The biggest challenge a destination can face is rebuilding trust after a tragedy, which is why we celebrate here TUInisia ten years back.
Tunisia was a firm fixture on the tourist map in 2005 when terrorists tarnished its reputation.
When 38 people were killed outside the Marhaba Hotel on al-Soussa beach in June 2015.
Through no fault of their own the North African country’s tourist market on which they relied crashed.
And it took years, hard work and faith. before visitors started returning to Tunisia.
Missed opportunities
It is a challenge which most countries, cities, destinations have faced.
Back in the day we were discouraged from travelling through the north of Ireland during the Troubles.
But, of course, it would have taken more than young men with berets, balaclavas and bullets to stop her annual pilgrimages to her Donegal homeland.
Many’s the destination we’ve pulled back from at the last moment.
Either through virus outbreaks in Albania from our Corfu, Sharm el sheik again through tourists or Firenze through family bereavement.
But I’m rarely put off and make a point of trying to correct missed opportunities as I did in visiting the Hollywood sign this year and hopefully tear it up in Chicago next year.
Book me in
Everybody has their own story of missing out and for those who had Tunisia pencilled in but pulled out and haven’t returned after that terrible event then it’s time to think again.
Because TUI have a Christmas sale just for us and you know what they say about TUI and putting the ‘u’ and ‘i’ in.
Well ain’t they in the name… TUInisia.
From today, thousands of holidays for next summer will be reduced as part of their sale.
Customers can also save up to an extra €250 off per booking and secure their holiday with a low booking deposit from just €50pp.
Marhabba marvel
With Tunisia a new route, alongwith Cyprus, from Dublin then it’s worth delving deeper.
Particularly with all-inclusive holidays available from €499pp and flights, luggage, transfers and accommodation all provided.
The Hotel Marhaba Club is billed as primed for fly-and-flop holidays.
From cabaret shows and karaoke nights, to a private swathe of sand that’s scattered with sun loungers.
And little ones looked after too with their own pool, a playground, a mini-disco and activities led by the hotel’s activity team.
At €321.99pp (€642.58) which represents an almost €600 discount.
All of which will be safe as houses and a testament to the good people of Tunisia.
Or if you will, TUInisia ten years back