TUNIS - The decision to question the Minister of Tourism for allowing the entry of Israelis in Tunisia had negative impact on the sector, said Minister Amel Karboul, in response to a motion of no confidence submitted by members of the National Constituent Assembly (NCA).
The hearing has caused the cancellation of some calls of cruises scheduled by an America shipping company in Goulette Port, Tunis, she stressed.
81 Deputies have submitted a motion of no confidence in Minister of Tourism Amel Karboul and Minister in charge of National Security Ridha Sfar for allowing the entry of Israelis in Tunisia.
"The Tunisian tourist sector is today at risk and we are in the middle of negotiations with several foreign tour operators which plan to cancel their trips," she indicated.
The Minister said the cancellation of these trips will threaten the future of 500 thousand Tunisians active in the tourist sector, i.e. 2 million families.
"These cancellations will also cause huge financial losses and tarnish the image of Tunisia," she indicated.
The entry permit granted to Israeli tourists is legal, said the Minister, adding that the Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs were aware of that decision.
Four major US shipping companies with subsidiaries around the world monopolise global tourism, recalled Mrs. Karboul.
She added: "allowing holders of Israeli passports to enter Tunisia can by no means change the constants of the Tunisian government and people who support the Palestinian cause."
She also indicated that "Tunisia relies on tourism and it is for this reason that it is exerting all efforts to develop this sector."
The Minister reviewed a number of indicators that reflect the improvement of the contribution of Tunisian tourism.
Tourist earnings increased by 4% compared to 2010 (the reference year), she said, adding that her department has already started implementing a new strategy "3+1" based on four main elements to revitalise the sector.
The national tourism industry is now based on the seaside (80%), a niche that attracts only 1% of tourists worldwide, she noted.
© Tunis-Afrique Presse 2014
