30 years working in hotels and many trips to lead Patrick Bourseaux Tamezret where he settled with his partner it there’s a few years. In his guest house, “L’Auberge de Tamezret” he receives loving people of discovery and real encounters. For 1001Tunisie, he returns to his project, explains the issues and challenges related to the launch of an accommodation in the south of Tunisia. Interview by Amel Djait
1001Tunisie: How is the Tunisian South this season and in times of crisis?
Patrick Bourseaux: Let’s start by differentiating between “crises”.
The tourism crisis affects us little. We have, from the beginning, relied on a local and individual tourism. Our clients consist of actually Tunisians, Tunisians living abroad (TRE) and foreign residents in Tunisia, which are traveling as usual. They often travel by private cars and are still quite numerous. Regarding the crisis linked to the government organization and the transition Tunisia is living through, the point that affects us most is undoubtedly cleanliness.
After several years in the tourism sector and lived in several Tunisian cities, how did you end up in Tamezret?
Living and working between Djerba and Ksar Ghilane for the management of two accommodation units, we had a foot-to-earth in Matmata since 2010. After the revolution, we have decided to anticipate the decline in tourism and hotel business and have decided to embark on another alternative; the guest house. As that was the area we liked and we wanted to live there, we looked for a house and it is in Tamezret that we found our happiness.
What is your assessment of your performance in the activity of alternative accommodation after opening the Tamezret Hostel?
Very positive! In addition to our 3 bedrooms, we offer a dinner for residents of the area (from Gabes to Djerba) and it works well. Since we manage the service, cleaning, shopping, administration couple, we can not, for now, accept more than one booking accommodation or meals daily. We have the ability to accommodate up 5-6 week bookings. Based on this figure, we turn to more than 50%. This well above what we had expected.
What is special about Tamezret?
Calm. Here, there are no cars, no traffic and very little network for GSM. From the village, customers and visitors can choose from hiking in the mountains or in the desert so close. Near Tamezret, there are many very nice little villages like old Zraoua, Matmata, Toujène. There’s also the opportunity to make day trips to Gabes, Douz or Kssar Ghuilane.
Tamezret is also and above all an immersion in the Amazigh culture. Here there are two museums dedicated to this culture; the “Diar Amor” and the famous Museum Mongi Bouras, the essential specialist in Amazigh culture of the region.
What does the Tamezret hostel offer for those wanting to explore the region by yourself?
For dynamic, we offer hiking several Kms to the villages of Zraoua, Beni Aissa, etc.
For those who want peace and quiet, we offer gourmet stays and cooking classes.
For those who have a little more money, we concoct a trip to Gabes, Toujène, Ksar Ghilane with their own vehicles or travel agency.
Who are your customers and what do they want?
Individual and mixed clientele. This is international with 25% (60% of Tunisians living abroad) and 75% local (80% and 20% of Tunisian foreign residents).
Their expectations are simple: Uncompromising cleanliness, hospitality and warm frame, a good performance for the meal and the service and especially a product that is 100% and announced the product offered.
Is it difficult for a foreigner to settle in a Berber village? What relationship do you have with the village and the population?
Not at all. It’s like in each “neighborhood” in which settles. Simply integrate and respect the local population. Besides, we have very good relations with the villagers and with other providers and operators in the region.
Do you think the accommodation like guest houses and villas will multiply in Tunisia?
Of course ! They are already multiplying. Each week new houses open. But we must differentiate between “real” guest houses for those who only use the “naming” to attract customers. That said, the alternative tourism is a fact. It is now part of the landscape and the future of Tunisia.
What promotional channels you use to promote “L’Auberge de Tamezret”?
For local, are the social networks. To promote internationally, we rely on professional booking sites, for lack of a common platform providers at national and local level. Do you think the accommodation like guest houses and villas will multiply in Tunisia? Of course ! They already multiplying. Each week new houses open. But we must differentiate between “real” guest houses for those who only use the “naming” to attract customers. That said, the alternative tourism is a fact. It is now part of the landscape and the future of Tunisia.
How does the population see tourist attractions and operate in the village?
The villagers are very welcoming. Every time our customers come back a little tour of the village, they tell us that those who meet greet and welcome.
What must be developed to support the promotion of guest houses?
Cooperation between actors at regional and national level. There is no information for the interested visitor in terms of providers (accommodation, restoration, etc.) and activities. Throughout the year, There are many festivals that are organized throughout Tunisia. These could attract people except that nobody talks about.
What advice would you say to those who embark on the adventure and are now deciding to start their own guesthouse?
It is not clear to hold a guesthouse. It is not enough just to have a nice house with some nice rooms in a tourist spot. If you want to get on, ask yourself a few questions:
Where will I establish myself? Is there already an existing market? Is it saturated? How can I differentiate myself from others?
Is it a place that can attract visitors? What formula can I adopt? Is what I opted for a simple guesthouse or I choose a theme here?
Do I offer breakfast accommodation or I propose to restore more? (Sometimes it’s a necessity. For us, the nearest restaurant is located 20kms and we did not have many options)
Do I agree to share my daily life with strangers? (This is very important! Even if you have your private quarters, know that you will spend the majority of your time with your customers)
Will I take responsibility? (You can hire a cook, a room-maiden or even a Housekeeper. But hey, why open a guest house if you do not offer the services yourself?)
Looking back, running a guesthouse is it easy and is the cost effective?
Profitable? Yes
Profit: Not really …
Easy? No
The final word ?
With a good formula, delivery and management, you can live well. Even in times of “crisis”!
But, and this is where it becomes more difficult, you have to adapt. Adapt to its customers that are not always compatible. Adapting to markets and above schedules. 8h-16h finished!
Your guests arrive earlier than scheduled or after midnight. They have breakfast at 5am or would take on their terrace á 10am, they will have lunch at different hours … .After 30 years of hospitality, the greater thing can surprise me but the one who embarks this business knows that it is not easy to adapt to 24h / 24h and 7/7.
To know more:
Tamezret Hostel: Auberge path. Tamezret 6054 – Tunisia
Tel: (+216) 75 244 026
Website: http://www.tamezret.com
E-mail: info@tamezret.com
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