THE CONTRIBUTION OF ALTERNATIVE TOURISM TO TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF TUNISIA

Abstract

Faced with recurring economic, social, and environmental challenges, Tunisia has recently turned to alternative tourism (AT) as a lever for sustainable development, particularly in disadvantaged and marginalized regions. AT aims to enhance local resources, preserve cultural and natural heritage, and strengthen community engagement. This study aims to analyze the contribution of AT to territorial development (TD) in Tunisia by assessing its mechanisms, impacts, and governance conditions. A qualitative approach was adopted, combining a documentary analysis of academic and institutional sources with 10 semistructured interviews conducted with key stakeholders in the tourism sector, including local actors, public authorities, and private operators. The interviews were selected according to the principle of semantic saturation to ensure the relevance and depth of the information collected. The results reveal that ATs promote economic revitalization, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability at the local level. Participatory governance, stakeholder collaboration, and local community involvement are identified as key success factors. However, the study also highlights several persistent obstacles, such as institutional fragmentation, insufficient funding, and the lack of a clear strategic vision. These limitations hinder the effective implementation and expansion of AT initiatives. The research highlights the need for integrated, inclusive, and coherent public policies that prioritize local participation, territorial coordination, and long-term sustainability. Finally, this study contributes to the literature by proposing an analytical framework for understanding the role of ATs in territorial development and offers valuable practical recommendations.