Thomas Cook first major operator to re-introduce Tunisia

Thomas Cook is the first major tour operator to announce its return to Tunisia following a change in Foreign Office advice regarding travel to the north Africa destination.

The operator will restart flights on February 13 and holidays have gone on sale today.

Cook is offering accommodation close to Hammamet, where it has a choice of eight hotels.

Rival TUI said it had not yet decided if and when to resume flights to Tunisia, repeating an earlier statement in which it said: "Thomson and First Choice follow the FCO’s advice for all destinations we operate to. As the overall level of advice has now changed for Tunisia, we will look at whether we will re-introduce the destination for future seasons, which will also take in to account customer demand."

Most major tour operators pulled out of Tunisia after TUI holidaymakers were among those killed in a terror attack in the beach resort of Sousse in June 2015, after which the Foreign Office advised against travel to the country. It has only recently softened its advice against travelling to most of Tunisia.

Thomas Cook group head of customer welfare Carol MacKenzie wrote in a blog post: "At the end of July this year, the UK government changed its advice for Tunisia meaning that British holidaymakers can now travel to the majority of the country.

"As a result, and reflecting the interest we’ve had from customers, we are restarting our flight and holiday programme from 13 February next year, which is on sale from 22 August.

"We’re starting in just a few resorts, mainly near to Hammamet, and only eight hotels, where we’re confident we can offer the high quality our customers expect. We benefit from having had a holiday programme and resort team in place for our German, Belgian and French customers, whose governments did not recommend against travel to Tunisia."

MacKenzie said security had been increased in tourist resorts and its forces were ‘better prepared’ to tackle terrorist threats. She added: "When I visited Tunisia recently, I noticed the increase in security presence on the hotel beaches, and the holidaymakers I spoke to talked of the good, friendly relationship they have with the hotel security and police who patrol the beach and tourist areas. It was also clear how closely the hotels and the police work together, and their excitement about the British customers returning to their country.

"Since it closed for British holidaymakers two years ago, we’ve had lots of customers asking us when Tunisia will be back on sale. Its soft, long beaches with year-round sun, historic ruins and enchanting desert villages make Tunisia a destination that attracts lots of loyal visitors."

However, she urged customers to continue to bear in mind FCO advice. She added: "Please remember that like other popular North African tourist destinations Morocco and Egypt, the UK government also warns that ‘further attacks remain likely, including in places visited by foreigners such as tourist resorts’.

"Taking your loved ones anywhere is a serious decision and ultimately of course it’s up to you where you choose to go on holiday. You should always consult FCO travel advice before making your decision."