Just as State Department officials announced that Libya will be dropped from America's list of state sponsors of terror, the Independent Online is suggesting that the North African country might be the next hot travel/dive destination. Located on the southern edge of the Mediterranean, Libya is following Saudi Arabia's lead, hoping that holidaymakers who've already dived in North African waters (like Egypt's or even Crete's) will turn their sights on Colonel Qaddafi's homeland. In an effort to attract visitors, in fact, the country has secured roughly $3 billion in investment commitments to help build beach-front infrastructure.
In addition to a bevy of Roman and Greek ruins topside, Libya boasts an impressive -- and relatively unexplored -- 1250-mile coastline. Libya's warm waters are reportedly littered with wrecks and there's talk of a submerged underwater city offshore. Additionally, some dreamy treasure-hunters even believe that Nazi gold is hidden in the Sea. If you're interested in checking out the area for yourself, note that some dive shops have even appeared, oasis-like, along the coast.
Some people doubt whether Libya's tourism-attracting efforts will truly pay off, though. Currently, the existing service industry is abysmal; Libyans consider themselves above "menial" jobs such as waiting tables; and tourist visas often take 6 weeks to process. Consequently, many people think tourists will continue heading to neighboring Morocco and Tunisia, where visa processing can be completed upon arrival and the tourist infrastructure is already intact. Nevertheless -- for the right to boast "I've been there" -- the lure of unspoiled reefs and near-empty dive boats might outweigh administrative inconvenience and semi-shabby hotels.
1. As a teen, I lived in Libya while my Dad worked there. I was able to go to Sabratha and explore the largely untouched ruins. Greatly educational. Very interesting. Nice beaches, as long as you stayed in the 'right' areas. Expatriates were segregated [unofficially of course] in the '70's. I'm glad I had the experience growing up. Having said that, you literally could not pay me enough to go there again. Arrogance, combined with ignorance, is a deadly and distasteful combination. In any society there are good and bad people, but for centuries Libya has been the dumping ground for the dregs of other societies, and the results are predictable. Libya may be accessible to Americans again, but my reaction is only a yawn.
Posted at 9:09AM on May 17th 2006 by jason p thomas