UK visitors to Tunisia doubles
26th August 2012
The number of UK visitors travelling to Tunisia has doubled in the last month
In July this year, figures were 53.8% higher than July 2011. The number of travellers from Ireland increased by a huge 83.9% compared to last year's statistics.
In 2012 alone there have been 180,000 visitors from the UK and Ireland; a reflection of the country's new found freedom after the turbulence of the Arab Spring in 2011. The North African destination has 700 miles of sandy beaches, and is only a short flight (2.5hrs) from the UK.
"It is wonderful to see so many people from the UK and Ireland travelling back to Tunisia. I only expect to see these figures increase as more visitors learn about our incredible country," said Wahida Jaiet, UK & Ireland Director for the Tunisian National Tourism Organisation (TNTO )in a statement this week.
"Tunisia is spoilt with [...] beautiful beaches and thousands of years of history. It is a pleasure to share all our country has to offer with so many new and returning visitors from the UK and Ireland."
In the past year significant improvements have been made for visitors including several new hotels and new flight routes. Tunisair has added Manchester to its UK airports, in addition to well-establish routes from London Gatwick and Heathrow. The airline has also launched a flight connecting the capital Tunis with the island of Djerba, off the south-east coast of the country.
Scenes from the Stars Wars series were also shot in the Tunisian desert. Fans of the film have flocked to see the settings and celebrate the 35th anniversary of the movie.