The Minister of Tourism, Sofiene Tekaia, said that “the year 2026 will be that of Kerkennah”, stressing that a full program was proposed during a meeting with professionals in the tourism sector in the region.
In a press statement, on the sidelines of a two -day working visit to the governorate of Sfax, he said that “this program, which will be adopted and funded by the tourist areas protection fund, is based on all that relates to infrastructure, lighting, cleanliness, environmental protection and transport”, adding that these pillars will be the subject of coordination with the ministries of transport and environment and will improve the image of the island of Kerkennah.
In the same context, the Minister indicated that an agreement was concluded with the Governor of Sfax to organize a study day on tourism at the end of next September, in addition to the creation of a project monitoring committee accusing delay, whether in Kerkennah or Sfax.
The urban planning plan expected for the end of 2025
He explained that requests from investors, in particular those of hoteliers, travel agencies and tourism professionals in general, are linked to the urban planning plan under development, the publication of which is scheduled for the end of the year.
This plan should open up new perspectives and remove obstacles that have slowed down the realization of old or new projects, especially since several hotels are currently experiencing difficulties in terms of tourist activity, financing and attractiveness.
The Minister also indicated that several projects, in all their components, will be integrated as part of the 2026-2030 development plan for Sfax and Kerkennah.
Concerning craftsmanship, the minister underlined the need to enhance the many natural resources of the region, highly requested on the tourist market, and to support export by creating a brand of quality specific to the island, while encouraging young people to engage in this dynamic and to diversify their offer.
