Tunisia lures tourists with security. The Tunisian island of Djerba is a safe alternative to Turkey Tunisia djerba environment for tourists

Just recently, this topic was discussed in detail on our website, and if you take a little time, you can find a lot of interesting and useful information for yourself. At the moment, Tunisia is far from the most prosperous country, but recently there has been a certain lull and the number of tours sold for the May holidays in Tunisia has increased dramatically (especially in conditions when it is rather problematic to get on vacation in Egypt or Turkey). If we talk about security, now in any country in the world some kind of extraordinary situation can happen. If you have the desire and opportunity to go to Tunisia, then you should not give up this idea, only before the trip you need to pay attention not to the resort, but to the hotel and find out what security measures have been taken in it. Among the issues worth paying attention to are the following: is there security, is there video surveillance, is it allowed for outsiders to enter the territory, etc.

In order for the rest to go well, you need to panic less and read passions on different sites, where people who have no real idea about what is happening in Tunisia write that everything is bad in the country and it’s not worth going there. You need to pay attention to how many terrorist attacks in recent years have occurred in the country and in a particular resort, where they occurred, and how many tourists have suffered as a result of these illegal actions.

There are many interesting places to stay in Tunisia, but in terms of comfort and safety, the island of Djerba, with an area of ​​​​514 square kilometers, is best suited. It is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean in size. The population of the island is about 90 thousand people and 60 thousand of them live in the capital of the island, the city of Houmt Souk. The island is popular with tourists due to its snow-white beaches, crystal clear (transparent) sea, fruit groves, date palms and other beautiful nature. The infrastructure on the island is well developed, there are many hotels and various entertainments. At the same time, the island is perfect for a secluded holiday, as well as families with children.

The island offers a wide range of water activities, there is an opportunity to play golf, and in the north of the island there is a casino, which is considered the largest in North Africa. Excursion trips are organized from the island to the mainland of the country, as well as to the Sahara, but at the moment tourists are advised to refrain from all kinds of trips and give preference to hotel holidays. Djerba is considered one of the centers of thalassotherapy in the country. The best centers are located here, where they provide various services at a very high level. These services focus on relieving stress, reducing weight, improving skin condition, and maintaining overall health.

The island is located in the Gulf of Gabes and is located near the Sahara, which contributes to the formation of a warm and at the same time mild climate, thanks to which the beach season on the island lasts almost all year round. In general, the air temperature is only a few degrees higher than on the mainland. The high season starts in April and lasts until the end of November. The low season is the period from December to March, when the air temperature drops to 15-17 degrees (in the evening, the air temperature can drop below 10 degrees), so those who are going to the island at this time are advised to take warm clothes with them.

Most of the hotels are located in the northeast of the island, where the tourist infrastructure is best developed. The vast majority of hotels are located on the first beach line just a few steps from the sea. There are hotels of different categories, including those that have a large area with swimming pools, nightclubs and access to their own beach. It is these hotels that tourists are advised to pay attention to in the current conditions, since all the pleasures of relaxation can be obtained on the spot and not go anywhere or go anywhere (in terms of security, these are the most profitable hotels). Those who are not used to sitting in one place can move around the island by taxi or rented transport (public transport does not go to tourist places).

Many participants of the study tourMagic Trip Djerbaorganized by the tour operatorANEX Tourfrom June 4 to 8, 2016, they later admitted that it was scary to go after the unequivocal statements of Rostourism. This feeling was not alien to me. I will try to tell our reader in detail in this sketch about how it dissipated and dissipated, focusing on what measures have been taken today and how the island is protected.

Beaches and surroundings

Of course, armed law enforcement officers on the beaches of Djerba do not go in divisions, but rather “polite people” in large jackets and with walkie-talkies ply in the coastal zone and demand hotel guest cards from suspicious individuals. The editor-in-chief of TRN also seemed unreliable to one of these security officials, apparently because she was on the beach without a branded hotel towel and constantly filmed tourists passing by.

It is interesting that the security forces involved all the numerous sellers of palm trees, jewelry, paintings, as well as owners of horses, camels and other living creatures in the process of protecting the beach strip, whispering something to them and showing a halo for "agency" activities. I, the daughter of an FSB colonel, understand all this.

I would like to note that during the boat trip our ship was constantly accompanied by a boat with armed guards. In Tunisia, they promise that all tourist groups are protected in this way.

Hotel entry

Now any car on Djerba will not be able to enter the hotel freely. In ours (Sensimar Palm Beach Palace 5 *), the bus driver was required to present a special pass, and only then the iron doors opened hospitably. At the same time, the dog of the Rottweiler breed was always on duty along with armed guards.

Checkpoints

Every few kilometers on the island there are round-the-clock armed checkpoints for vehicles, where almost every car is stopped and checked. The largest of them is located near the so-called Roman bridge (a seven-kilometer road connecting the island and the mainland).

Airports

In the arrivals area, I did not notice any special security measures, all procedures were carried out within the framework of the norm.

However, on the way back, our luggage (hand and main) was checked several times, including immediately before departure.

Expert Comments

Representative of the Ministry of Tourism of Tunisia on the island of Djerba Mr. Ahmed Kolbousi: “Speaking directly about the island of Djerba, which this year receives the maximum number of Russians in all years, safety is the main priority here. More than 1 million tourists visit the island every year. France has always ranked first among other markets, followed by Germany. This year, the Russians took the leading place among all countries. For the further development of tourism, the country needs a powerful security system. And that's the most important thing for us today."

Sergey Gushchin head of marketing department of the tour operatorANEX Tour: “The direction of Tunisia for Russians is one of the most interesting this season, it is a real hit, and in order to acquaint the Russian tourist market with it, we brought more than 80 representatives of Russian travel agencies and journalists to the island. As you know, a few days before our departure, a recommendation from Rostourism came out. And, of course, it has already affected market performance: tourists are afraid to go to Tunisia, because they are afraid for themselves and their loved ones. With this tour, we wanted to show that security on the island of Djerba and in general in Tunisia is at the highest level. I am sure that soon with our common forces we will show the Russians that there is nothing to be afraid of here.”

hotels are under the supervision of video cameras, however, as well as the country's airports. 5 km before the entrance to the air gate, your car is already seen on the screen and tracked online. In addition, almost all hotels have security personnel at all times, but they walk around in civilian clothes, so no one notices them. We welcome Russian tourists and will do everything for safety and a comfortable stay in our country.”

When I first visited Djerba in the summer of 2000, I could not even imagine that someday I would be worried about security on this island. However, there were terrible events that completely changed my attitude towards Tunisia and Djerba in particular. Now I cannot call safe this island, country, and indeed the whole of North Africa, as well as the Middle East.

Safety on Djerba worries many tourists who often ask me if Djerba is dangerous. If a couple of years ago I could say with confidence that Djerba, as well as throughout Tunisia, is safe, now I will not say so.

But let's face it and answer the question: "Are there many places now where you are guaranteed to be safe?". Terrible events occur even in the heart of Europe, and in other places, for example, in Indonesia, there may still be such phenomena as a tsunami, an earthquake, a volcanic eruption, a flood.

Is Djerba dangerous? Although nobody guarantees complete safety on Djerba, many people living in Tunisia consider this island the most unlikely place that militants can choose to attack tourists. This is mainly due to the fact that it is more difficult for them to get on and off the island. In addition, almost all Djerba hotels are located in the same area on the east coast of the island, and this area is controlled by the police.

Now let's look at security in Djerba without taking into account the possible attack of fanatics on tourists. Is it dangerous on Djerba in general? In resort areas, you have practically nothing to fear, although, as you know, bad people are everywhere. Of course, you should also monitor your behavior, as danger may lie in wait for those who are looking for this danger.

In non-resort areas of Tunisia, tourists can also feel safe, but you must remember that in such areas life goes according to local laws and traditions. Therefore, you need to know the rules of conduct in an Arab country well in order to avoid unpleasant moments. For example, you can’t swim on public beaches in bathing suits, you can’t show affection for your partner, you need to dress appropriately. In general, remember that in such areas no one looks at you as a tourist - for everyone you are an ordinary person who must follow certain laws and rules.

Now let's turn our attention to dangers such as animals. On Djerba, the risk of a shark attack is very small, almost zero. As for snakes, there is a possibility of being bitten by a snake, but this snake still needs to be looked for. In hotels, snakes are very rare, but in rural areas the likelihood of meeting a snake increases, although you should also try to find at least one snake. Let's say right away that the snakes on Djerba are mostly dangerous.

Also, dogs that are found in cities and in rural areas can pose a certain danger. Sometimes dogs come to the beaches of hotels, but, as a rule, hotel guards try to drive these dogs away. In general, the dogs on Djerba are quite peaceful, but if you ride a bike, they may attack you.

Most recently, I visited the beautiful island of Djerba and today I want to tell you about it.

Djerba is located in the south of Tunisia, geographically south of Cyprus, Crete, Malta. This is the warmest resort in the Mediterranean. The season starts at the end of March and lasts until the end of October.

The combination of sea air with semi-desert winds and the freshness of olive groves created a unique climatic zone, neither adults nor children have acclimatization, they breathe easily, during the high season there is no rain and cloudiness.

The main wealth of the island is the endless white beaches, with a smooth sunset, sunsets and sunrises on the island fascinate with their majestic beauty.

Hotels of any category are distinguished by impeccable service. There is no tipping system, if the staff has the ability to help you or make you smile, they will sincerely try to please you.

The food is of high quality, the buffet always offers a wide selection of gourmet dishes prepared from the freshest ingredients. In any hotel you will be offered both grilled meat and seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, dietary meals, free ice cream during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tunisian cuisine developed under the influence of the French, it was from the French that local chefs learned how to cook wonderful, delicate desserts.

The bars serve local alcoholic drinks. The most popular are wines: red, white rose, local beer, traditional drink buha (38%). Drinks are of high quality, bottled only. They also make alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. Guests are offered real, freshly brewed aromatic coffee that will delight even gourmets.

But even outside the hotel area you will not be bored, because there is a wide choice of excursions. You can visit a crocodile farm, participate in the feeding of giant reptiles, take a picture with a crocodile on your shoulder or devote a day to a boat trip, sunbathe on a desert island surrounded by pink flamingos. Thrill-seekers will appreciate an excursion around the island on quad bikes. O. Djerba is located close to the Sahara, tourists have a unique opportunity to visit the desert without wasting time on a long transfer.

The safety of tourists is guaranteed, the island is small - 25 km, there are no local residents in tourist areas, the population is conservative, the island is guarded from the sea, towers and patrol boats are visible when approaching from an airplane, buses with tourists are accompanied by security.

The flight to Djerba is short, only 4 hours. Direct flights from Moscow 3 times a week (during the season). Airline Nordwind flies.

Israeli tourists warned of the danger of terrorist attacks

On the official website of Rostourism, a warning about the growth of the terrorist threat in Tunisia appeared. With reference to the competent authorities, it is reported that extremists are preparing a series of actions against tourists. And the most likely places for terrorist attacks could be tourist sites on the island of Djerba and in the city of Zarzis. So Russian tourists are advised to be vigilant and take precautions when visiting Tunisia.

The problem of Tunisia is not only the presence in the country of a certain number of people who hold extremist views (it is worth mentioning that among the foreigners who come to “jihad” in Syria, immigrants from Tunisia are in one of the first places). The problem lies in the neighbors - this is Algeria, where Islamist militants were very active at one time, and Libya, torn apart by the civil war. The authorities of the republic even had to build a 200-kilometer wall on the Libyan border to protect against extremists.

Just over a week ago, Tunisian officials urged the UK government to ease a warning against tourists visiting the North African country unnecessarily.

The Foreign Office of the United Kingdom also does not recommend visiting several zones (the Shaambi National Park area, a number of points on the border with Algeria and Libya).

In the first half of this year, the number of visitors from Britain to Tunisia fell by 90% compared to the same period in 2015. It's hard to say what has had more of an impact on the decline in tourism - the advice of the British authorities or the fact that 31 tourists from the United Kingdom were killed in two terrorist attacks in Tunisia last year.

Recall that in June 2015, a terrorist armed with a machine gun staged a massacre on a beach full of tourists, near the famous resort of Sousse - then 39 people died, most of them British. The terrorist group ISIS, banned in the Russian Federation and other countries, claimed responsibility for the attack. And before that, there was a complete attack of militants on tourists in the capital of the country - in the Bardo Museum. In both terrorist attacks, there were victims among the citizens of Russia ...

After the Foreign Office stated that there was a high possibility of new terrorist attacks, British tour operators stopped selling tours to Tunisia.

Naturally, the fall in demand for tours to Tunisian resorts is hitting hard on the economy of the Arab country, which once enjoyed the reputation of being the safest and most Westernized in the region. And economic weakness, growing unemployment (when the beaches and hotels are empty, where to go for those who worked in the resort areas?) - all this plays into the hands of extremists of all stripes. It is no coincidence that terrorists hit the tourism sector.

Tunisian Ambassador to London Nabil Ammar said that the authorities of his country are doing a great job to ensure security. “Terrorist cells are exposed every week,” the BBC quoted the diplomat as saying. “Terrorists are arrested or neutralized. This should create a positive, not a negative image. If you look at the statistics, you are far less likely to be killed or injured in any way in Tunisia than in many countries around us.”

According to the representative of the Association of British Travel Agents, the benefits from the development of the Tunisian tourism sector are clear, but the safety of holidaymakers from Britain should be the No. 1 priority for both the Foreign Office and the British tourism industry.

The beaches of Egypt are also not in favor with British holidaymakers (after the terrorist attack on board the Russian airliner, flights from Britain to Sharm el-Sheikh were canceled), but the demand for holidays in Spain, Portugal and Cyprus is growing.

The Israeli authorities issued a warning to Tunisian travelers last month, saying that terrorist elements continue to operate in Tunisia and carry out attacks, posing a high level of danger to Jews on their way to the traditional festive procession at the El Ghriba synagogue on the island of Djerba. By the way, in 2002, terrorists tried to blow up this oldest synagogue in North Africa - then about 20 people died from the explosion of a car bomb.

However, as practice shows, terrorism knows no boundaries - and Paris and Brussels, which seemed so stable, can sometimes turn out to be no less dangerous than the countries of the Arab East...

Meanwhile, Russian tourists vacationing in Tunisia told MK that everything was fine with them.

The editor of MK in Kuban, Nina Shilonosova, who is in Tunisia, says: “Everything is calm. There are a lot of police - everywhere, where necessary. At the same time, they do not stick to anyone. Tunisians are very friendly, the attitude towards Russians is excellent, there is no neglect - as in Egypt, for example. Many shop windows even display Russian flags (I have not seen Ukrainian ones). A lot of Germans, French, Poles, Ukrainians.”

Ivan Kadochnikov from Yekaterinburg arrived in Tunisia in a cap with the emblem of Ramzan Kadyrov: “I am in Hammamet, right now at the Phrygia Zoo. Regarding security: yesterday we walked around Hammamet all day with my family, no problems at all. Here is a 100% tourist city - 35 thousand locals, the rest are tourists. There is a police station next to us. Everything is calm there. All hotels are screened cars. We were at the market yesterday in New Medina - there, at the entrance to the market, an examination is carried out. On Saturday-Sunday we are going on a tour of the Sahara.