New Era of Sustainable Tourism: Memorandum Signed Between Nice and Djerba, France and Tunisia Forge Strong Ties

Published on November 24, 2025

The Tuniçoise Meeting in Nice, in the stunning south of France, on November 21, 2025, marked a major turning point in the field of sustainable tourism. A crucial memorandum of understanding (MOU) between two important tourist destinations—Nice on the French Riviera and Djerba, an island off Tunisia’s southern coast—was signed at the event, which combined French and Tunisian cultures. The general director of the Nice Côte d’Azur Tourist Office and the regional delegate for tourism in Djerba have formally endorsed this MOU, which marks the start of a promising partnership aimed at improving sustainable tourism practices between the two regions.

A Symbolic Moment of International Cooperation

The Tuniçoise Meeting was not just a meeting; it was a celebration of international collaboration and mutual understanding. The event took place in the sun-kissed city of Nice, known for its pristine beaches and cultural allure, where leaders from both Tunisia and France gathered to formalize a partnership. The MOU was signed with the goal of fostering sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that the future of tourism in both regions prioritizes environmental preservation, cultural respect, and community well-being.

The signing of this agreement was seen as more than just a diplomatic gesture. It was regarded as the first step towards a new chapter of cross-border cooperation between Nice and Djerba, both of which have long been celebrated as iconic tourist destinations in their respective countries. With sustainable tourism at the core of the agreement, both regions are looking towards a future where tourism contributes positively to their economies while safeguarding the natural and cultural treasures that make them so appealing to travelers worldwide.

The Essence of the Memorandum: A Shared Vision for Sustainable Tourism

The MOU outlines a shared commitment between the two regions to adopt and promote sustainable tourism practices. Both Nice and Djerba have been facing growing challenges related to mass tourism, and this collaboration aims to address these issues head-on. Key aspects of the agreement focus on developing environmentally friendly travel initiatives, preserving local cultures, and fostering socio-economic benefits for local communities.

Among the critical goals of the memorandum are efforts to reduce the environmental impact of tourism, including minimizing carbon footprints and promoting eco-friendly accommodations. Both regions are aiming to create a more sustainable tourism model, one that benefits not only visitors but also the people living in these beautiful areas. The MOU also includes provisions for supporting the local economy, ensuring that tourism income is reinvested into community development and infrastructure improvement.

Furthermore, the document highlights the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of both Nice and Djerba. It sets the stage for joint initiatives that will promote the rich cultural histories of the two regions through shared tourism experiences, educational programmes, and events that bring together visitors from around the globe to learn about the history, art, and traditions of both locales.

Strengthening Ties Through Decentralized Cooperation

One of the most exciting outcomes of the MOU is the plan to establish a new decentralized cooperation mechanism between the two regions. This system, still in its early stages, will enable Nice and Djerba to work more closely together on a range of tourism and cultural projects. By decentralizing the cooperation, both regions hope to ensure that local stakeholders, including businesses, government agencies, and community leaders, have a say in the decisions that affect their areas.

This collaborative model of decentralized governance is expected to not only enhance the effectiveness of tourism management but also create more opportunities for innovation. It will give local authorities and businesses more control over how tourism is developed and managed, ensuring that both Nice and Djerba can tailor their strategies to suit their unique needs and opportunities.

The decentralized approach also strengthens the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector in both regions. By sharing best practices and resources, Nice and Djerba will be better positioned to tackle common challenges such as seasonality in tourism, overtourism, and the preservation of natural resources. The partnership will also allow for the joint marketing of both destinations, increasing their visibility on the global tourism map.

The Tuniçoise Day: A Celebration of Unity and Exchange

The signing of the MOU was one of the many highlights of the Tuniçoise Day, a unique event that blended the cultures of Tunisia and France. The term “Tuniçoise”, a neologism combining Tunisia and Nice, symbolised the new ties being formed between the two regions. The event served as a platform for dialogue and exchange, where experts, government officials, and tourism stakeholders from both regions discussed the future of tourism, sustainability, and collaboration.

The Tuniçoise Day also provided an opportunity for networking and showcasing the cultural and natural assets of both Nice and Djerba. Participants explored the possibility of joint tourism packages, which could encourage tourists to visit both destinations in one trip, thereby strengthening the tourism industry in both areas. The event underscored the importance of cooperation in overcoming the challenges faced by modern tourism, such as climate change and environmental degradation.

Looking Ahead: Future Prospects for Nice and Djerba’s Tourism Synergy

The MOU between Nice and Djerba is just the start of a long-term collaboration that has enormous potential for both regions’ tourism sectors. The two areas are well-positioned to set the standard for the creation of eco-friendly and socially responsible travel models, with sustainable tourism at their core.

There are chances to develop a comprehensive tourism strategy that prioritizes leisurely travel, cultural immersion, and sustainable practices as Nice and Djerba continue to collaborate. This collaboration may eventually serve as a model for other areas looking to strike a balance between the growth of tourism and the conservation of natural and cultural resources.

Additionally, the success of this MOU may encourage other parts of the world to do the same, forming comparable alliances that put the welfare of local communities and the environment first. In addition to boosting their own tourism sectors, Nice and Djerba are leading by example by emphasizing sustainability and decentralized governance.