Tunisia’s Tourism Minister, Selma Elloumi Rekik, has announced a series of special measures for the country’s tourism sector following the attack in Sousse on 26 June. The measures include, among other:
– strengthening security around tourist places and sites. A thousand additional men are deployed, including armed guards in hotels since 1 July .
– lifting of a 15-euro passport exit stamp for foreigners;
– reduction in VAT from 12% to 8% for the tourism sector.
On 4th of July, the Tunisian Government has issued a state of emergency in Tunisia as part of its response to the recent terrorist attacks. A state of emergency facility is part of the Tunisian constitution and when issued, provides the Tunisian security services and the police with additional powers. As with many other countries, a state of emergency also provides the authorities with the provision to, for example, limit public gatherings, impose restrictions on the movement of people, and introduce curfews if appropriate. Tunisia previously issued a state of emergency in 2011 and has remained in place until March 2014.
Of the 5 biggest European source markets for Tunisia (France, Germany, Italy, UK and Poland), only Poland has issued a negative travel advice, but this is applicable since May 2014. The other 4 countries advise travellers to exercise extreme caution. At least two other European countries have issued a negative travel advice, notably Belgium (since 26 June) and the Netherlands (since 1 July).
The majority of tour operators are offering customers the option to cancel (up to a certain date), amend or postpone their bookings for Tunisia.
The National Association of Travel Agencies in Tunisia, FTAV, have sent a letter to ECTAA in which they strongly condemn the terrorist attacks perpetrated on tourists and express their sincere condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. They hope to continue the collaboration with the European tourism professionals.
