The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Tunisian La-Goulette port’s activity

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a globally unprecedented effect on human mobility. In this respect, maritime activities, including passenger traffic, have been significantly impacted by stringent human movement associated restrictions. In this context, the present study is conducted to examine the COVID-19 health crisis implications on maritime passenger traffic, by focusing on the Tunisian La Goulette port undertaken operations. To this end, the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method, applying a time series dataset relevant to the period ranging from the first quarter of 2019 to the second quarter of 2023, has been deployed. Our reached findings turn out to reveal that maritime passenger traffic is negatively influenced by both the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases (CAS) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Inversely, however, the exchange rate (PRI) and the COVID-19 Health Measures Stringency Index (MSI) appear to display a positive impact on passenger traffic. Such findings are intended to provide ferry companies, cruise operators, and port authorities with valuable insights and guidance to enhance their strategies, thereby, mitigating the impacts of such unpredictable events and shocks as the COVID-19 pandemic.