Tunisian tourism revenues are estimated at $2 billion in 2001

The Tunisian Ministry of Tourism said it expects revenues from the tourist sector to increase to $2 billion by the year 2001 compared to $1.2 billion last year.

The Ministry's figures showed that the number of tourist nights spent in the Tunisian hotels will increase from 26 million last year to 36 million, while the occupancy rate in Tunisian hotels will increase from 48% to 51.5% within four years.

Tunisia is trying to increase investment volume in this sector from the current figure of $30 million to $40 million during the same period. 32 thousand beds are also be added especially to the desert areas.

Tunisia is also trying to attract young travelers, who are infatuated by safaris and desert adventures, to enjoy the sun in the Tunisian oases. There are nearly 10,000 beds in the Tunisian oases, 5,000 of which are found in the Tours Oases while 3,200 are in the Kibly Oases.