| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 28/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 54 |
| Copyright: Other |
Take time out to visit the funky old medina
Tunis by Jane Archer
Capital sees growth as city-break destination
DEPENDING who you talk to, Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, is a great place for a city break or just somewhere to pass through on the way from the airport to one of the country’s beach resorts.Not surprisingly, the tourist office believes the city has a lot to offer and lists historic sights, museums and interesting architecture among the attractions.
Conversely, Cadogan Holidays managing director Gary David brands it as “OK for half a day”, and Panorama sales and marketing director Martin Young admits the operator does not do much trade to the city.
But city-break operators Cresta and Travelscene are seeing strong growth for the city, which each introduced last year.
Cresta cities brand manager Ian Ackland said bookings for July and August sold out this year with people staying an average of almost five nights.
Travelscene sales director John Harding said it is selling well as a short-break summer sun destination – the city is on the coast and has good beaches at Gammarth.
“Some people just want two or three days at the beach and are not interested in the sightseeing. But for those who want to look around, there is a lot to see including the old medina.”
The medina, or old Arab quarter, is a maze of souks, or Arab markets, each with its own goods and trades. There is the Petit Souk des Teinturiers, with the remnants of the dyeing industry, and the Souk el Laffa, ideal for carpets.
“You can buy almost everything from the souks but you do need to haggle,” said Ackland.
The city’s other big attraction is the Bardo Museum, in a 19th-century palace, full of Roman mosaics depicting myths and everyday life in Roman Africa.
A TGM (light railway) journey from the city are the remains of Carthage, the hub of the Carthaginian empire.
Sights include the Tophet, where child and animal sacrifices were held and the Antonine Baths built by the Romans.
Another TGM ride away is Sidi Bou Said, a Tunisian village with cobbled streets and the Café des Nattes – the hang-out of the young and trendy.
One of the advantages of Tunis as a city-break destination is its short flying time – less than three hours from the UK and it really is good value
Harding said taxis in the city rarely cost more than £1 and you can have a good meal for less than £10.
The city has three or four good hotels and will have another in September when the five-star Miramar Hotel opens.
The 500-room property will have conference facilities for 1,200 people, giving the city a chance to compete in the meetings market – it currently has a maximum conference capacity for just 600 people.
factfile
Tunis
Cost of living: Tunisia is good value. Expect to get a three-course meal from £10 and a local beer for £1.10.
Which operators go there: Airtours, Thomson, Cadogan Holidays, Panorama Holidays, First Choice, Sovereign, JMC, Wigmore Holidays, Travelscene and Cresta.
Sample product: three nights at the Abou Nawas Gammarth, on the outskirts of Tunis, costs £410 each with Travelscene, with bed and breakfast, return flights and transfers in September and October.
Take a peek: the city is ideal for lovers of architecture
Tunis: has many historical sites, such as the Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul