Tunis, May 29, 2025 – Under the joint initiative of the TANIT and ECF projects, and with the financial support of the European Union, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts and Creative Tunisia, Leaders International hosted the “Innovate Tunisia: Tourism and Creative Industries” conference at the Mövenpick Hotel Gammarth.
This event is part of the TANIT (Civil Society for Innovative and Inclusive Alternative Tourism in Tunisia) and the ECF (Euromed Clusters Forward) projects. Both are supported by the European Union and aim to strengthen the country’s tourism sector by promoting sustainability, inclusion, and creative entrepreneurship.
The conference brought together key stakeholders from the tourism and creative industries to explore new models of alternative tourism and highlight the role of local crafts and creative sectors in building resilient, experience-based economies. It showcased several initiatives under Creative Tunisia, a national flagship program that supports the development of creative value chains and cluster-based growth across the country.
In the lead-up to the event, participants took part in two days of immersive field visits to creative hubs and clusters in cities such as Mahdia, Moknine, Denden, and Nabeul. These visits highlighted the richness of Tunisian craftsmanship, particularly ceramics, weaving, and painting, and the leading role played by women entrepreneurs in these sectors. The experience facilitated regional exchange and opened new avenues for cooperation between Tunisian actors and international counterparts, particularly from the MENA region.
The event also marked the official launch of TANIT CONNECT, a new platform supporting Tunisian civil society organizations working in sustainable tourism. The platform is designed to strengthen cross-border collaboration, citizen engagement, and regional cooperation aimed at transforming Tunisia’s tourism landscape.
Throughout the day, thematic panels and workshops addressed key issues at the intersection of tourism, culture, and economic development. Topics included synergies between tourism and creative industries, women’s leadership in creative entrepreneurship, and civil society’s role in reimagining tourism. A dynamic B2B exhibition also took place, promoting connections between stakeholders in tourism and the creative economy.
The “Innovate Tunisia” conference reflects Leaders International’s broader mission to bridge creative and tourism economies, foster inclusive development, and position Tunisia as a regional leader in sustainable and culture-driven tourism.
