Tunisia is hoping to woo low-cost carriers in 2023 as its tourism industry struggles to bounce back from the pandemic.

The North African destination is already served by easyJet, Tui, Tunisair and Nouvelair from the UK, but is now in talks with Wizz Air and Ryanair about the possibility of new services. The short flight time is seen as a major draw for carriers.

“During the lockdown we took the opportunity to improve our hotel product, but since the resumption of travel the numbers haven’t returned,” admitted Nazar Slimane, director general of tourist board Discover Tunisia.

“The product is there; now we need airlines and tour operators to support us.”

In 2019 Tunisia attracted more than 200,000 UK visitors but estimated numbers this year will be around half of that figure.

“Pre-Covid growth was strong and steady but that trend has changed. We could easily get back to 150,000 from the UK next year but now we have the uncertainty of the rising cost of living and Ukraine,” added Mr Slimane.

Tunisia said it is keen to work with operators to host as many fam trips as possible with the aim of build agent knowledge of the country, particularly its cultural product, nature and wildlife, and boutique hotels.

“If you want to host a fam, come speak to us. We want to be people who say ‘yes’,” he added.