Tunisia becomes seawater treatment hub amid tourism revival

Tunisia has cemented its position as the world’s second-largest destination for thalassotherapy, a seawater-based treatment with roots in ancient Carthaginian and Roman hydrotherapy.

With its Mediterranean coastline, natural thermal springs and affordability, the North African country attracts 1.2 million foreign visitors annually for these therapies, generating approximately $63m per year, reports AFP.

Korbous, a coastal town on the Cap Bon peninsula, has long been a prime location for the practice, alongside popular destinations like Sousse, Hammamet, Monastir and Djerba, named the Mediterranean thalassotherapy capital in 2014 by the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy.

Thalassotherapy, a seawater-based treatment utilizing the power of seawater, has become one of the most popular spa treatments in #Tunisia because of its Mediterranean coastline, natural thermal springs, and excellent weather. https://t.co/fx798hVaSi pic.twitter.com/Rjfyapw0Wq

— Arab News (@arabnews) February 3, 2025

Tunisia’s tourism sector, which accounts for seven per cent of GDP and provides nearly half a million jobs, has rebounded from setbacks caused by terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, it welcomed a record-breaking 10 million foreign visitors.

A major draw is Tunisia’s cost-effective thalassotherapy packages. “Therapy is much cheaper than in France, with 1,000 euros a week all-inclusive instead of 3,000, while the quality of the water and the facilities are just as good,” said Kaouther Meddeb, head of the thalassotherapy and spa centre at the Royal Elyssa Hotel in Monastir.

Despite meeting international standards, the sector remains underappreciated. “Thalassotherapy is an ancestral heritage for Tunisians, since hydrotherapy has existed in Tunisia since antiquity, at the time of the Carthaginians and the Romans,” said Shahnez Guizani, head of the National Office of Thermalism (ONTH), speaking to AFP.

Experts say investment is needed in infrastructure, including better roads and low-cost flights. Plans are underway to develop eco-friendly thermal resorts in regions such as Beni M’tir and near Lake Ichkeul.

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