2023-11-17 10:10:24
The development of quality tourism and the growth of the Tunisian economy are intrinsically linked to increased valorization of our rich cultural heritage. In turn, culture must be fully integrated into the economic dynamics of the country.
Tourism and the cultural economy are two key sectors that can contribute significantly to economic development, but they require a holistic approach, collaboration between public and private actors, as well as early interaction to maximize their economic benefits .
More responsible tourism
Cultural tourism offers many opportunities for economic development while preserving cultural heritage. By investing in this sector, we can create jobs, stimulate economic growth and provide unforgettable experiences for travelers. The cultural, artistic and historical riches of a region can therefore become major assets in attracting visitors from around the world.
However, it is essential to develop cultural tourism responsibly. This means ensuring that tourism development respects the environment, regional specificities and the needs of local communities. The balance between economic development and cultural preservation must be maintained for these assets to continue to thrive in the long term. In this same framework, the development of cultural tourism can only be achieved with close collaboration between the government, private companies, cultural organizations and local communities. Together, they can design policies and initiatives that promote sustainable growth of the sector while ensuring that economic benefits trickle down to the local population. Cultural festivals, museums, historic sites and artistic events are all potential catalysts for economic development. They attract tourists, create jobs in the restaurant, accommodation and related industries, and generate income for local artisans and small businesses.
At the same time, the cultural economy plays a key role in the diversification of the national economy. Investment in the arts, music, literature and creative industries stimulates creativity and innovation, while creating employment opportunities in sectors, such as film, fashion and media. This is to say that cultural tourism and the cultural economy are powerful drivers of economic development. However, to maximize their positive impact, it is imperative to adopt a responsible approach and foster collaboration between all stakeholders, because by investing in these sectors while preserving our cultural heritage, we can build a prosperous future for generations future.
Culture, a powerful engine too
The value of culture as a catalyst for tourist attractiveness is undeniable. It is not limited to the preservation and enhancement of historical sites, monuments and museums, although these are of crucial importance. Culture also extends to artistic creation, supported by the development of renowned cultural infrastructures.
Tunisia has valuable experience in the field of establishing recording and filming studios and has hosted various international film productions. These initiatives have not only stimulated artistic creativity, but they have also generated considerable employment and economic opportunities. However, despite these occasional successes, it is essential to recognize that our approach to culture and the economy has sometimes suffered from a lack of continuity in the implementation of integrated projects and programs. The decade 2011-2021 was marked by challenges, such as the terrorist threat and the Covid-19 pandemic, which hindered the full realization of the potential of the tourism-culture duo.
In our country, for a long time, culture was seen mainly as a vector of intellectual enrichment, a guardian of our identity and a window open to the civilizations of the world. Unfortunately, it has often remained on the fringes of government economic strategies.
Today, times are changing and it is imperative that the State grants this vast area, which carries considerable potential for economic and social progress, the national priority it deserves. Culture can be a powerful engine for the growth of tourism and the Tunisian economy as a whole, if we invest in its valorization, promotion and sustainability.
Cultural tourism and the cultural economy are also driving forces of economic development. Their potential is immense, but only a responsible approach and close collaboration can turn this potential into reality. Recognizing culture as an essential pillar of development is the key to a prosperous future. Tunisia can thus weave a sustainable national economic dynamic, where tourism and culture merge to create a rich and prosperous legacy for future generations. It is therefore time to establish coherent and sustainable policies, allowing culture to play the strategic role it deserves in our national economic dynamics.
It is, therefore, time for culture to be recognized as an essential pillar of our economic development. Tunisia’s future rests on the upscaling of its tourism, and culture is the key. It is also time to put in place coherent and sustainable policies so that culture plays the strategic role it deserves in our national economic dynamics.
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