Destination: Sousse, Tunisia A Practical Guide to the 2017 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference
Dear friends, As the world is rapidly changing, we find ourselves facing new challenges, especially within Africa and the Middle East. Therefore, we, as JCI members, must demonstrate the power we have as an organization in contributing to global positive change. We are very excited to meet you in the splendid city of Sousse, Tunisia from 3–6 May for the 2017 JCI Africa and Middle East Conference where we will be welcomed with warm weather and historical charm. This event is an incredible opportunity for us to unite in one place and reestablish our active citizenship through exceptional content and programming with highlevel speakers, trainings, workshops, JCI Programs and night activities. Do not miss this opportunity to join together with outstanding members from over 40 countries in Africa and the Middle East as well as from the world beyond! In addition, discover the capital city of Sousse, Tunisia—nicknamed “the pearl of the Sahel”—and all it has to offer! Enjoy the beautiful beaches and historic culture at the souk to discover the impressive textile industry and gold trinkets. The Conference Organizing Committee, JCI World Headquarters and I will be happy to help you in any way during this Conference. Thank you and I look forward to building a better future with you in Sousse. Welcome to Tunisia!
Marc Kone 2017 JCI Executive Vice President
Accommodations Headquarters Hotel
Mövenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse Boulevard du 14 Janvier, P.O. Box 114, 4039 Sousse, Tunisia Tel: +216-7-202-000 Email: resort.sousse@moevenpick.com Website: www.movenpick.com/fr/africa/tunisia/sousse/hotel-sousse/apercu/
Other Official Conference Hotels
Hotel Riadh Palm Boulevard 14 Janvier, 4039 Sousse, Tunisia Tel: +216-73-225-700 Website: www.hotelriadhpalms.com/fr/home
Hotel Marabout Boulevard 7 Novembre, 4011 Sousse, Tunisia Tel: +216-90-422-625
Venue Mövenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse Most of the conference activities will take place at the Mövenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse, which lies on the horizon of Tunisia’s liveliest town. With a sparkling beachfront, this exquisite getaway offers a perfect combination of modern conference and banquet facilities, as well as an array of cultural delight. This beautiful location will serve as the Headquarters Hotel for the 2017 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference.
Destination: Sousse, Tunisia
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Conference Information Registration
official conference hotels in Sousse (see page 4). Contact hebergement@camosousse2017.com to schedule your trip.
Delegates are strongly encouraged to register online before arriving in Sousse. Upon arrival, registered delegates should
By Microbus
pick up their name badges at the conference welcome desk
Take a 20-minute taxi ride from TUN to the Microbus
located in the Mezzanine at the Headquarters Hotel.
station in Tunis, Station Louage Monsef Bey. Then, take
The registration desk will be open:
the Microbus to Sousse, arriving at Station Louage Sousse Taffala. This trip is nearly 2 hours and costs around 10–25
• Tuesday 2 May: 09:00 – 18:00
Tunsian Dinar (US $4–11). This will be followed by a short
• Wednesday 3 May: 09:00 – 18:00
taxi ride to your hotel. This option is not recommended for
• Thursday 4 May: 09:00 – 18:00
travelers with more than one piece of luggage.
Only registered delegates will be allowed to participate in
By Train
conference events. Admission will be restricted to delegates
Take a taxi (20 minutes) from TUN to the Tunis Railway
wearing conference badges and holding event entry tickets,
Station (Gare de Tunis – Place Barcelona). The train ride is
when necessary.
roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes and typically costs 20–25 Tunisian Dinar (US $10). This will be followed by a short taxi
Travel Visa
ride to your hotel.
A travel visa is mandatory for most individuals visiting
By Car
Tunisia on a temporary basis (90 days or less) for business
There are several rental car companies located in the arrival
or tourism purposes. Visa applications can be obtained at
hall at TUN. These companies include Budget, Avis, Sixt
the nearest Tunisian embassy, or consulate, and entry into
and Hertz as well as local companies, which may offer lower
the country may be refused if the purpose of the visit is not
rental rates. Car rental services can also be booked at some
correctly stated. Airline officials are required to examine
hotels and online.
travel visas before allowing passengers to travel. For more information regarding transportation upon arrival, Both the Conference Organizing Committee and JCI Tunisia
visit the Tourism Office located in the central hall of the
will do their best to assist and ensure that registered
airport.
