Libya receives 1st group of European tourists in decade

TRIPOLI - A group of more than 100 European tourists on Tuesday visited Libya for the first time since the 2011 uprising that toppled the former regime.

The visitors entered Libya from neighboring Tunisia and started their 12-day trip from Ghadames, a historic town in southeastern Libya.

"The tourist group's visit comes within the framework of the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and Traditional Crafts to resume international tourism activities in Libya and change the stereotypical image of the country," the ministry said in a statement.

The visit includes trips to a number of cities and towns across the country, and many musical and folklore shows will be performed, it added.

Since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011, Libya has been suffering insecurity and chaos that have taken a heavy toll on its tourism.