The Challenge of Renewing Djerba as a Destination in the Age of Sustainable Development and Digital Technology


World Heritage Site: Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory

Publication Year: 2026

Publication Type: Article

Publication Identifier: WHE482B25EE6A

Summary

Djerba's tourism system, traditionally characterized by mass beach tourism concentrated in its eastern coastal area, faces significant challenges in renewing its image amid the demands of sustainable development and digital technology. The study reveals that while Djerba is rich in heritage assets, its tourism product has shown limited resilience to crises, leading to the permanent closure of several hotels—a sign of the end of a tourism cycle. To address this, local stakeholders are diversifying offerings and leveraging mobile applications (m-tourism) to promote cultural assets, aiming for more localized and sustainable tourism experiences. The research employs field observations, interviews, official statistics, and webgraphic analysis, comparing findings with theoretical frameworks to explore how Djerba can transition from its mass tourism roots to a more sustainable and digitally integrated model.

Citation

Hellal, M., & Bouchaddakh, T. (2026). The Challenge of Renewing Djerba as a Destination in the Age of Sustainable Development and Digital Technology. Athens Journal of Tourism, 12(4), 333–350. https://doi.org/10.30958/ajt.12-4-3

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