La goulette: The Port of La Goulette has announced plans to schedule 240 ferry crossings for the 2026 season as part of efforts to accommodate the return of Tunisians living abroad, particularly during the bustling summer peak period. According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the planned crossings include 50 trips to and from Palermo, Italy, 44 to Genoa, Italy, and Marseille, France, 17 to Civitavecchia, Italy, and 3 to the port of Zarzis. Mohamed Chelli, Director of the Port of La Goulette, highlighted that logistical, organizational, and security preparations for this season have been conducted in coordination with relevant stakeholders. A port committee meeting took place on April 24 to finalize the vessel berthing schedule and organize the timing of arrivals and departures to ensure smooth operations. Chelli further noted that the Port Safety and Security Committee convened on May 20 to address security issues and enhance control measures within the port. The port boasts a dedicated control system to en sure the safety of both passengers and staff. Preparations also include the outfitting of hangars 2 and 3 to accommodate passengers and their vehicles, installation of new toilet facilities, modernization of the public address system, and improvements in signage and information services. Additionally, an ambulance and a medical team will be on standby around the clock, alongside staff dedicated to assisting passengers during arrivals and departures. The director underscored the necessity of these preparations in light of the port's considerable activity, which, in 2025, saw 585 crossings with approximately 822,000 passengers and 336,000 cars. Notably, around 60% of the annual passenger traffic was recorded between June and September 2025, aligning with the return of the Tunisian diaspora from abroad.