delegates obtain visas; however the final decision to grant or deny a visa will be the decision of the Tunisian embassy, consulate or local authorities. More information on Tunisian travel visas can be found here: https://tunisia.visahq.com
Transportation to Sousse from Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport (NBE) (48 km distance)
Transportation to Sousse from Tunis Carthage Airport (TUN)
By Bus — RECOMMENDED
(153 km distance)
is 45 minutes and costs 70 Tunisian Dinar (US $30) per
By Bus — RECOMMENDED
official conference hotels in Sousse (see page 4). Contact
Regular bus transport will be organized and managed by the Conference Organizing Committee. Driving duration is
Regular bus transport will be organized and managed by the Conference Organizing Committee. Driving duration person for a roundtrip fare between NBE and the three hebergement@camosousse2017.com to schedule your trip.
nearly 2 hours and costs 92 Tunisian Dinar (US $40) per
By Taxi
person for a roundtrip fare between TUN and the three
Take a taxi (43 minutes) from NBE to Sousse. This typically costs around 55 Tunisian Dinar (US $24).
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Transportation to Sousse from Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport (MIR)
Casual dress (unless otherwise indicated) is appropriate for: • National parties • Tourism
(17 km distance) By Bus — RECOMMENDED Regular bus transport will be organized and managed by
About Sousse, Tunisia
the Conference Organizing Committee. Driving duration is 26 minutes and costs 46 Tunisian Dinar (US $20) per person for a roundtrip fare between MIR and the three official conference hotels in Sousse (see page 4). Contact hebergement@camosousse2017.com to schedule your trip.
By Train Also known as the “metro,” take this 40-minute option from MIR to Sousse-Bab Jeded Station; this typically costs 15–20 Tunisian Dinar (US $7–9). This will be followed by a short taxi ride to your hotel.
By Taxi Take a taxi (26 minutes) from MIR to Sousse. This typically costs around 25 Tunisian Dinar (US $11).
Sousse is a port city of eastern Tunisia, located 143 kilometers south of Tunis and lining the Gulf of Hammamet, encompassing part of the Mediterranean Sea. Sousse, capital of the Sousse Governorate, has a population of nearly 500,000 making it the third largest city in the country. It is one of the oldest cities in Tunisia possessing an authentic medina, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 as well as its medieval heart of narrow, twisted streets. With its beautiful beaches backed by orchards and olive groves, 73 hotels and a mild Mediterranean climate, Sousse is one of the most popular destinations for Tunisian tourism attracting 2 million visitors each year to enjoy its hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, sports facilities and culture. Through its history,
Learn more about the taxi service available throughout
Sousse was ruled by five major cultures adding to the city’s
Tunisia: www.taxis-tunisie.com
rich culture.
Conference Attire
Health
National dress, dark business suits or tuxedos, cocktail
While there are risks anywhere you may travel, Tunisia offers
or evening dresses are appropriate for:
a healthy environment with a high standard of hygiene,
• Opening Ceremony • Awards Ceremony • Farewell Ball Business suits or national dress are appropriate for:
health care and water treatment making it a safe destination for travelers. There are two public hospitals in Sousse, CHU Farhat-Hached and CHU Sahloul, and nine private hospitals. Also, every hotel has one physician and nursery office available.
• General Assemblies
While there are no required vaccinations to travel to Tunisia,
• Other business sessions
make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before
Business casual dress is appropriate for: • JCI Official Courses, JCI Skills Development Courses, Forums and Workshops • JCI Regional Partnership Summit
every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine and your yearly flu shot. Read more information on hygiene and healthcare: http://ordre-medecins.org.tn
Destination: Sousse, Tunisia
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Telephone and Internet Access
Time Zone
There are many options to stay connected while in
UTC + 1 hours. Daylight Saving Time (DST) is not recognized
Tunisia:
in Tunisia.
• Delegates may use cellular roaming service. Remember to check compatibility with Tunisian Network and with your
Electricity
telephone provider before your trip.
In Tunisia, the electrical current is 230v, and the electrical
• Buy a local SIM Card (Oreedo, Oranage, Tunisie Télécom) to use with your own cell phone, laptop or tablet. These can be purchased at most corner shops, supermarkets or cellular network stores in Tunisia.
grid runs at 50 Hz. When using electrical devices during your stay, make sure that they can operate in a 230V/50Hz outlet or use an adaptor. Commonly used plugs in Tunisia include Type C and Type E.
• Use your hotel’s WIFI, which is available in most hotels.
