Tunis — During a press conference in Tunis, the Minister of tourism, Mr Khelil Lajimi said he was optimistic as to the sector's capacity to weather the consequences of the world economic crisis, despite the "lack of visibility for the year 2009 and late bookings by European travellers."

Mr Lajimi added in addition to the setting up of a monitoring unit in each of the representations abroad of the Tunisian tourist board (ONTT), the ministry will continue the intensive promotion of tourism, as well as improving its quality and services.

The upgrading of hotels will also be pursued he said, targeting an additional 200 hotels. He noted that some 18 hotels were closed in 2008 for their non conformity with hygiene and quality standards.

The Minister also said that 2008 had been a record year for the country's tourist industry, as shown by the record number of tourists who visited the country (7 million). A growth of 4, 2% which yielded 1,876 million Euros of benefits, he said.

The Minister who highlighted recent measures taken by a cabinet meeting chaired by President Ben Ali, such as the strengthening of international and internal air transportation, the setting up of golf courses currently underway and the promotion of major international festivals and archaeological circuits, also said the sector will train an 5000 additional people including some 2500 university graduates.