وزارة السياحة

Visiting the Ministry of Tourism, Tunis Governorate, Tunisia: Hours, Tickets, and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Tunisia, renowned for its Mediterranean landscapes and a rich tapestry of history, places tourism at the heart of its economy and identity. The Ministry of Tourism (وزارة السياحة) in Tunis Governorate is the sector’s administrative and strategic anchor, shaping policy and offering vital visitor support. Centrally located in the capital, near landmarks such as the Medina of Tunis, Bardo National Museum, and Carthage, the Ministry is both a hub for tourism governance and a valuable resource for travelers.

This detailed guide outlines everything you need to know about visiting the Ministry, including hours, access, services, nearby attractions, and essential travel tips. Whether you’re seeking official information, planning to explore Tunisia’s iconic monuments, or interested in sustainable tourism initiatives, this resource will help you make the most of your Tunis experience. Stay informed about the latest developments by exploring the Ministry’s official website and the Discover Tunisia portal.

Introduction
Visitor Information: Hours, Access, and Tips
Services Offered by the Ministry
Historical and Strategic Overview
Tunisia’s Iconic Monuments: Visiting Details
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
Cultural Etiquette and Practical Safety
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual and Interactive Resources
Conclusion & Final Tips
References

Visitor Information: Hours, Access, and Practical Tips

Visiting Hours

The Ministry of Tourism in Tunis operates mainly as an administrative office. Public access is generally available by scheduled appointment, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The office is closed on weekends and public holidays, and hours may be reduced during Ramadan and national holidays. Always confirm your appointment or event attendance in advance (Discover Tunisia - Contact).

Entry and Ticket Policy

Entry: The Ministry is not a tourist attraction; entry is restricted to those with appointments, official meetings, or during special public events and exhibitions.
Tickets: No tickets are required to enter the Ministry itself. For special events hosted there, advanced registration may be necessary.

Location & Getting There

Address: 1, Avenue Mohamed V, Tunis, Tunisia (main office)
Additional offices: 8, Avenue de Mexique and 84, Avenue de la Liberté
Access: Easily reached by taxi, bus, or light rail from central Tunis or Tunis-Carthage International Airport (7 km away). The Ministry is surrounded by hotels, government buildings, and major transit hubs (The Tunisian Way - Tunis Airport Guide).

Accessibility

The Ministry building is wheelchair-accessible with ramps, elevators, waiting areas, accessible restrooms, and free Wi-Fi in public spaces. For specific needs, contact the Ministry in advance.

Visitor Tips

Plan Ahead: Confirm appointments or event registrations; check for holiday closures.
Combine Visits: Make the most of your trip by also exploring the Medina of Tunis, Bardo Museum, and Carthage—each within easy reach.
Dress Appropriately: Modest, business-casual attire is recommended, particularly in official or religious settings (The Voyage Magazine - Cultural Customs).
Safety: The area is secure, with visible police presence; usual precautions apply (The Voyage Magazine - Safety).

Services Provided by the Ministry of Tourism

While not a tourist site, the Ministry offers crucial support, including:

Tourist Information Desks: Multilingual staff, brochures, maps, and up-to-date advice on destinations, safety, and events.
Travel Planning Assistance: Help with itineraries, transport, and accommodation across Tunisia.
Feedback and Complaints: Channels for tourists to report issues or share experiences.
Cultural & Event Info: Details on festivals, exhibitions, and cultural activities in Tunis and beyond.
Remote Assistance: Website (Discover Tunisia), email ([email protected]), and phone (+216 71 341 077).

Historical and Strategic Overview

Background and Significance

Established after Tunisia’s independence and formalized through decrees in 2005 and 2008, the Ministry has evolved from coastal tourism development to championing culture, ecology, and sustainability. Over the decades, the Ministry has expanded its purview to include regulatory reform, heritage preservation, and digital modernization.

Strategic Role & National Impact

Tourism contributes about 9% of Tunisia’s GDP and supports 400,000 jobs. The Ministry’s responsibilities include:

Policy formulation and quality standards
International promotion (e.g., “Live the moment, live Tunisia” campaign)
Sectoral coordination—public, private, and training institutes
Crisis management for sector resilience

Milestones

Tourist numbers grew from 52,000 in 1962 to over 10 million by 2024
Effective crisis recovery post-2015 and post-pandemic
Launch of sustainable and thematic tourism routes
Ongoing investment reforms

Tunisia’s Iconic Monuments: Visiting Details

Carthage

Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (summer: extended hours)
Tickets: 10–15 TND, with student and group discounts; available onsite or online
Highlights: Antonine Baths, Punic Ports, Byrsa Hill, Carthage Museum, close to Sidi Bou Said

