Tunisian tourism shows signs of recovery

Figures suggest that holidaymakers are returning to Tunisia as political tensions ease following last year’s “Jasmine Revolution".

Figures released by the Tunisian National Tourist Office indicate that more than 31,000 Britons travelled to the country in May, a 34 per cent increase on the number of British visitors in the same period last year.



The numbers currently stand at about 14 per cent less than they were in May 2010, a record-breaking month in terms for visitors from the UK, with slightly more than 35,000 Britons entering the country.

The news was welcomed by Tunisian tourism officials.

“The UK has proved to be one of our most resilient markets and I’m delighted to see visitors returning to Tunisia in such numbers,” said Wahida Jaiet, director of the country’s tourism office for the UK and Ireland.

“I’m confident that the UK and Irish markets will continue to grow,” she said.

“Now is a great time to visit Tunisia as the country enjoys a new-found freedom and optimism. There is plenty to bring visitors back to Tunisia again and again.”

Mehdi Houas, the former tourism and commerce minister, said that Tunisia’s revenues from tourism had dropped by around 50 per cent in 2011 to about £800m.

There has since been a highly visible marketing campaign launched in Britain to encourage tourists back to the country.

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Brits increasingly going off the beaten track on holiday

An increasing number of travellers are choosing to go off the beaten track into little known or niche territory when taking a package holiday abroad, it has been revealed.

This is according to Tom Hall, UK travel editor of lonelyplanet.com, who said that going to little known festivals and sports events are all the rage when it comes to those forgotten corners of the globe.

He said: "When people are going, they might be aiming for some of the more iconic experiences, maybe it is a one man train or boat ride, maybe it is visiting some off the beaten track but very famous ancient ruins, those kinds of things."

He added that Central Asian destinations were also increasing in popularity amongst British tourists.

His comments follow those made by travel writer and broadcaster Sarah Woods said that European destinations such as Burgundy were also something of a trendy hotspot among Brits.

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UK holiday spending to rise suggest survey

UK holiday spending is poised to rise by an average £300 this year, according to a survey by Visa Europe.

Consumers intend to spend an average £3,890 on overseas breaks in 2012, an increase of more than £300 on 2011, the study suggests.

A poll of 2,050 adults also found a proportion of respondents plan September trips abroad in order to be in the UK to enjoy the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the London Olympics earlier in the summer.

An analysis of cardholder spending found UK tourists spent £12.4 billion on foreign holidays last year, a 2% rise on 2010.

Visa Europe suggests accommodation is set to be the biggest expense this year, followed by travel to and from a destination. The largest proportion of in-resort holiday spending will be on eating out and drinking in bars.

The expenditure analysis rated Spain the most popular destination in 2011, with £1.8 billion spent there by UK holidaymakers, followed by France (£1.5 billion), the US (£1 billion), Italy (£560 million) and Australia (£517 million).

UK tourists spent almost £900 million on local entertainment while away and £70 million on food and drink.

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