As part of its mission to facilitate investment in the tourism industry, USAID Visit Tunisia is providing tailored support and investment facilitation for high-potential enterprises, sponsors, and investors in the tourism sector.

At the end of April, USAID Visit Tunisia launched a call for expression of interest for an investment facilitation support program, with support from global investment firm CrossBoundary. We have since received more than 60 submissions, including from alternative accommodation providers, adventure tourism companies, cultural tourism companies, and hospitality suppliers.

Through this activity, USAID Visit Tunisia aims to mobilize at least $20 million of capital in Tunisia’s tourism sector. The program will assist beneficiaries throughout the entire investment process, including with preparing marketing documentation, financial models, market research, feasibility studies, investor matching, deal structuring, and more.

To spread the word about the investment opportunity throughout Tunisia, USAID Visit Tunisia promoted the program on its social media platforms and through interviews on national media, including popular radio stations Mosaique FM and Express FM.

In an interview with Tunisian finance site ilBoursa, Samia Kaddour Ghorbel – USAID Visit Tunisia technical advisor and head of CrossBoundary’s Tunisia office – explained the USAID Visit Tunisia investment program and direct potential for partners of the project.

“By mobilizing private investment, the program aims to increase revenue from the sector, increase the number of tourists, but also generate sustainable jobs, particularly for women and youth,” Ghorbel said during the interview.

Potential applicants must submit expressions of interest through USAID Visit Tunisia’s online portal. More detail on the program, eligibility criteria, and the application process can be found on the USAID Visit Tunisia website.