Nearly 114,000 tourists of various nationalities, including Americans, French, Spanish and Italians, arrived in Tunisia from the beginning of the year until 17 August, through 26 cruises.

Eighteen more cruises are expected, bringing the total to 44 by the end of the year, the Ministry of Tourism said yesterday, Friday, in a press release.

These statistics were revealed during a meeting held on Friday between the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Mohamed Moez Belhussein, and leisure tourism professionals.

The meeting provided an insight into the progress of cruises and the logistical aspects of the arrival of various cruise ships in Tunisia, as well as the proposed tourist itineraries.

The Minister underlined the importance of ensuring favourable reception conditions for these cruise ships.

The latter play a key role in boosting tourism and trade sector, particularly in areas such as handicrafts, tourist transport, visits to museums, restaurants, archaeological sites and other cultural and economic tourism activities, according to the statement.