Forbes: Ethiopia and Tunisia among the rising stars og global tourism
As 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.
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.
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.
