Tourism and development in Tunisia

Economic liberalization policies, externally imposed structural requirements, and Tunisia's comparative advantage have led the government to pursue tourism on a large scale. The growth of this sector has been phenomenal as evidenced by large scale hotel resort enclaves for Europeans and supportive infrastructural commitments by government and the private sector. The economic impact has been impressive in deficit reduction, capital accumulation, and balance of trade, but shows a vulnerability to the vicissitudes of international events. Despite economic gains, Tunisian policymakers are faced with cost/benefit ratio decision due to social and environmental impacts and the clash between Islamic and European values.