As the summer season reaches its peak, Tunisian authorities have reactivated dedicated toll-free lines for tourists in an effort to improve oversight of service quality across the country’s tourism sector. The move aims to better address complaints from both local and international holidaymakers.
The initiative seeks to establish a direct line of communication with the Ministry of Tourism, amid growing expectations for comfort, fairness, and professionalism within the industry.
Two Active Hotlines for Tourists
The two toll-free numbers currently in operation are:
80 100 440, managed directly by the Ministry of Tourism
80 100 333, overseen by the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT)
These hotlines allow tourists to report any service failures, misconduct, or non-compliant offerings—particularly within hotels, restaurants, or guided tour services. According to officials, all complaints are relayed to a central unit that coordinates with regional delegations to investigate and, if necessary, take disciplinary action.
A System Still Underused Despite High Tourist Numbers
While the initiative has been widely praised for its relevance, public awareness remains limited and usage of the service relatively low. No official data has been released regarding the volume of complaints submitted or resolved, fueling skepticism, particularly among local tourists.
Tunisian nationals, who account for nearly 38% of hotel clients—amounting to around 6 million overnight stays per year—frequently criticize what they perceive as unequal treatment in favor of foreign visitors. In this context, the availability of hotline services could help address imbalances, provided they are supported by effective monitoring mechanisms and transparent processes.
Calls for Fairness and Vigilance
Speaking to national radio, Wahida Jaiet, a special advisor at the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized that “Tunisian tourists must be treated like everyone else,” underscoring their critical role in the vitality of the tourism sector.
For his part, Tourism Minister Soufiane Tekaya urged vacationers to book exclusively through licensed travel agencies to avoid the risks associated with informal offers. He also reminded tourism professionals of their duty to ensure fair service standards for all clients, regardless of whether payment is made in dinars or foreign currency.
Institutional Commitment to Better Service
Amid the pressures of peak tourist season, the relaunch of the tourism hotlines reflects an institutional commitment to enhancing service quality and protecting the rights of all holidaymakers, especially Tunisian nationals.
If the system can earn public trust and is backed by consistent follow-up, it could serve as a concrete tool for improving the overall tourist experience in Tunisia.
