An opportunity to take stock of the clients’ perception of the destination, forecasts of alternative accommodation for the season 2013. Maintenance.

1001Tunisie : How was the last show of the Parisian tourism?

Tarek Missaoui: I participated in the show 21-24  March 2013 within a village dedicated by the National Office of Tunisian Tourism (ONTT) to owners of cottages, camps , guesthouses and hotel boutiques .

It is a beautiful space that is available to alternative accommodation in order to promote a new image of tourism in Tunisia. The objective is to present a new offer that allows you to stay on vacation closer to Tunisians in a comfortable house of quality and service.

As a pioneer of these new modes of accommodation in Tunisia, I have been participating in tourism salons for many years and I guarantee you that our stand attracted the gaze of many visitors who had the opportunity to discover the existence of these accommodations in our country.

How many houses have participated in this edition?

Only two houses were involved, namely “Amphora Menzel” and “Dar Sabri.” The Edhiafa Association was not present in any case none of the directors members. “Dar Tounes” was present on the stand.

You had a visit from the ambassador of Tunisia to Paris?

Absolutely. We had the opportunity to present to Mr Adel Fekih the specifics and nature of our institutions. We emphasized the need to promote a high-end tourism as proposed in our lodgings and guest houses.
The high-end is not necessarily synonymous with luxury. It is in the commitment to respect the customer, offer personalized services and quality and the need to anticipate their expectations and pleasantly surprise the course!

What are the future shows that will attend the Association “Edhiafa”?

I’m not in decision-making of Edhiafa. No I have no information on what would be considered.

Personally, I continue as I do for many years to seize opportunities to promote the best possible image of Tunisia abroad. I pin my communication on the life force and joy of Tunisians who are always full of optimism.

“Amphora Menzel” was at the Geneva show in January when Tunisia was Fair Honorary Host. I plan to participate in the “Top Resa” room that I frequent for several years in the company of French tourism professionals.

Has there  been demand on the show?

Many passages, individuals, the media, French and foreign agencies. Many stays applications especially people who’ve been to Tunisia. Some are eager to discover or rediscover in one of our formulas. “Amphora Menzel” seemed to meet their holiday wishes.

What are the key questions of the visitors?

Unquestionably, they start asking questions about safety. They are generally lucid on the situation in Tunisia and would like to go back and plan to also to return as soon as things will be addressed.

Some recognize that the media are fixated on the events and incidents rather negative. Djerba is seen as a separate entity and clearly generates less fear and anxiety than the rest of Tunisia.
What are your predictions for the 2013 season?

Like last year, the decision of staying and even that of August will be the last time. The client will fall back anyway last over Tunisia this summer. I have no fear.

Although Tunisian tourism is at half mast do you stay optimistic?

I believe more than ever that small companies offering a quality stay with the charm and friendliness to a first class service are the future of the new Tunisian tourism.

It is in this perspective that I plan to explore new markets. Next year, I’ll program the participation of Amphora Menzel in the salons of WTM London, Zurich, Madrid, Berlin, Paris and others.

Tunisian tourism authorities that build this year (with over 200 tourism professionals in Moscow) on Russian and East European countries, have twists to release the stress on the French clientele that is naturally linked us. This market must be respected and consolidated. The achievements are never definitive.

Interview by Amel Djait

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