These 7 Countries Have Potential To Become Major Tourist Destinations In A Post-Covid World

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.

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.

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.

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.