Liido: A Reflection of Somalia’s Aspirations

Liido stands as a beacon for what Somalia envisions for its future—a nation determined to rise above its tumultuous past and firmly regain its place on the global stage.

Unraveling a Chequered History

For many years, Somalia was overshadowed by internal conflicts and a narrative dominated by external perceptions. To the outside world, the country was synonymous with strife and despair. Foreign visitors were primarily limited to African Union peacekeepers, diplomats, aid workers, and some expatriates, rarely venturing beyond their tightly controlled environments. How can genuine exploration thrive under such conditions?

This troubled landscape hardly allowed for the kind of immersive experience that many travelers seek. Despite its stunning beaches, historical landmarks, vibrant markets, and rich culinary traditions, the security environment restricted movement and exploration. However, everything has begun to change.

Today, Liido Beach stands ready to welcome an influx of international visitors, inviting them to rediscover Somalia as a hidden jewel of East Africa. Monthly, more travelers are booking trips to Somalia, eager not only for tourism but for reconnection and the healing that comes with encountering a place anew. As local engagement increases, it offers the rest of the world a chance to view Somalia through a revitalized lens.

Monica, a seasoned traveler, shares her recent experience: “Somalia is filled with beautiful places, steeped in history and natural wonders. The locals welcomed us with open arms and warm smiles. My tour was genuinely amazing,” she recounts in an interview with TRT Afrika.

Another visitor’s private two-day journey only whetted his appetite for more. “My guide, Ahmed, was exceptional—smooth airport connections and rich, authentic experiences through markets, historic mosques, and a beautiful coastline,” he shares, capturing the essence of a trip that felt both exhilarating and enlightening.

Shifting the Narrative

Once, Somalia was a popular destination shimmering with promise. From the 1960s to the early ’70s, Mogadishu earned the title “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” captivating global travelers with its allure.

As visitors flocked to its bustling port towns, wildlife parks, and pristine beaches, they sought adventure and authenticity. Yet, civil unrest dimmed this bright star, shutting down hotels and silencing markets, obscuring the beauty and history that lay within its borders.

With a renewed commitment since late 2017, Somalia embarked on a remarkable journey of recovery, officially joining the United Nations World Tourism Organization as its 157th member. By 2019, Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism unveiled an ambitious National Tourism Policy, aspiring to position the country as a premier destination for international travelers by 2030.

But is this goal simply an ambitious dream? The answer echoes through coherent actions—security is improving, investor-friendly policies are emerging, and an increasing number of members from the Somali diaspora are reconnecting with their roots, bringing capital, innovation, and hope in their wake.

“Somalia is demonstrating its readiness for global tourism through strategic investments in infrastructure, aggressive promotion of its stunning coastline, and capacity-building efforts,” notes Daud Aweis, Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism. “We are reshaping the narrative and showcasing our country’s untapped potential and remarkable resilience.”

Diverse Attractions Await

Spanning an impressive 637,000 square kilometers, Somalia boasts extraordinary biodiversity—from the mist-shrouded forests of Sanaag to the acacia-dotted savannahs and breath-taking marine ecosystems. It’s a land of hidden treasures. Nature lovers will find sanctuaries like the Daallo Forest and Gacan-Libaax National Park, home to rare species like the Somali wild ass and the elusive Dibatag antelope.

For those captivated by scenic beauty, Lag Badana is worthy of a hundred Instagram posts, while Sa’ad ad-Din Island beckons adventurers with its coral reefs and untouched beaches. And don’t overlook Somalia’s rich cultural heritage; the mysterious cave paintings of Laas Geel, dating back nearly 7,000 years, reveal insights into human evolution.

Historical narratives flourish in ancient port towns such as Zeila and the ruins of Gondershe. Architectural wonders like the Masjid al-Qiblatayn whisper tales of faith and tenacity. The National Museum, Daljirka Dahsoon, Dhagaxtuur, and mosques including Arba’a Rukun and Ali Jimale invite exploration, connecting visitors with the fabric of Somali history.

The Architects of Revival

This resurgence in tourism is no solitary effort but a collective embrace led by passionate entrepreneurs like Omar Muhudin Abdulle, who founded the “Visit Mogadishu” initiative. “We are changing narratives by fostering connections between Somalia and the world,” he emphasizes, embodying a vision that embraces the spirit of Somali tourism.

Digital innovators such as Said Fadhaye, who launched “Explore Somalia,” and the late Hodan Nalayeh have also played pivotal roles in illuminating Somalia’s offerings. Aweis shares, “Collaborations with travel influencers, bloggers, and journalists are helping to rewrite Somalia’s story, replacing stereotypes with real experiences and compelling narratives.”

Strategic tourism zones in Jazeera, Liido, Berbera, and Zeila are fueling economic growth. Projections indicate that Somalia’s tourism industry is set to expand by an impressive 6.8% annually, outpacing regional averages. Improved air connectivity is breaking the shackles of isolation—Turkish Airlines’ 2012 route from Istanbul to Mogadishu opened the floodgates, and other airlines quickly followed suit.

With nearly 500 hotels and over 850 restaurants operating nationwide, the hospitality industry is thriving. “Strengthened security and growing prosperity have made Somalia a prime travel destination, with modern transport and world-class hospitality services,” shares Ambassador Fathudin Ali Mohamed. The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency has also streamlined the process of obtaining tourist visas, fostering a more accessible travel experience.

The first-ever Somali Travel & Tourism Expo in Mogadishu scheduled for 2024 marks yet another milestone, bringing stakeholders together to forge a path for the industry’s future. Although challenges remain, Somalia’s potential is undeniable.

As Minister Aweis encapsulates, “Tourism is no longer a dream—it’s an investment opportunity. We are building from the ground up, and the world is starting to take notice.”

In this exciting journey of rebirth, one can’t help but wonder: where will the next chapter of Somalia’s story lead? Can it truly reclaim its title as a sought-after destination in an increasingly competitive tourism market?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.