Former global trouble spots previously disconnected from the rest of the world due to wars and conflicts are currently preferred as interesting destinations by holidaymakers.
Rwanda which was deversitated by the 1994 genocide has since transformed into a competitive touristic destination.
Exclusively speaking to igihe.com, Rica Rwigamba, Head of Tourism and Conservation at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), noted; “in our country there has been a lot of transformation as compared to the past, and today people walk freely in a safe destination, they come and have a great time because of hospitality and that’s why they are more interested in our country.”
Rwanda has recorded a 656% increase in searches as the country moves on from a traumatic past and this gives it an attractive environment to the holiday makers.
“Rwanda not only offers safari for a much cheaper price than more mainstream African destination but gorilla watching,” Louise Gray an Environment Correspondent in Britain says.
Destinations in the Balkan states like Serbia and Montenegro, that were once considered too dangerous because of civil war, are now offering a cheaper alternative to Greece.
Tourists are advised to always check the security situation before travelling with the Foreign Office.
Emma O’Boyle a Trip Advisor said British holiday makers are becoming more adventurous. “We’re seeing a rapidly growing interest in destinations like Rwanda and the Republic of Macedonia, showing that British travelers may be becoming more intrepid and looking for something different than the traditional beach holiday,” She said
O’Boyle added, “As Brits look for their next great travel experience, it seems destinations that only a few years ago would never have been an option are now being considered.’
Trip Advisor also pointed out that, the world’s largest travel site, has seen an increase of almost 50 per cent in searches
For Macedonia as holidaymakers seek out lakeside beaches and ancient sites. The main attraction of holidays in previously off-limit destinations is the price.
Bosnia Herzegovina, that has seen a 39 per cent increase in searches, offers cheap ski-ing holidays.
There is also an interest in looking at the history of cities like Sarajevo, where tourists can still see the spots where mortar shells landed.
El Salvador, that has seen a 28 per cent increase in searches as the state becomes safer, offers exotic beaches and surfing for much less that more well known South American destinations.
Other destinations that have overcome wars in the recent past include Croatia, Cuba and Vietnam.
However some countries do not remain popular for long. Libya that was enjoying a boom in tourists coming to see Roman ruins is now off limits again and Syria, that was a popular for short breaks to Damascus, has been hit by civil unrest.
Leave a Reply