Could Libya be the new Egypt?

The Independent’s travel editor Simon Calder is predicting that Tony Blair’s visit to Libya yesterday could lead to an upturn in tourism. A thawing of relationships between Libya and western states could also lure travellers away from neighbouring countries such as Tunisia and Egypt, Calder suggests. He writes: “The beaches are emptier than those in Tunisia and the archaeological ruins are more impressive. Leptis Magna, the greatest Roman site in the Mediterranean … includes the larges baths complex outside Rome.” Calder quotes Craig Baguley, of the Libya-based tour operator Arkno, as saying: “If you are interested in architecture, you will love it. If you’re interested in a beer, you won’t.” Tourism is currently restricted to organised tours, but the Lonely Planet founders Tony and Maureen Wheeler were reportedly spotted in the country yesterday, and Calder suggests that this could “presage an upsurge in independent travel”. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, at www.fco.gov.uk/travel, states that any travel in remote areas should be taken in organised groups because of the threat of robbery – but Calder says that authorities in Tunisia and Egypt are concerned they may lose business to Libya. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad