Empowering Women to Shape a Sustainable Future in Tunisian Tourism

Articles / 16-09-2024
Empowering Women to Shape a Sustainable Future in Tunisian Tourism
Photo of Houda Nefzaoui, Enabling Environment Team Lead at USAID Visit Tunisia presenting key notes at the launch of Women Sustainable Alliance (WSA) © CIFE- International Women Entrepreneur Council

As part of its commitment to fostering sustainable tourism, USAID Visit Tunisia Activity participated in the launch of the Women Sustainable Alliance (WSA), the first network of women committed to sustainable tourism, initiated by CIFE- International Women Entrepreneur Council. This event, held on August 13, highlighted the critical role of women in driving sustainable practices within Tunisia’s tourism sector. During this event, USAID Visit Tunisia shared insights and strategies that underscore the importance of sustainable tourism for Tunisia's economic growth, especially in developing countries. This article is a condensed version of USAID Visit Tunisia’s key notes under Panel 1 entitled “La Tunisie: Une destination durable impulsée par les femmes”.   

Inserting image...

Official banner of the launch of Women Sustainable Alliance (WSA) © CIFE- International Women Entrepreneur Council  

Tunisia’s Unique Potential for Sustainable Tourism 

Tunisia boasts a rich diversity of natural ecosystems, from its pristine coastlines and mountains to the vast Sahara Desert. These natural assets, combined with the country’s numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, position Tunisia as an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers. The rise of local sustainable tourism initiatives, supported by NGOs and the private sector, further emphasizes Tunisia’s commitment to this sector. Additionally, Tunisia's adherence to international environmental agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity, reflects a growing dedication to environmental sustainability. Tunisia is working toward a sustainable future for its tourism industry through a unified national strategy that brings together public and private stakeholders. The "Tourism Strategy 2035" outlines a comprehensive approach that prioritizes environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and social inclusivity. This concerted effort is designed to enhance Tunisia's global tourism heritage. By 2035, Tunisia aims to position itself as a leader in sustainable tourism by fostering innovative practices and ensuring a balance between development and environmental preservation. 

Evaluating Tunisia’s Global Competitiveness in Sustainability   

Despite its numerous strengths, Tunisia faces significant challenges in its quest to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. The World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index ranks Tunisia 83rd out of 119 countries (WEF: Travel &Tourism Development Index, May 2024- p11), pinpointing critical areas for improvement, such as infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and risk management. Tunisia’s standing compared to regional peers like Egypt and Morocco further highlights the need for targeted strategies to boost its competitiveness on the global stage. 

Another indicator of Tunisia’s position in global tourism is the Adventure Tourism Development Index (ATDI), compiled by the Adventure Travel Trade Association and the International Tourism Institute at George Washington University. Tunisia is ranked 97th out of 191 countries (Adventure Tourism Development Index (ATDI), 2020). While Tunisia scores moderately in cultural resources, such as its UNESCO-listed sites and protected areas, it ranks lower in areas like environmental performance and unemployment rates. These factors underscore the importance of strategic efforts to enhance the country's sustainability credentials and economic resilience. 

Through focused initiatives and international cooperation, Tunisia can address these challenges, strengthening its tourism sector to compete more effectively on the global stage. 

Addressing Ecological Challenges in Tunisian Tourism 
 
Ecological Challenges  

Tunisia’s tourism industry faces several ecological challenges that threaten its long-term sustainability. These issues require immediate attention and strategic intervention to ensure the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity. 

  • Water Stress and Consumption: Tunisia experiences significant water stress, exacerbated by high water consumption in the tourism sector, particularly in hotels and resorts. Efficient water management practices are crucial for reducing this impact. 
  • Coastal Ecosystem Degradation: 
    • Coastal Erosion: 13% (APAL: Nouveaux chiffres sur le littoral Tunisien) of the entire Tunisian coastline is at high risk of erosion, which is intensified by climate change and human activities. 
    • Urbanization: The rapid urbanization of coastal areas increases pressure on ecosystems, leading to the degradation of natural habitats and loss of biodiversity. 
  • Pollution and Waste Management: 
    • Solid Waste Generation: Tourism hotspots like Djerba generate 4-5 kg of waste per person per day during peak season, significantly higher than the national average of 0.8 kg per person per day. 
    • Waste Treatment: Waste produced in tourist areas is sometimes not properly treated, contributing to marine pollution. 
  • Biodiversity Impact: 
    • Overuse of Protected Areas: The overexploitation of sensitive ecosystems requires strict regulation to prevent further environmental degradation. 
  • Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions: 
    • CO2 Emissions: Tourism contributes significantly to CO2 emissions, with air travel accounting for 40% of this impact. 
    • Energy Use: Hotels, especially those rated 4-5 stars, are among the highest energy consumers. 
  • Economic Vulnerability and Seasonality: 
    • Tourism Seasonality: About 60% of tourists visit Tunisia between June and September, leading to a concentration of environmental impacts during this period and placing significant pressure on natural resources and local infrastructure. Sustainable management is needed year-round to balance these effects. 

Key Recommendations from the WSA 

As an outcome of the first WSA event, they are recommending the adoption of the following comprehensive environmental policies to effectively address the ecological challenges faced by Tunisia's tourism sector: 

  • Integrated Water Resource Management: Encourage water-saving practices in hotels and tourism infrastructure, including the reuse of wastewater, to alleviate water stress and reduce overall consumption. 
  • Ecosystem Protection: Enforce strict regulations on tourism development in environmentally sensitive areas, promote ecotourism, and undertake restoration projects for degraded habitats to preserve biodiversity and natural landscapes. 
  • Waste Management: Improve waste management in tourist areas through recycling, composting programs, and zero-waste initiatives to reduce pollution, particularly in coastal and marine environments. 
  • Promotion of Renewable Energy: Encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, in tourism infrastructure to lower the carbon footprint and support sustainable energy practices. 
  • Awareness and Education: Educate tourists on environmentally friendly practices and engage local communities in the management and conservation of tourist sites to ensure the protection and sustainable use of natural resources. 
  • International Cooperation and Green Technology Investment: Strengthen international partnerships and attract investments in green technologies, which are crucial to support sustainable development initiatives in the tourism sector. 

By implementing these measures, Tunisia can not only protect its environment but also secure the long-term sustainability of its tourism sector, enhancing the quality of life for local populations. International cooperation and investment in green technologies will be crucial to supporting these efforts. 

USAID Visit Tunisia’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism 

Through various initiatives, USAID Visit Tunisia is actively contributing to the promotion of sustainable tourism. Programs such as "Pathways to Professionalism" provide skill-based training for tourism staff, while the "Tunisia’s Living Culture" project aims to preserve and promote Tunisia's cultural heritage by developing new tourist products and experiences. Additionally, USAID Visit Tunisia’s marketing campaigns, and technical assistance and microfinance programs further support the growth and sustainability of local tourism businesses. 

By continuing to support these efforts, USAID Visit Tunisia is helping to build a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector in Tunisia, one that not only enhances the country’s global appeal but also contributes to the broader goals of socio-economic development and environmental protection. 

Photos captured at the launch of Women Sustainable Alliance (WSA) ©CIFE- International Women Entrepreneur Council / Tourismag  

Back to our stories