Tunis Designated Arab Tourism Capital for 2027 at Baghdad Summit

Tunis Secures Prestigious 2027 Title

Tunis, the vibrant capital of Tunisia, has been officially designated as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2027. This significant announcement was made during the 28th Ordinary Session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, which convened in Baghdad, Iraq, from December 8 to 9, 2025. The decision highlights Tunis's profound cultural assets and its growing prominence as a regional tourist destination.

Key Decisions from the Baghdad Session

The 28th Ordinary Session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism saw tourism ministers and officials from across the Arab region gather in Baghdad. The official ministerial meetings took place on December 8-9, 2025, as part of broader events held from December 5-10. During this session, Tunisia was also elected as a member of the Executive Bureau and Vice-President of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, further solidifying its role in regional tourism leadership. The meeting's agenda included discussions on strengthening intra-Arab tourism, facilitating travel procedures, boosting tourism investment, and reviewing joint projects aimed at enhancing the presence of Arab tourism in regional and global markets.

Significance for Tunisia's Tourism Sector

The designation as Arab Tourism Capital for 2027 is expected to provide substantial momentum for Tunis and Tunisia as a whole. It serves as a recognition of the nation's extensive historical heritage, diverse landscapes, and significant archaeological sites. This accolade will offer a platform for Tunis to further develop its tourism infrastructure, promote its cultural and natural attractions, and enhance its international profile as a leading destination in the Arab world. Tourism stakeholders in Tunisia anticipate that the title will drive coordinated regional marketing campaigns and attract increased investment in the sector ahead of 2027.

The timing of this recognition is particularly notable as it precedes Tunis's anticipated entry into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2026, suggesting a synergistic effect that will reinforce the country's strategic push to position itself as a cultural and creative hub.

Tunisia's Strategic Vision for Tourism

Soufiane Tekaya, Tunisia's Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, who attended the session, emphasized the country's ongoing efforts to upgrade its tourism infrastructure. These efforts include:

• Focus on digitalization and promotion through modern technologies and Artificial Intelligence.
• Boosting tourism investment and improving the quality of services.
• Moving towards high-end tourism and supporting startups.
• Paying particular attention to promising tourism products such as cultural tourism, health tourism, conference tourism, Saharan, and oasis tourism.

Tunisia has a national strategic vision for tourism by 2035, aiming to make tourism a key driver of economic, social, and environmental development. The country also aims to attract over 11 million tourists in 2025, building on a strong performance in previous years.

Looking Ahead

Tunis joins a distinguished list of cities recognized by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism. Baghdad held the title of Arab Tourism Capital for 2025, and Al Ain in the UAE was selected for 2026. This succession of designations underscores a regional commitment to fostering tourism growth and cultural exchange across the Arab world.