Tourism indicators showed a significant improvement in Kebili governorate at the end of 2023, which coincided with the organisation of the 55th International Sahara Festival in Douz and the massive influx of local and foreign visitors to attend this event. "2023 was the starting point for a significant upturn in the tourism sector, as the number of visitors rose by 19.2% to 177,765, compared to only 149,086 visitors in 2022," local tourism delegate in Kebili, Jameleddine Ben Jaber, told TAP. The number of overnight stays also increased by 16.8% to 197,219 in 2023, compared to 168,802 overnight stays in 2022. The official also highlighted the importance of the festival, which is considered the main driver of the sector in the region, attracting thousands of tourists every year and boosting the regional economy, especially at the end of the year. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse