Halaoui: MAMA Shelter to build major tourist complex and Libyan investor has decided fate of Hôtel du Lac
Mohamed Mehdi Haloui, Director of Investments at the National Tourist Office, stated that Tunisia's tourism sector has experienced a strong recovery, particularly in terms of foreign investor interest.
He noted that numerous international brands have shown interest in the country, either by opening new hotel units or expanding their presence through development projects.
Interview Excerpts:
What were the investment indicators in the tourism sector in 2024?
The tourism sector in Tunisia saw an improvement in investments over the past year, both in terms of overall investment intentions and realized investments.
Total investment intentions reached 936.038 million dinars, while the value of realized investments is estimated at around 172 million dinars, with approximately 156 million dinars allocated to completing tourism accommodation projects.
I would also like to emphasize that the current period is characterized by the ongoing completion of numerous tourism projects, with a total value of nearly 120 million dinars.
Which key hotel units will strengthen the tourism network in 2025?
Investment intentions in 2024 showed growth, compared to 2023 when intentions stood at around 870 million dinars.
The tourism sector will be bolstered by the creation of several projects, the most significant of which is a new Hilton-branded hotel in Tunis.
In the South, work is nearing completion on two new units. We also hope that the Tamerza Palace Hotel will reopen this year, following the completion of all procedures by the project review committee.
Additionally, work on the Forest Hotel in Jendouba has reached an advanced stage and will reopen to the public in the coming weeks. Several tourism establishments in Sousse and Hammamet are also set to open soon.
Moreover, the global brand MAMA Shelter has expressed interest in Tunisia and included it in its plans for major tourism projects. The brand is expected to complete a tourist complex on the Berges du Lac.
Many other prestigious international tourism brands have shown interest in Tunisia and expanded their operations in the country.
Given the growth of alternative tourism and increasing demand, where does the revision of laws stand to accelerate investment?
The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with sector professionals, is currently revising several laws and legislative texts to facilitate and advance the investment process at various levels.
The department is developing a set of conditions aimed at simplifying the creation of rural and family residences, as well as tourist camps. Committees have also been tasked with reviewing texts related to the construction and management of tourism establishments.
Furthermore, the law on travel agencies is under revision. There is a broad scope for legislative revision as part of government measures to streamline investment procedures.
What has been decided regarding the fate of the Inverted Pyramid Hotel (Hôtel du Lac)?
A Libyan investor has decided the fate of the Inverted Pyramid Hotel in Tunis after holding a series of meetings with the Tunis Municipality and the National Heritage Institute.
It has been decided to preserve the hotel's architectural structure, and the previously proposed idea of demolition has been abandoned.
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