Currency The Tunisian Dinar (TND or TD) is the unit of currency in Tunisia. The Tunisian Dinar is divided into 1000 milim or millimes. Major currencies (Euros and US Dollars) can be exchanged at a variety of foreign currency exchange
Plug Type C
Plug Type E
For more information on electricity visit:
facilities at airports, hotels and banks.
www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm
For more information on exchange rates visit:
Weather
www.xe.com/currency/tnd-tunisian-dinar
Due to its great geographical diversity, Tunisia’s regions vary
Credit Cards and ATMs
in terms of climate, though the whole country is known for
All major credit and debit cards can be used throughout
is located, is considered the most desirable part of Tunisia
Tunisia. Visa and MasterCard are also universally accepted
to visit due to its relatively temperate and Mediterranean
at ATM machines. It is recommended to carry some cash
climate. During the conference, delegates will experience
for instances such as taxis, shopping, restaurants etc. As
temperatures of around 22°C–11°C (72°F–52°F).
relatively hot weather. However, the coast, where Sousse
with any other destination, avoid withdrawing and carrying large sums of cash. Exercise the same vigilance in terms of security consciousness and discretion as you would
Cultural Notes
elsewhere when using an ATM.
Drinking alcohol is prohibited outside of restaurants and bars. Tunisians are mostly Muslim; however, there is not a
Tipping and Gratuity
special type of clothing to wear in the city. When visiting
Tipping in Tunisia is widely practiced, but is not required.
entire body is strongly advised and women’s heads should
While visiting restaurants and bars, 10% to 20% is typical.
be covered.
Airport porters, hotel porters, waiters and taxi drivers also appreciate and accept tips.
Language Arabic is the official language in Tunisia. However, some Tunisian’s speak a North African dialect, and some French.
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sacred places, such as mosques, clothing that covers your
Tourism Resources With a wide range of activities and tours, there is something special for everyone in Sousse. To decide how to schedule your perfect post-conference plans, visit the following sites for more information: www.tourismtunisia.com/sousse-history-andculture/
Destination: Sousse, Tunisia
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Explore Sousse, Tunisia Medina of Sousse
The Sousse Ribat
Located in the Tunisian Sahel, the Medina of Sousse,
Towering over the medina, the Sousse Ribat was
or Old City, encompasses a variety of cultural
constructed during the 8th century to defend against
treasures including a ribat (fort), the Great Mosque,
maritime attacks. A watchtower rises above nearby
the Sousse Archaeological Museum and Carthaginian
buildings and is attached to two story walls that
Catacombs. In 1988, it was recognized as a UNESCO
enclose a courtyard that once served as an area for
World Heritage Site and provides an early example of a
religious gathering. The structure’s Byzantine-inspired
fortified Islamic city built in the early centuries of Isalm.
style recalls a time before Arab conquest when and
The Medina comprises a hotspot of authentic Tunisian
shares similarities with 800 similar fortifications by
culture in Sousse, where winding alleys lead to
the Aghlabid Dynasty. Located to the Northwest of
affordable and worthwhile storefronts and restaurants.
Sousse’s Great Mosque, this building is ranked third
It offers the perfect place to buy souvenirs such as the
among Tunisia’s acclaimed series of Ribats.
Tunisian Jebba as well as taste North African cuisine, including couscous.
Sousse Archaeological Museum Holding the second largest collection of mosaics in the world, the Sousse Archaeological Museum stands as one of the city’s most famed attractions. Visitors will find themselves navigating Roman, Punic, Christian and Muslim artifacts dating back to the Antiquity through early Islamic periods. This museum, established in 1951, spans approximately 2000 square meters and draws on carefully placed sources of artificial and natural light, undoubtedly providing a mix of culture, history and art rivaled by few other institutions like it in North Africa.
The Sousse Catacombs The Catacombs of Sousse, discovered in 1888, are a series of underground passageways that served as a place of Christian protection from Roman persecution between the first and fourth centuries. The tunnels, spanning over five-kilometers and four underground stories, is home to a mass gravesite containing 15,000 Christians—it was also a place of worship and refuge. Oil lamps line the walls for visitors to experience the parts open to them, which houses around 6000 gravesites formerly decorated with mosaics and artwork now displayed in the Sousse Archaeological Museum.
Museum Dar Essid Museum Dar Essid, located in the medina, occupies a beautiful old home furnished in the style of a wealthy 19th century Sousse city official and his family. Built in 928 AD, guests will find a wide-range of artifacts situated amidst European antique furniture, decorative plaster and Andalusian tiled facades; one of its treasured artifacts includes a 700-year-old wedding contract. After exploring its historic and cultural beauty, visit the upstairs café, situated by the old servant’s quarters, for drinks and panoramic views of the area’s scenic surroundings.
