Tunisia Signs GSTC Partnership to Align Tourism with Global Sustainability Standards

Tunisia’s Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the international body that sets and manages globally recognised standards for sustainable travel. The agreement, concluded in Tunis with participation from the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT) and sector federations, commits the country to progressive alignment with GSTC certification criteria across hotels, tour operators and destination management.

The initiative, branded “Sustainable Tunisia | Human First,” puts emphasis on capacity building for accommodation providers, tour operators and local guides rather than top-down regulatory enforcement. Under the framework, Tunisian tourism businesses will be able to seek GSTC-recognised certification through approved assessors, giving them a credential recognised by responsible travel buyers and booking platforms worldwide.

For travellers, the practical impact will be gradual, but the direction is clear. Properties and operators seeking GSTC alignment will need to meet standards covering environmental management, waste reduction, cultural heritage protection and fair local employment. Destinations like Djerba — with its distinctive heritage architecture and fragile coastal environment — and archaeological sites including Carthage stand to benefit from tighter stewardship as visitor numbers grow.

Tunisia recorded strong tourism growth in the first quarter of 2026, driven by renewed European demand and improved perceptions around travel safety. The GSTC partnership supports a medium-term strategy of attracting higher-spending, longer-stay visitors rather than simply increasing raw arrival counts. It also positions Tunisia alongside Morocco, Egypt and South Africa — all of which have been growing tourism revenues in 2026 — as an African destination actively investing in its long-term appeal.

We keep an up-to-date overview on our flights to Tunisia guide and a practical rundown on the is Tunisia safe for tourists page for travellers making their first visit. For sustainable tours and certified operators, browse tours in Tunisia.