Tunisian minister of tourism, Salma Elloumi Rekik, cited by Reuters, said Tunisia planned to attract at least 5.5 million tourists this year. Though the figure would be about the same as in the previous year, it remains a positive performance considering tourists’ concern about visiting the country.

Tourists are concerned because Tunisia suffered many terrorist attacks in 2015. It is the case of the Sousse hotel which was attacked and where 38 tourists, British mostly, perished. 21 more people died in another attack three months later, at the National museum of Bardo in Tunis. As a result, European authorities issued warnings about visiting Tunisia.

Now, the Tunisian minister is inviting European countries to lift their warnings in order to support Tunisia’s young democracy. In this regard, she said security has been boosted across the country. Tourism is one of the major pillars of Tunisia’s economy.

The sector contributes to 8% of GDP, combining investment, consumption and foreign currency. As tourism revenues fell in 2015, Tunisia recorded an economic growth of 0.8% against 2.3% the year before.

For now, statistics do not show that stability will soon be achieved. According to statistics of Central Bank of Tunisia, tourism generated 182 million dinars ($90 million) in the first two months of 2016. This is 54% lower than in 2015 over the same period.

However, Elloumi Rekik remains optimistic. She said they were more flight reservations to Tunisia adding that government is working to provide new attractions in the Safari and medical tourism segments.