Tunisia’s tourism revenue reached TND4.72bn ($1.61bn) between January and mid-August, up 4.8% year on year, according to central bank data, Al Ain reported on August 20.
Receipts rose by TND217mn on the same period of 2025, when the sector generated TND4.50bn. The Central Bank of Tunisia attributed the increase mainly to higher visitor numbers, with roughly 6mn arrivals recorded by the end of July.
Tourism Minister Sofiane Tekaya said the country is targeting more than 12mn visitors across 2026, up from 11mn in 2025. Meeting that figure would require a marked acceleration over the remainder of the year, with the peak autumn shoulder season carrying much of the load.
Tourism has become central to Tunisia’s external position. Combined with diaspora remittances of more than TND5.57bn, foreign currency inflows have reached TND10.29bn so far this year. That has held foreign exchange reserves at TND24.81bn, equivalent to 97 days of import cover, easing pressure on the dinar and supporting sovereign debt servicing.
The economy grew 2.3% in 2Q26, driven by services and tourism. The inflows have helped offset high energy import costs and a persistent trade deficit.
Moody’s reaffirmed Tunisia’s sovereign rating at ‘Caa1’ with a stable outlook in late July, citing reduced external financing needs and stabilised reserves.