The American Cable News Network (CNN) listed 20 best places to visit this year, including Tunisia.
“Whether you want to relax on a remote island off the coast of Africa, ride Germany’s coolest trains or spot howling monkeys in South America, there is much to explore heading into a new decade in 2020,” the CNN said.
“Japan will be hosting the Summer Olympics, Jamaica will be marking the late Bob Marley’s 75th birthday, and Washington will be on pins and needles for much of the year preparing for the US presidential election” it added
The network introduced its Tunisia chapter with a reference to The ancient city of Dougga, which is considered the best-preserved Roman town in North Africa.
“Its longstanding reputation as a cheap and cheerful beach destination for Europeans took a hit after the 2015 terrorist attacks on the resort of Sousse and at the National Bardo Museum in Tunis. The resulting UK Foreign Office restriction on travel decimated the tourist industry,” the CNN noted.
“In 2018, the restriction was lifted and Europeans have been quick to return. Currently, the US government advises against travel to the Libyan border in the southeast of the country and certain mountainous areas to the west” it added.
The CNN also went on saying that “the dip in beach-goers, however, has moved the spotlight onto Tunisia’s historical credentials. And, boy, does it have them — and not just the UNESCO World Heritage site at Carthage, the Phoenician city outside Tunis.”
Speaking of Dougga, the CNN also gave a briefing about this ancient city saying: “two hours southwest, is a Roman city of still-standing temples, streets and bath complexes — without the thickets of selfie sticks that are ever-present in Pompeii. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s considered the best-preserved Roman town in North Africa.”
“Then there’s Bulla Regia, 100 miles west of Tunis, which in 2018 went from an “amber” rating (avoid all but essential travel) to “green” (no issues visiting) on the British government’s travel advisory. Again, there’s a Roman amphitheatre, forum and even an intact brothel. Recent archaeological digs have also uncovered a Christian church and cemetery dating back to the 4th century.” The Network indicated.
It advises visitors not to miss: “the New Anantara Tozeur Resort, which opened in October 2019 near a date palm oasis, is in the middle of the “Star Wars” terrain of the southwest, where parts of various movies were shot. It’s an ideal base for exploring the Sahara.“
TunisianMonitorOnline
