Rising Stars In Travel: These 7 Countries Have Potential To Become Major Tourist Destinations In A Post-Covid World
The global tourism industry struggles in the midst of this unprecedented
downturn, many nations around the world are preparing for a boom in
international visitors once travel is more feasible - for some countries, this
could be their first opportunity to establish themselves as a prominent
regional force for tourism. While the following countries have yet to become
world-class destinations, the ingredients are all there - pristine natural
beauty, historic ruins, and fascinating cultural experiences can be encountered
in abundance across all seven of these highly underrated nations.
1.
Tunisia
Rife with picturesque Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins, and Maghrebi
cuisine, Tunisia is shaping up to be the perfect destination for those wishing
to experience the vibrant and unique culture of North Africa. For many
potential visitors, the nation’s extensive coastline serves as a major draw -
the northeastern Cap Bon peninsula is packed with idyllic white sand beaches,
with the bustling capital of Tunis just a short distance away. For history
enthusiasts, the remnants of Carthage, one of the wealthiest cities to exist
during the classical era, is an absolute must-see, while more daring
adventurers can make the trek south for a tour of the Sahara Desert, the perfect
destination for encountering remnants of historic Berber settlements.
2.
Slovenia
Many of Slovenia’s close neighbors - Italy, Croatia, and Austria, to be
specific - draw large swathes of tourists each year, while this small
mountainous nation remains one of the region’s more underrated gems. The
capital, Ljubljana, is a major cultural hub for the region, featuring
world-class art and history museums alongside elaborate centuries-old
cathedrals and a spectacular castle overlooking the Old Town. After thoroughly
exploring the city, be sure to make the journey north to the Julian Alps - this
stunning mountain range was named in honor of Julius Caesar, with a large
portion of it falling within the boundaries of Triglav National Park, where the
natural beauty of Slovenia can be encountered in abundance.
3.
The Philippines
With roughly 7,500 islands to choose from, this massive archipelago has
something to offer for even the most finicky of tourists. The northernmost
island, Luzon, is home to Metro Manila, a truly massive metropolis consisting
of 16 cities - the national capital of Manila and the country’s most populous
settlement, Quezon City, are two popular destinations for a deep immersion into
mainstream Filipino culture. Those planning to lounge on the sandy shores
should head to Visayas, the country’s central archipelago, where island
destinations like Palawan and Boracay offer some of the nation’s finest white
sand beaches, as well as countless opportunities to spot some of the endemic
plant and animal species of the Philippines.
4.
Georgia
Though it’s sometimes confused with the Peach State, the country of Georgia
is well on its way to becoming one of the Caucasus region’s most idyllic
destinations. Begin your journey in the nation’s capital, Tbilisi - this charming
city is home to a cobblestone-laden Old Town packed with ancient churches and
restaurants lining the Mtkvari River. While urban Georgia is spectacular, don’t
miss out on the country’s natural beauty - the rolling pastures and idyllic
small towns to the west are a must-see, and be sure to sample your fair share
of wine while exploring. Georgia is one of the oldest wine regions on earth,
with evidence of a booming wine industry dating as far back as 6000 BCE.
5.
Myanmar (Burma)
Prominent tourist destinations such as Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia
have already propelled Southeast Asia into a world-class destination for
tourists, but the region is still rife with hidden gems, with Myanmar, also
known as Burma, serving as one of the most underrated. The country comes
equipped with many of Thailand’s most charming attributes - ornate Buddhist
temples, remnants of ancient civilizations, and bustling cities - while the
developing economy allows more budget-conscious travelers to explore without
breaking the bank. The capital of Naypyidaw is a planned city, notable for its
massive size and low population (resulting in very little traffic), while the
former capital Yangon is home to the nation’s most sacred Buddhist pagoda along
with a wide array of English colonial architecture.
6.
Iran
Decades of geopolitical quarrels have dealt a major blow to Iran’s
reputation, but it cannot be denied that the country’s cultural legacy is one
of the most fascinating on earth. The nation is a true delight for historians -
Persepolis, an ancient city that served as the Achaemenid Empire’s capital
roughly 2500 years ago, is just a short trip northeast from Shiraz, while the
ancient city of Hamedan is still populated today. There’s a truly massive array
of activities available throughout the country - visitors can go skiing in
Dizin, sunbathe on white sand beaches in Hormozgan Province, and explore lush
forests in Gilan Province, while captivating mosques and Zoroastrian temples
can be found in abundance all throughout the nation. While visa requirements
are a difficult hurdle to overcome, one can only hope that geopolitical
tensions cool off in the future, allowing this enchanting nation to realize its
full potential as a welcoming tourist destination.
7.
Ethiopia
Out of the 54 nations that make up Africa, one could make the argument that
Ethiopia has the most fascinating historic background - it was the second
civilization on earth to adopt Christianity, the only African nation to defeat
a European power in battle and resist colonialism during the Scramble for
Africa, and it’s believed that our earliest human ancestors first came from
this fertile region. Visitors to this unique country will find a truly diverse
scope of natural beauty - the western edges of Ethiopia are home to lush
rainforest, which quickly gives way to the towering peaks of the Ethiopian
Highlands as one ventures east. If the rich history and spectacular natural
sites don’t propel this nation to stardom, the national cuisine surely will -
eating injera by hand is a cultural experience that everybody
should take part in at least once in their life.
Source : forbes.com