The Tunisia Guide

Tunisia H1 2026: €994M Revenue as UK Overtakes France

· 2 min read · News
Tunisia coastline and medina architecture

Contents

  1. 1.Source Market Shifts
  2. 2.Arrival Numbers Alongside Revenue
  3. 3.July and the Peak Season

Tunisia’s tourism sector has delivered its strongest first half on record, according to figures released this week by the country’s Ministry of Tourism. Revenue for January to June 2026 reached 3.35 billion Tunisian dinars - approximately €994 million - a rise of 8.3% on the equivalent period in 2025.

Source Market Shifts

The headline story within the figures is the UK overtaking France to become Tunisia’s second-largest inbound market by revenue, behind Algeria. This represents a significant shift. France had occupied the second position for years, reflecting the historical and linguistic ties between the two countries. The UK’s rise reflects increased direct charter capacity from British airports, strong hotel occupancy at resort complexes in Hammamet and Djerba, and growing interest in cultural tourism to Tunis and Carthage.

German visitors are also performing above expectations. European travellers from the UK and Germany who are choosing Tunisia over Turkish or Egyptian alternatives appear to be responding to the country’s competitive pricing - particularly accommodation and restaurant costs, which remain attractive when priced in dinars.

Arrival Numbers Alongside Revenue

The revenue growth is backed by solid arrival figures. Total inbound tourist nights were up across the main coastal resorts, and the national airline Tunisair reported load factors above 85% on European routes through June. This is meaningful because revenue without accompanying volume could reflect only price increases rather than genuine demand growth.

July and the Peak Season

Tunisia in July is firmly in peak season. The Hammamet and Djerba resorts are at their busiest, and the medinas of Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse are popular with culturally-focused visitors who prefer the shoulder of the day - early morning and early evening - for exploration. The inland sites, including the Roman amphitheatre at El Jem, are best visited in the morning before temperatures peak.

Our destinations guide covers the full range of places to visit, from coastal resorts to Saharan towns. The travel info section includes practical guidance on getting around, currency, and entry requirements. For accommodation across all regions, the where to stay section covers options from family-run riad guesthouses to large all-inclusive hotels. The things to do section is a good starting point for activities at any time of year.