The Potential and Function of Natural Attractions in Tunisia in the Context of Sustainable Tourism

Since the 1970s, Tunisia has been a popular destination due to its diverse natural environment and a tourist offer based on recreation 3S (Sea–Sun–Sand). Tourist flow is therefore concentrated along its eastern Mediterranean coast, where there is a risk of overtourism. One of the proposed solutions to prevent this phenomenon is to assess the natural potential and tourism functions of Tunisia in the context of sustainable tourism. This goal was achieved through the use of the method of multidimensional comparative analysis, which allowed for a measurable comparison of the country’s tourist regions in terms of 23 characteristics illustrating the potential and functions of nature-based attractions and accommodation facilities (number of beds, number of tourists using accommodation). In light of the synthetic indicators obtained, the greatest threat to sustainable nature-based tourism was identified in the regions of Nabeul–Hammamet and Yasmine–Hammamet, as well as Monastir–Skanes. In the first region, this results from the large number of tourists visiting natural attractions, whereas in the second, it stems from the excessive number of people using accommodation facilities. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor tourist flow and take various measures to relieve pressure on these regions.