Tunisia’s growing troubles have resulted in a near-complete collapse of the country’s government, with violent clashes between authorities and protesters resulting in President Ben Ali fleeing to Saudi Arabia on Friday.

While many of Tunisia’s citizens are celebrating the departure of Zine Ben Ali, tourists in the country are trying to evacuate as the violence reaches critical levels. Around 3,000 foreign visitors have managed to leave safely so far, with Thomson and TUI claiming that all of their customers have been brought home since a state of emergency was declared. According to the country’s Foreign Office, some people on holidays booked through Expedia, Trailfinders and Saga are still in the country. It is not known how many are still left in Tunisia in total, but it is understood that at the time of writing around 1500 Britons are yet to return to the UK.

Thomas Cook axed its Tunisia flight over the weekend and has offered customers the opportunity to book with other providers or receive full refunds. British Airways are continuing to fly to the country and has stated that it is monitoring the situation closely, though customers have been invited to reschedule either the date of flight or location.

With President Zine Ben Ali departed, warring factions are struggling with each other in a power struggle. Around 100 people have been reported killed in the violence, some of which were hidden snipers trying to defend the regime left behind by the fleeing president.

Along with other Northern African countries, Tunisia has been regarded as a up-and-coming destination for holiday makers in recent times and has enjoyed a massive surge in visitor numbers. The long-term effects of the political unrest plaguing the country remain to be seen, but it is almost certain that the tourism industry will be negatively affected as a result.

Reported by Mike Jordison.

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