4 Formerly War-Torn Countries Turned Into Travel Hotspots

If you’re looking to go somewhere new that none of your relatives, friends, co-workers, friends of friends and relatives of friends will say, “Oh yeah, I’ve been there before,” then these suggestions are for you.

Despite having a dark past that was a reality up to just a decade ago, these countries have managed to slowly get back on their feet, put themselves back into the map and increase the number of visitors year by year.

1) Rwanda:

After suffering one of the worst genocides in recorded history back in 1994, Rwanda has evolved into an inspirational success story for the entire continent. Over the past decade, the country has turned into an economic leader, a tech hub and has invested big bucks in the eco-tourism sector.

The main point of attraction for the increasing number of visitors is the endangered species of the silverback gorilla, that lives in the Volcanoes National Park. Boasting a population of about 400, which is more than half the world’s population, the country has been making big efforts to conserve their natural habitat and help the species grow.

The capital city of Kigali is remarkably clean and safe and represents a hotspot for shopping addicts. Furthermore, the capital is home to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a point of interest named by TripAdvisor as one of African’s top 25 landmarks.

2) Colombia:

Mostly known for its deadly narco-trade battles and its never-ending civil war, Colombia’s efforts to bring back security and stability have been paying off. Thanks to the government agency of ProColombia that promotes tourism, investment and exports, the country’s economy has been growing steadily, and has lead to a boost in the tourism sector. Visitors are lured in by the natural beauty of the country, which offers landscapes of all kinds, including the wild and tropical beaches on the Caribbean coast and the dense jungle on the Amazon region, both former no-go areas.

3) Georgia:

Formerly known as the tourism centre of the Soviet Union, Georgia suffered a lot during its collapse in the early 1990s and more recently during civil conflicts in 2008. However, the South Caucasus region has managed to resolve its issues and rise above it, investing time and effort into rebuilding its strong potential as a travel destination. Today, the country welcomes visitors with some of the most dramatic landscapes they could imagine, a rich history and a mix of cultures that make Georgia unique and worthy of a visit.

4) Pakistan:

It’s hard not to think of war and death when you hear the name Pakistan, but the country is much more than that. Its potential for adventure tourism is significant and its government knows it. Over the last few years, laws and order have been improved in the northern region — the safest area of Pakistan. As a result, over a million tourists, both locals and foreigners, have visited the North in 2016, representing an increase of 25 per cent compared to the previous year.

The country has the world’s highest mountains, including the loftiest peak known as the K-2, and the largest glaciers on the globe outside the polar region. So basically, it’s a playground for adventure seekers.