On Sunday, a Portuguese tourist group visited Benghazi, highlighting key historical landmarks in a significant development for Libyan tourism. This visit, facilitated and secured by the Libyan Tourism Police and Antiquities Protection Agency, indicates a growing interest in Libya’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
This visit follows a similar tour by an Italian tourist group, showcasing an increasing European interest in Libya’s historical sites. The Portuguese group’s visit is particularly notable as it marks the first of its kind to the region since 2011.
In 2021, a decade marked by security and political turmoil, Libya witnessed the resumption of international tourism. The country’s unique archaeological sites, some of which were listed by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in 2016 as endangered due to the conflict, are now becoming accessible to global visitors once more.
The return of tourist groups is a testament to Libya’s progress in overcoming its challenges, and re-establishing itself as a destination of historical and cultural significance. These developments are not just about tourism, but also about reaffirming Libya’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage.
Libya’s diverse historical sites, from ancient Greek and Roman ruins to Islamic architecture, offer a window into the Mediterranean’s multifaceted past. The re-emergence of tourism in these areas is vital for the country’s economic diversification and cultural preservation efforts.
The interest from countries like Portugal and Italy underscores the international community’s renewed faith in Libya’s stability, and its appeal as a travel destination. It also highlights the importance of continued efforts in Libya to protect and promote its historical sites, not only for their cultural value but also as key drivers for socio-economic development in the post-conflict recovery phase.