Tunisia's tourism sector has staged a remarkable recovery, reaching an all-time high of nearly 11 million foreign visitors in 2025, according to World Data. This resurgence comes after a series of setbacks, including a 2015 terror attack that killed 38 people, 30 of them British, which caused a 25% slump in tourism, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic that saw visitor numbers crash from nine million to two million annually.
Budget-Friendly Luxury in Tunisia
Despite the rebound, Tunisia remains a budget-friendly destination, offering five-star experiences at three-star prices. A 2025 study by TravelSupermarket found the average package holiday to Spain costs £875, while Tunisia averages £779 — nearly £100 less. Cost-of-living data from MyLifeElsewhere indicates that food, drink, entertainment, and transportation in Spain cost three times more than in Tunisia.
Olivia Sheed, an audience writer for ChronicleLive, visited Tunisia in May 2026 via a new easyJet route from Newcastle Airport. She stayed at Les Orangers Garden Villas and Bungalows in Hammamet, describing it as luxurious and modern, located right on the beach. She noted, "Even when I left to go to Hammamet, I never felt ripped off. The same can be said for the hotel, as I’ve yet to find a comparable hotel in other popular holiday destinations for as low as I found."
New Flight Routes Boost British Access
EasyJet launched a new route from Newcastle to Enfidha-Hammamet on 22 March 2026, with flights operating twice a week starting at £44 one-way. Flights from London run up to seven days a week from £52 one-way, including taxes. EasyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 5-star Les Orangers Garden Villas and Bungalows on an All Inclusive basis for £1,282 per person, including 23kg luggage, transfers, and flights from Newcastle on 16 July 2026.
Despite new routes from Newcastle, London, Manchester, and Birmingham, British tourists rank third among nationalities visiting Tunisia, behind French visitors. Sheed observed, "Most of the tourists there are French. They have a shared language left over from its colonial past that may help them navigate the country better."
Hidden Gem for British Tourists
Sheed described Tunisia as "a bit of a hidden gem for British tourists, and package holiday prices reflect that." She highlighted that Tunisia is quicker to reach than Tenerife, shares the same time zone as the UK, and combines Mediterranean traits with North African flair. The country boasts 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ruins of Carthage, as well as attractions like Sidi Bou Said, a cliffside village known for artisans, and the Sahara Desert for stargazing. Star Wars fans can visit the original Tatooine filming location.
Sheed concluded, "People are going to realise what the country has to offer for the thrifty British tourist soon, so if you want a chance to see it for yourself, and do it cheaply, now is the time."
