Terror attacks have lost Tunisia a million tourists this year
Tunisia saw visits by foreigners fall by a fifth in the first nine months of this year, according to tourism minister Salma Loumi.
He claimed the country, which is heavily dependent on tourism, had lost a million visitors as a result of the terrorist attacks on tourists at a beach in Sousse in June, in which 38 people including 30 Britons were killed, which came three months after 21 tourists were killed at the Bardo Museum in Tunis.
British tour operators pulled out of Tunisia after the Foreign Office warned against all but essential travel to the country following the beach massacre and Thomson and Thomas Cook have suspended their programmes at least until next February.
Tourism accounts for around 7% of Tunisia’s gross domestic product, has heightened security around tourist sites and other popular locations since the terror attacks, which were carried out by Islamic State militant groups.
However, the UK Foreign Office said there is still not enough protection for British tourists and it is continuing to advise against all but essential travel to Tunisia, claiming it is ‘highly likely’ Britons will be targeted again.
In its latest statement, it said: "Further terrorist attacks are highly likely, including in tourist resorts, and by individuals unknown to the authorities whose actions may be inspired by terrorist groups via social media. You should be especially vigilant at this time and follow the advice of the Tunisian security authorities.
"Since the attack in Sousse, we have been working closely with the Tunisian authorities to investigate the attack and the wider threat from terrorist groups in Tunisia.
"Although we have had good co-operation from the Tunisian government, including putting in place additional security measures, the intelligence and threat picture has developed considerably, reinforcing our view that a further terrorist attack is highly likely.
"On balance, we do not believe the mitigation measures in place provide adequate protection for British tourists in Tunisia at the present time."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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