The British Embassy in Tunisia is delighted to announce the launch of a UK/Tunisia ‘Sustainable Tourism Charter’ in Hammamet, one of the most popular tourist resorts for British visitors to Tunisia. 

The drive has been developed in partnership with the Municipality of Hammamet, the Ministry of Tourism, ABTA, TUI, Tunisia’s waste management agency (ANGED) and the Federation of Tunisian Hoteliers.

Launched yesterday in Hammamet, by British ambassador Louise de Sousa, minister of tourism Rene Trabelsi and Clare Jenkinson — ABTA’s senior manager for destinations and sustainability, the charter should lead to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly tourism industry in Tunisia, responding to the increasing priority that British and other foreign tourists are placing on the environment when making their holiday choices.

According to WWF, nearly 600,000 tonnes of plastic is dumped into the Mediterranean Sea every year costing the Tunisian economy USD 20million due to the impact on tourism, fishing and navigation.

The Charter is expected to achieve the following results: 

• The discontinuation of disposable plastic cups and cutlery in hotels by March 2020 and the ending of plastic drinking straws by December 2019
• More responsible disposal and recycling of waste with tour operators encouraging hotels to attain a Global Sustainable Tourism certificate by December 2020 and the production of a work plan for the Hammamet Municipal Council and central government by March 2020
• Support the local economy with more opportunities for local and regional artisans to sell goods to guests as well as the strengthened promotion of local food in hotel restaurants by March 2020

British ambassador to Tunisia, Louise de Sousa, said: “I am pleased to launch this project and hope it will be rolled out to other areas of Tunisia, helping preserve the beauty of this country. This will not only appeal to British tourists but also provide economic benefits for Tunisian businesses. The reduction of plastic waste is a crucial element of the UK government’s work to protect the world’s oceans and ensure we leave a cleaner planet to the next generation.”

“An excellent example of what can be achieved”

Clare Jenkinson, senior destinations & sustainability manager for ABTA, added: “ABTA is well placed to work with its members, national and local governments to share best practice in sustainable destination management. This charter to improve waste management, reduce single-use plastics and support the local economy in Tunisian tourist destinations is an excellent example of what can be achieved by working together and setting commitments.”