FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 August 2024
Surprising Travel Hotspots of 2024: Afghanistan, Iraq and Other Former Warzones on the Rise
In a startling travel trend for 2024, growing numbers of tourists are opting to explore former warzones such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Sierra Leone, seeking experiences far removed from the traditional beach holiday.
Blame it on Instagram bragging rights, the unexpected rise of ‘war tourism’ or a fascination with history and culture, but travel to regions once synonymous with conflict and unrest is booming. Official figures reveal that the number of foreign tourists visiting Afghanistan surged by 120 percent in 2023, reaching nearly 5,200.
According to the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer website, the Middle East is seeing the strongest relative growth of all continents, with international arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 exceeding pre-pandemic levels by a whopping 36 percent, and Africa welcoming five percent more arrivals in Q1 of 2024 than in Q1 of 2019.
“Afghanistan and Iraq are rising stars in the tourism world,” says David Smyth, founder and director of Forward Travel, a boutique travel consultancy in NSW specialising in custom-made trips to unique destinations. “The number of people visiting, or wanting to visit, these destinations has increased sharply. We've seen a 15 percent increase in bookings to Iraq in 2024.
“Meanwhile, African Sub-Saharan countries such as Mauritania, Senegal, Western Sahara and Sierra Leone are really kicking off. We conducted a group expedition to the region in November 2023 and were surprised by the level of interest in it, getting the first three enquiries within 24 hours of announcing it in our newsletter – something we didn’t expect to see for such a remote destination.”
So, who are these intrepid voyagers? “They are largely well-travelled, well-educated individuals aged between 50 and 70, many of whom are retired or semi-retired. These travellers, with a passion for venturing off the beaten path, are drawn to the authentic experiences these destinations offer, whether it's exploring ancient sites, immersing themselves in local cultures or simply enjoying the thrill of discovering a place few have dared to visit.
“While a beach or cruise holiday would be an easier holiday option, these adventurers are driven to travel beyond their comfort zone by the desire to see history unfold, support local communities and challenge mainstream perceptions of these regions.
“We’ve also noticed a significant rise in the number of women doing solo cycling or driving trips to places like the west coast of Africa. This trend highlights the evolving landscape of travel, with people breaking traditional barriers and embracing new challenges in pursuit of those truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
“The rise of social media plays a significant role in this trend, offering a platform for sharing stories and images that challenge traditional views around destinations many would consider dangerous,” he says.
“As conflicts end and these countries open up, tourists are increasingly reassured by the safety they offer, with some reporting they feel safer under Taliban watch than on the well-trodden paths throughout Asia and Europe.
“Having travelled to Iraq myself, I can genuinely say that it was one of the most welcoming countries I have been to – the people are so open and sharing. After many years of war and dictatorship, I found they just want to show the world their kind and peaceful nature, and that they’re not like the media portrays them,” he says.
Smyth shares some practical advice for staying safe in off-the-beaten-path destinations:
- Research thoroughly: Understand local customs, laws and the potential risks ahead of your trip.
- Consult experts: If you’re booking through a travel consultancy, discuss the destination in detail with them, ask questions and get them to address any concerns you may have.
- Stay connected: Register with your consulate before departing as there may not be a consulate in the country you’re travelling to.
- Use common sense: Trust your instincts when navigating unfamiliar areas and always respect local traditions.
- Listen to your local guide: Follow the advice they give and don’t let curiosity take over.
For more information, or to arrange an interview with David Smyth at Forward Travel, please contact:
Georgia Madden
UR Digital
0424 854 208
About us:
Founded in 2013, Forward Travel is a boutique travel consultancy in NSW specialising in custom-made trips to unique destinations.
Contact details:
Georgia Madden
UR Digital
0424 854 208