El Jem Amphitheatre

Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Tickets: Approx. 10 TND; available onsite or online
Accessibility: Paved paths, accessible for visitors with mobility needs
Extras: Cultural events and museum nearby

Medina of Tunis

Hours: Shops and markets open 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
Tickets: No general entrance fee; guided tours available
Features: Historic mosques, souks, artisan shops

Additional Sites

Bardo National Museum: Ticketed entry, renowned mosaics, guided tours available
Avenue Habib Bourguiba: Cafés, shops, and colonial architecture

(The Wandering World), (My Global Viewpoint), (Travel and Tour World)

Sustainable Tourism Initiatives

Policy and Community Engagement

Tunisia, led by the Ministry and ONTT, prioritizes sustainability, resource management, and community participation (ONTT). Educational programs and partnerships support responsible tourism and heritage protection.

The TANIT Project

Launched in 2024 with Leaders International, Museum Lab, and the EU, TANIT empowers 35 NGOs to drive eco-friendly and inclusive projects, boosting local economies and visitor experiences (TMO Mag), (South EU Neighbours).

Conservation & Gastronomy

Ichkeul National Park: UNESCO-listed, biodiversity hotspot
Culinary Route: Promotes local food heritage (brik, couscous, harissa), supporting farmers and artisans

Outlook

Challenges remain in infrastructure, digital transformation, and environmental management, but Tunisia’s coordinated strategy sets a regional example.

Cultural Etiquette and Practical Safety

Etiquette & Customs

Dress modestly, particularly in official or religious contexts
During Ramadan, refrain from eating/drinking in public during daylight
Greetings (“As-salamu alaykum”) and accepting tea/coffee are polite gestures
Bargaining is common in markets but not in government settings

(The Voyage Magazine - Cultural Customs)

Language

Arabic and French are widely spoken; English is common in tourism offices.

Safety

Stay alert for pickpockets in crowded areas
Use registered taxis or reputable ride-hailing
Carry emergency numbers and avoid border areas with Algeria and Libya
Drink bottled water; maintain vaccinations; travel insurance recommended

(The Voyage Magazine - Safety)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Ministry’s visiting hours?
A: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Closed weekends and holidays; check for special hours during Ramadan.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No. Entry is free for administrative visits or events.

Q: Does the Ministry sell tickets for historical sites?
A: No, but it offers guidance on where to purchase tickets for monuments like Carthage, El Jem, and the Bardo Museum.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Not of the Ministry itself, but it provides information on guided tours of heritage sites.

Q: Is the Ministry accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible facilities.

Q: What languages are spoken at the Ministry?
A: Arabic and French; English-speaking staff are also available.

Visual and Interactive Resources

Exterior view of the Ministry building, Tunis. Alt: “Ministry of Tourism Headquarters, Tunis”
Map showing Ministry location and nearby landmarks. Alt: “Central Tunis visitor map”
Interior meeting room for public consultation sessions. Alt: “Consultation room, Ministry of Tourism”

Virtual tours and additional visuals are available on the official website and Discover Tunisia.

Conclusion & Final Tips

Visiting the Ministry of Tourism in Tunis offers not just administrative support, but a gateway to Tunisia’s vibrant tourism sector and cultural riches. The Ministry’s strategic role in policy, sustainability, and visitor assistance underscores its importance for both travelers and the industry.

Maximize your visit by combining a stop at the Ministry with explorations of the Medina, Bardo Museum, and Carthage. Use the Ministry’s resources—multilingual staff, digital tools, and community partnerships—to plan a safe, enriching experience. Tunisia’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism is evident in projects like TANIT and the promotion of local culture and eco-routes.

For the latest updates, travel tips, and personalized guides, download the Audiala app and follow the Ministry’s official channels. Plan ahead, respect local customs, and dive into the dynamic tapestry of Tunisian history and hospitality.

Contact Information

Main Office Address: 1, Avenue Mohamed V, Tunis, Tunisia
Phone: +216 71 341 077
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.discovertunisia.com

For regional and international office contacts, visit the Ministry’s official website.

References and Further Reading

Visiting the Ministry of Tourism in Tunis: Hours, Access, and Its Role in Tunisia’s Tourism Sector, 2025 (ontt.tn)
Visiting the Ministry of Tourism in Tunis: Hours, Services, and Nearby Historical Sites, 2025 (Discover Tunisia)
Visiting Tunisia’s Iconic Monuments: Hours, Tickets, and Sustainable Tourism Tips, 2025 (Travel and Tour World)
Visiting the Ministry of Tourism in Tunis: Cultural Insights, Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Nearby Historical Sites, 2025