Tourism has always been on a small scale, although since 1991 there has been a moderate increase in the number of visitors. In 1994, the need for permits to travel within the country was abolished. Several new hotels are being built. Most tourists go to Ethiopia on expensive organized tours; Lake Gonder, with its spectacular scenery, is a popular destination. Ethiopia's ancient forts, churches and cities, such as ├ksum, the royal capital of the first Ethiopian kingdom, are now accessible. Some safari tours operate to the five national parks.
