Chemonics partnered with local stakeholders in Tunisia to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for sustainable tourism development. Our approach focused on:

• Diversifying the Tourism Landscape: We identified and developed new tourism products centered around Tunisia’s natural wonders, rich cultural tapestry (including sites like the ancient city of Carthage), and historical significance. This broadened the appeal of Tunisia beyond traditional beach tourism.
• Elevating Authentic Experiences: We collaborated to enhance existing Tunisian events and festivals, ensuring they offered genuine and engaging experiences for visitors while celebrating local traditions.
• Expanding Geographic Reach: Our strategy focused on extending tourism benefits to underserved inland regions, unlocking new economic opportunities and distributing the positive impacts of tourism more equitably.
• Championing Eco-Friendly Practices: We introduced and promoted the adoption of eco-friendly accommodations and experiences, attracting a growing segment of environmentally conscious travelers and fostering responsible tourism practices.
• Strategic Marketing and Promotion: We amplified Tunisia’s unique cultural heritage through targeted marketing campaigns, highlighting its distinct identity and attracting visitors seeking authentic cultural immersion.
• Empowering Local Economies: We worked directly with local artisans to develop high-quality souvenirs and crafts, providing tourists with meaningful keepsakes and injecting revenue directly into local businesses.

Our collaborative efforts yielded significant positive outcomes:

• Increased Visitor Spending: By enhancing the appeal and diversity of tourism offerings, we achieved a 20% increase in overall visitor spending, boosting revenue for the tourism sector and related businesses.
• Job Creation and Economic Empowerment: The project directly supported 977 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within the tourism sector, fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth at the grassroots level.
• Significant Employment Opportunities: Our initiatives led to the creation of 389 new jobs, with an impressive 38% filled by women, demonstrating our commitment to gender-inclusive economic development.
• Strengthened Local Communities: By expanding tourism to underserved regions and supporting local businesses and artisans, we fostered a more inclusive and sustainable tourism model that directly benefits local communities.