Tourism
Medellin’s Troubled Revival
In Colombia’s second-largest city, the Comuna 13 neighborhood has become one of the country’s most visited tourist destinations. Once synonymous with poverty and street violence, it is now marketed as a symbol of resilience and urban transformation. But many locals claim that the feel-good narrative masks ongoing problems.
Posting Paradise
In Syria’s fragile new era, a coastal resort north of Latakia has become a showcase for tourism. Between salsa nights and smartphone reels, young Syrians and canny entrepreneurs are betting on the right imagery to rewrite their country’s story.
The Hiking Trails Reshaping Lebanese Tourism
A grassroots ecotourism initiative in Lebanon is using hiking trails to reconnect fragmented communities, revive struggling local economies and reshape the country’s image amid renewed regional conflict.
In Syria’s Desert, Palmyra Fights for Its Life
In Palmyra, residents returning after years of war face a scorched oasis, broken infrastructure and dwindling hope. The city’s revival hinges on water, tourism and aid — of which it has seen little.
As Tourism Surges in Sri Lanka, Locals Are Asking Who Truly Benefits
While Sri Lanka aims to attract millions of tourists to boost its economy, concerns are rising about tourism’s impact on local communities — from the displacement of local businesses by those catering to outsiders, to the exploitation of local resources and the segregation of spaces to make them exclusive to foreigners.
The Rise of Halal-Friendly Tourism
The Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines are known to be party spots during the summer months, with resorts and rentals catering to all budgets. The familiar sight of tipsy, heavily sun-kissed Russians and northern Europeans still prevails, but the halal-conscious travelers are becoming more numerous along these shores, although they won’t often be seen.