises since the 2011 revolt, which dragged the economy considerably. In 2015, Islamic militants carried out a string of deadly attacks at key tourist hotspots. Because of the combined impact of pandemic and Jihadists attacks, income from tourism had come down by 80% or so. With the arrival of tourists once again, though in a limited number, there is a renewed expectation both from the government and tourism industry.
