In his speech Elyes Fekhfekh described “the new reality of Tunisia”, emphasizing the air of freedom that prevails in the country and the democratic transition which is entering a phase of establishment of democratic institutions. Tunisia has “received and continues to receive the support of the European community and in particular of Germany with commitment and brotherhood.”
It was then the German Ambassador in Tunisia, Jens Plotner, who assured that Germany admires and supports Tunisia in this difficult path of revolution. The challenge now is to “give a clear and accurate picture of the country situation. An image that is “neither pessimistic nor too optimistic.” The Ambassador believes that the current image of the country is too a pessimistic picture and expresses concern about political violence. “The government understood the seriousness of the situation. A state must do whatever it takes to prevent violence. He will end his brief and firm intervention stating that it is crucial not to make 9.9 million Tunisians hostages of this violence. ”
Ernest Burbacher, Secretary of Parliamentary State at the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology in charge of tourism and SMEs, has, for his part, emphasized the challenges but also the opportunities of Tunisia in this phase where the country “must claim the right to be supported by other countries.” If the Germans are still great travelers, soon overtaken by the Chinese, it remains true that Germany is also a tourist destination. Tourism there is 4.4% of GDP and more than 2.7 million Germans work in the sector.
As for professionals, Mohamed Ali Toumi, president of FTAV, confessed to the concern of the industry because of the crisis in Europe but also of the democratic transition situation of our country.
The General Director of the National Tourism Office (ONTT) Habib Ammar, returned to the drama of Djerba and recalled that the Tunisian tourism has flourished with Germany at the Independence day. “We are working on an innovative and sustainable product and are taking concrete steps to meet market expectations.”
With 82.5 million inhabitants, Germany is the most populous EU country. Its inhabitants have a great tradition of traveling and have long been considered as the most important issuing country of tourists in the world. In recent years, significant changes have taken place in terms of market behavior and expectations. The Germans have 6 weeks of vacation a year and dedicate an average of 4% of their income to the budget of holidays abroad. The ranking of their favorite destinations has also changed. Spain, Austria and Italy now occupy the top of the podium. France, a long time favorite, is relegated since 2000 to the fourth position.
Today, Germany provides great efforts to surround Tunisia during its democratic transition. The Tunisian revolution and the disturbances in the region are profound turbulence on tourism. It is essential to remain cautious about building models. This is to have the means to choose.
In the present circumstances, it is imperative to engage on ways to restart the Tunisian tourist machine and cheaply. Efficiently and inventiveness. We will return in detail on the recommendations !of the meeting.
Amel Djait
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