The Great Mosque of Sousse Built in 851 AD, the Great Mosque of Sousse was based off the Sidi Oqba Mosque in Kairouan and constructed of sandstone, wood and marble—it once served as an important defensive point for the city. Originally bearing two defensive towers, the mosque looms over the harbor today. While only Muslims are permitted beyond the courtyard, the exterior glimpse over the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the history of the mosque, offers travelers a view into the heart of the Islamic religion in Sousse.
Conference Key Events Opening Ceremony At the Opening Ceremony of the 2017 JCI Africa and the Middle East Conference, National Presidents and heads of delegations will greet delegates, represent their countries and showcase their traditional costumes. Come cheer
JCI Local Officers Session Saturday 6 May 09:00 – 10:00 Room: M 03 Venue: Hôtel Riadh Palms
for your National Organization, enjoy the first day of the
Advocacy Workshop: A Pathway to Peace
celebrations with entertainment and connect with the
TBD
JCI community. Wednesday 3 May 19:00 – 20:30 Venue: Municipal Theatre
National Presidents Meeting and Conference Assemblies See the major decisions your national representatives will
Impact Forums and Sessions
make this year to create impact across Africa and the Middle East!
Discover how young people around Africa and the Middle East and JCI partners are building a better future with their
National Presidents Meeting
actions!
Wednesday 3 May
First TImers Orientation Wednesday 3 May
09:00 – 12:30 Room: Hadrumet Venue: Mövenpick Resort
14:00 – 17:00 Room: Hadrumet
Conference Assembly I
Venue: Mövenpick Resort
Thursday 4 May
JCI Morning Show Thursday 4 May
14:00 – 17:30 Room: Hadrumet Venue: Mövenpick Resort
09:00 – 10:00 Room: Hadrumet
Conference Assembly II
Venue: Mövenpick Resort
Friday 5 May
Regional Partnership Summit Theme: Youth Unemployment Thursday 4 May 10:30 – 12:30 Room: Hadrumet Venue: Mövenpick Resort JCI Strategic Planning Forum Friday 5 May 10:00 – 12:00 Room: S 02 Venue: Hôtel Riadh Palms
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14:00 – 17:30 Room: Hadrumet Venue: Mövenpick Resort
Peace is Possible in Sousse! JCI Programs
Show your commitment to taking
JCI members are challenged to show their impact at the international
and the Middle East Conference
level. Don’t miss the most exciting competitions and seize the
Peace Walk. Join Sousse city officials,
opportunity to share the best practices in the Conference!
members of the 2017 JCI Board
JCI World Public Speaking Championship Friday 5 May 14:00 – 16:00 Room: M 01 Venue: Mövenpick Resort JCI World Debating Championship English Friday 5 May 10:00 – 12:00
action for peace at the 2017 JCI Africa
of Directors, conference delegates and friends of JCI during this unique conference activity to march nearly 1.5 km and declare the stretch of the journey “The Peace Roundabout.” Saturday 6 May 10:30 – 12:30 Depart: Mövenpick Resort Venue: Sousse Cornice
Room: M 03 Venue: Hôtel Riadh Palms French Friday 5 May 10:00 – 12:00 Room: M 02 Venue: Hôtel Riadh Palms JCI Twinning Ceremony Friday 5 May 14:00 – 16:00 Room: Aziz Venue: Hôtel Riadh Palms JCI Awards Ceremony Saturday 6 May 19:00 – 20:30 Room: Hadrumet Venue: Mövenpick Resort
Destination: Sousse, Tunisia
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National Nights and Parties JCI members work hard all day to improve themselves and the world around them, but there’s no reason we can’t party too. Bring your name badge to get inside, where you’ll find friends from all over Africa and the Middle East enjoying the native food and drink of the host JCI National Organization. Check your schedule for times and venues, or just wait until nightfall and follow the crowds. Welcome Party
Nations Night
Wednesday 3 May
Thursday 4 May
21:00 – 00:00
21:45 – 00:00
Room: Reception Area
Venue: Sousse Museum
Venue: Mövenpick Resort Tunisian Night Côte d’Ivoire Night
Friday 5 May
Thursday 4 May
20:00 – 00:00
19:30 – 21:30
Venue: Sousse Museum
Venue: Sidi Dhaher (Open Air Theatre) Farewell Gala Saturday 6 May 20:30 – 23:00 Venue: Mövenpick Resort Restaurant
Emergency Contact In the case of an emergency, please note the following numbers: Ambulance (SAMU) Tel: 192 Fire Rescue Tel: 192 Police Tel: 197 Hospital CHU Farhat Hached Sousse Tel: +216-73-223-311, +216-73-221-411 Hospital CHU Sahloul Sousse Tel: +216-73-369-411, +216-73-241-411
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