Tunisia's Tourism Boom: 2025 Event Planning Opportunities
Tunisia's tourism sector celebrated a record-breaking 2024, attracting over 10.25 million visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic figures and marking a milestone in its recovery. Key source markets included Algeria, Libya, and France, with a significant 49.3% growth in tourist arrivals from the previous year. Tourism Minister Sofiene Tekaya hailed the achievement, emphasizing the collective efforts of stakeholders and Tunisia's year-round appeal, which earned it recognition from National Geographic as one of the world's top 25 destinations. Media partnerships were also highlighted as pivotal in enhancing Tunisia's global image.
Looking ahead to 2025, the National Tourist Office of Tunisia (ONTT) has unveiled a dynamic promotional strategy to solidify the country's reputation as a premier travel destination. Centered on innovative offerings like the Culinary Route, Cinematographic Route, and UNESCO Route, the plan aims to deliver authentic cultural experiences. Successful execution will involve collaboration between local experts, global networks, and Tunisian organizations abroad.
With its UNESCO World Heritage sites and rich culinary landscapes, Tunisia continues to position itself as a must-visit location. As it gears up for 2025, the country's focus on sustainability, cultural immersion, and strategic growth showcases its resilience and vision for the future of tourism.
South African Tourism's New COO: Erasmus to Boost Africa's Travel Sector
South African Tourism (SA Tourism) has appointed Darryl Erasmus as Chief Operations Officer (COO), effective January 7, 2025. Erasmus will lead Corporate Services, drive localization, and implement global strategies to elevate South Africa's tourism sector. With a career spanning senior roles at brands like Travelport, Protea Hotels, and Intercontinental Hotels, as well as leadership at marketing and consultancy firms, Erasmus brings a wealth of expertise. His previous role as Chief Quality Assurance Officer for SA Tourism’s Tourism Grading Council further solidifies his readiness.
SA Tourism CEO Nombulelo Guliwe expressed confidence in Erasmus’ ability to strengthen management structures, operational excellence, and South Africa’s global competitiveness as a destination. Erasmus himself conveyed enthusiasm for returning to SA Tourism, emphasizing his commitment to building a high-performance entity that amplifies tourism's economic impact and showcases South Africa’s unique experiences. He looks forward to collaborating with stakeholders both locally and internationally.
Erasmus’ robust academic background includes postgraduate and undergraduate business qualifications from Henley Business School, GIBS, and Oxford Brooks University, specializing in marketing, business management, and financial management. His appointment, approved in December 2024, is seen as a strategic step to enhance South Africa’s tourism growth and elevate its global presence.
Kano's New Commerce Chief Vows to Boost Business, Attract Investment
Kano State's newly appointed Commerce Commissioner, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, has outlined an ambitious plan to revitalize the state’s economy, making it a premier commercial and industrial hub in Nigeria. At his January 13, 2025, handover ceremony, Sagagi emphasized key objectives, including wealth creation, poverty reduction, employment generation, and economic diversification. He aims to create a business-friendly environment to attract foreign investment, foster industrialization, and strengthen local enterprises.
Central to his plan is the activation of government centers, like the one in Kura, which he envisions generating 100 to 240 jobs within the month while contributing to broader economic activity. Sagagi also commended the establishment of the Power and Energy Ministry, confident it will alleviate energy challenges and reduce operational costs for small businesses, thereby attracting investors and supporting sustainable growth.
Reaffirming his commitment to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s economic blueprint, Sagagi highlighted innovation, industrial expansion, and job creation as priorities. He pledged to make the ministry a critical resource for entrepreneurs and a catalyst for Kano’s economic transformation. Transitioning outgoing commissioner Adamu Aliyu Kibiya expressed confidence in Sagagi’s leadership. Together, these efforts aim to restore Kano’s prominence as a center of commerce and industry.
