Health tourism tipped to boost Tunisia’s economy. Health tourism tipped to boost Tunisia’s economy.

The promotion of health tourism is a promising niche market able to boost Tunisia’s economy, says Tunisia's ambassador to France Mohamed Ali Chihi.

Speaking at 34th international water and wellness fair "Thermalies" in Paris, Ali Chihi said health tourism could boost the Tunisian economy, particularly during the tough economic situation currently facing the country.

Ali Chihi was in attendance at Tunisia's stand during the fair held from January 21-24 in Carrousel du Louvre, Paris.

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The ambassador said Tunisia has always been "a peaceful country" and a "preferred destination of health and wellness," pointing to the "first signs" of tourism recovery, particularly with the different tourism promotion actions conducted in France.

Speaking of the Tunisian-French relations, in light of Prime Minister Habib Essid's recent visit, the ambassador emphasised the importance of this event, saying it will certainly give "fresh impetus" to co-operation between the two countries.

The ambassador’s comments come following an announcement from the Tunisian Tourism Authority to inject approximately USD$25.9 in 2016 to boost the tourism industry following two major terrorist attacks leading to a slump in the number of international arrivals.

Abdellatif Hmam, head of the Tunisian Tourism Authority also said plans to revive the country’s tourism economy would include ‘health tourism’ in addition to various other tourism activities.