Tunisia Tourism: First Chinese-chartered flight carrying tourists arrives in Tunis

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Tunisia has welcomed its first Chinese chartered flight carrying tourists. The North African nation is trying to attract more people from the world's largest tourist market. CGTN's Adnen Chaouachi has more.

This week, 165 Chinese tourists arrived in Tunis on a direct flight from Beijing.

NABIL BZIOUCH TUNISIAN TOURISM MINISTRY "This is a very special day. We have welcomed our Chinese guests. Tunisia is one of the best destinations in Africa and the Mediterranean basin."

Chinese travelers have visited the Bardo Museum. They admired the largest collection of mosaics in the world and listened to tour guides recount the history of the North African state.

ZEN WANG CHINESE TOURIST "I know very famous people from Tunisia like Hannibal. I searched Hannibal on Google and I knew that he is from Carthage."

LEE WAN CHINESE TOURIST "It is my 1st visit to Tunisia. I'm very happy to be here. The people and the tourist guides are very nice."

Tunisia aims to attract over 100,000 Chinese visitors in the coming years. And experts believe this could contribute more on the Tunisia local economy."

MOHAMED ALI TOUMI TUNISIAN FEDERATION OF TRAVEL AGENCIES "New flights will arrive from Beijing in the next few weeks. Chinese tourists are among the best clients in the world. Increasing the number of Chinese visitors to Tunisia is a priority for tourism professionals in both countries."

Less than 3 years after the 2015 terror attack in the Bardo Museum, Tunisia is again a safe destination for foreign and local tourists.

ADNEN CHAOUACHI TUNIS, TUNISIA "Chinese tourists usually spend around a week in Tunisia. That's enough time to see the main attractions. Locals are hoping Chinese travellers will discover the beauty of Tunisia and revive the tourism industry -- its main source of foreign exchange. AC, CGTN, TUNIS."