Tourism in Somalia

The industry was traditionally noted for its numerous historical sites, beaches, waterfalls, mountain ranges and national parks.

In the pre-independence period, European explorers would occasionally travel to Somalia and other parts of the Horn of Africa to visit the region's numerous historical sites described in old documents like the 1st century CE Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.

Among its stated aims was the acquisition of land in the interior and on the coast as well as beach properties for the purpose of building or expanding tourist infrastructures.

The Tourism Ministry sought to center the industry in the vicinity of the southern Lag Badana National Park, with nearby coral reefs and offshore islands likewise envisioned as part of the development.

Additionally, plans were drawn up for the formation of a tourist resort area on one of the beaches near the capital Mogadishu, in the south-central Banaadir region.

Various international bodies subsequently began issuing travel advisories recommending that potential tourists avoid visiting the area for safety reasons.

[11] Somalia has a number of local attractions, including historical sites, beaches, waterfalls, mountain ranges and national parks.