Tunisia expands mobile network to Sahara tourist areas

Tunisia plans to extend its mobile network to the Kébili governorate in the Sahara Desert starting in 2027, a move aimed at supporting the growing tourism industry in the region. The project, recently validated by Tunisie Telecom, the country’s major telecommunications operator, is part of broader efforts to modernize and digitally transform tourism.

Digital tools to support tourism businesses

Tunisie Telecom has proposed several digital solutions for tourism companies, including discounted mobile plans, eSIM options for international visitors, IP telephony, and a cloud-based phone system. These tools are intended to improve communication and operational efficiency for travel agencies and tour operators in the region.

Collaboration between tourism and telecom sectors

The mobile network extension follows a joint agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and Tunisie Telecom in July 2026. The partnership aims to use technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality to promote Tunisia’s heritage and tourist sites. It also includes plans for remote digital services and an integrated computer network for the ministry.

Startups and innovation in tourism

Tunisian authorities are encouraging startups to contribute to the digital transformation of tourism through innovation initiatives. This aligns with a national digital strategy launched in 2022, which included projects like a national tourism portal, multilingual maps, and digitized administrative processes for tourism businesses.

Comprehensive digitization of the tourism sector

In June 2025, the government unveiled a plan to fully digitize the tourism industry. This includes creating promotion platforms, digitizing services, and establishing a National Tourism Observatory to track market trends. A metaverse-based platform is also under development to support rural tourism and internationalize local businesses.

Tourism's growing role in Tunisia’s economy

Tourism is a significant contributor to Tunisia’s economy, with its direct impact on GDP reaching 5.2% in 2025. Domestic spending on tourism rose from 14.63 billion dinars in 2023 to 17.47 billion in 2025, while tourism revenue grew from 6.92 billion dinars in 2023 to 8.10 billion in 2025. The number of international visitors also increased, reaching over 11 million in 2025.

Long-term goals for Tunisia’s tourism industry

The national tourism strategy for 2035 aims to strengthen competitiveness, diversify offerings, attract investment, and promote Tunisia as a destination. The government seeks to highlight the country’s natural and cultural resources, particularly in inland areas, and expand tourism activities nationwide. By 2030, the goal is to welcome 13.5 million tourists and generate 9.5 billion dinars in revenue.