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Can dry hotels boost Tunisia's ailing tourism sector?

In 2014, Tunisia had only one alcohol-free hotel. Now, as their number rises, the government is less than pleased.

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Tourists pose for a picture in downtown Tunis, Tunisia, Jan. 18, 2018. — REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi

TUNIS, Tunisia — The Sandra Club Hotel in Hammamet, a popular coastal town in the north of Tunis, aims to position itself as a “family hotel,” and thus serves no alcohol, has segregated spas and massage rooms, and religious entertainment shows throughout Ramadan.

Inaugurated by the head of the Islamic Ennahda movement Rachid Ghannouchi on June 2, it is the second alcohol-free hotel in this touristic town, following Azur Plaza, which opened four years ago. There are about 10 similar establishments in Tunisia.

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