Tunisia has welcomed more than 21,000 tourists from China between January 1 and October 20, 2025 – a 17.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT). The uptick reflects increased interest in North Africa among Chinese travellers and a growing tourism axis between Tunisia and China.
Despite the rise, the number of Chinese visitors remains slightly below pre-pandemic levels (around 25,000 in 2019). ONTT Director-General Mohamed Mehdi Hlaoui pointed out that to boost arrivals further, direct flight links between Tunis and Beijing could launch as early as 2026. The broader tourism recovery is visible: Tunisia recorded 9.05 million total tourist arrivals by October 20 this year, up 9.2 percent from the same period in 2024.
The increase in Chinese visitors comes alongside a deepening strategic relationship between Tunisia and China. The two nations established a strategic partnership in May 2024, committing to greater cooperation in infrastructure, green development, tourism, education and culture. China remains a key trade partner for Tunisia: in 2024 Tunisia’s bilateral trade with China reached about TND 9.2 billion, up roughly 8 percent from the previous year.
Tourism officials in Tunisia attribute the rising Chinese visitor numbers to targeted efforts such as Chinese-language signage at major heritage sites, acceptance of UnionPay cards in hotels and restaurants, and influencer campaigns on Chinese social media platforms. Chinese travellers increasingly favour culture-rich experiences, from the Roman ruins of Carthage and the historic Medina of Tunis to desert tours in Tozeur.
Tunisia’s appeal to the Chinese market is augmented by visa-free access: since 2017, Chinese group travellers could enter Tunisia without a visa, and in September 2023 a full visa-free policy for Chinese nationals was announced. In the tourism industry, the absence of direct air connections remains a barrier: currently, Chinese visitors must transit through Middle East, Turkey or Egypt to reach Tunis. Officials say establishing a direct route would significantly boost arrivals.
For Tunisia, Chinese tourists bring not just numbers but higher-spending individuals interested in extended stays, local experiences and luxury travel, an asset to the country’s goal of reaching 11 million visitors by year’s end. The 2025 tourism recovery is central to Tunisia’s foreign-exchange needs and economic diversification.
Experts view the growing Tunisia-China travel corridor as part of a broader shift in the bilateral relationship: tourism now complements trade, infrastructure and cultural cooperation. China’s investors have already financed Tunisian infrastructure projects such as the Bizerte Bridge and supported cultural exchanges, reflecting the multi-layered nature of the partnership.
Looking ahead, the Tunisian government is doubling down on strategy. Tourism officials plan to host Chinese journalists and travel influencers, expand Mandarin-language training for hospitality staff, and incorporate Tunisia into major Chinese travel-agency itineraries. They believe that sustained growth from the Chinese market could help modernise Tunisia’s tourism sector and deepen people-to-people bonds between the two countries.
In sum, the rise in Chinese tourists signals more than just numbers, it illustrates how tourism is becoming a fresh pillar in Tunisia-China cooperation. As direct connectivity improves and promotional efforts expand, Tunisia aims to raise its profile among Chinese travellers and anchor its role as a gateway between Africa and Asia.
