It is some time since I have posted here. as due to a few medical problems I haven’t been back to Sousse since April 2015, though I very much hope to
be back before Christmas.

Despite not being there myself, I still have friends there, both local and ex-pat, and also keep in touch with the news via a couple of forums on the internet. I therefore thought it might be a good idea to give my impressions for anyone who is actually considering a trip out there. Please note I am not advising anyone to go as we all have to make our own decisions on things like this. However, this is a summary of actual facts and my own experiences.

First, let me say that until the past couple of years I continued to visit Sousse twice a year and never felt in the least threatened. In fact I was made extra welcome. It should be noted that the Foreign Office has recommended people avoid the area and direct flights with Thomas Cook and Thomsons are no longer available. Other countries view things differently and there is no problem with flying from the rest of Europe. The only direct flights from the UK are into Tunis with Tunisair from Gatwick and Heathrow. Their prices are average and include hold luggage and a reasonable hand luggage allowance. Unfortunately the cost of transfers has gone up substantially. Whereas before one could book shared transfers with companies such as A2B, HolidayTaxis and others for very little, due to the lack of visitors the companies have found this not financially viable so will now only provide taxis, which cost considerably more.

Now what will you find if you do decide to go? Firstly you will find many grateful locals who miss us very much and quite a few Russians and Germans (who are honestly not as bad as you might have heard). Then you will find quite a few changes to the hotel scene, at least in Sousse. Many that we knew and loved have closed down, often not to re-open,others have been renovated, and believe it or not the Sousse Palace, which some may remember, has had a complete makeover and is now a 5*. The hotels which are suffering most seem to be the 3* or 4* ones, as people seem to want either the very expensive ones
with all luxuries, Movenpick or Sousse Palace etc., or the considerably cheaper
but quite adequate ones like the Kaiser.

You will see more armed police on the streets, and theyare very much in evidence around the hotels, which makes me feel safe, not
threatened

As I said above, this is not to try and encourage people to return, much as the locals (and I) would like them to, as everyone has to make their own decision. but rather to give you an idea of the present situation. If medically able I will certainly be back by the end of the year as I have been suffering withdrawal
symptoms.