These 5 travel destinations desperately need more tourists

Travel has become easier than ever, yet increasingly contradictory. While cities such as Barcelona, the Canary Islands, and Amsterdam struggle with growing crowds, awareness of tourism’s negative impacts is on the rise.

According to the «Travel and Sustainability Report 2025» by the booking platform Booking, 84 percent of travelers say that sustainability plays an important role in their vacation planning. Furthermore, 73 percent want their money to benefit local communities.

Those who travel off the beaten track not only relieve pressure on overcrowded destinations but also support regions that desperately need visitors. Five countries serve as examples of where conscious tourism can unleash significant potential.

1. Moldova

For a long time, Moldova was considered the least visited country in Europe. Although it recorded a noticeable increase in visitor numbers in 2025, according to «Time Out magazine» , tourism remains a key growth opportunity. After the devastation of the World Wars, infrastructure was rebuilt slowly over decades. Today, Moldova focuses on sustainable cultural tourism, wine experiences, and exploration in the capital, Chișinău. Tourism revenue helps preserve historical sites and create jobs—especially outside the capital

2. Gambia

Tourism has long been more than just a supplementary business for Gambia. Climate change and declining agricultural yields have forced the country to pursue new economic avenues. Today, community-based tourism is the focus. Travelers stay in lodges or homestays, hike through mangrove forests, or visit village communities along the Gambia River. The revenue flows directly into local businesses and secures livelihoods in regions without industrial alternatives.

3. Jordan

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East has hit Jordan's tourism hard. Visitor numbers have plummeted, even though the country itself is considered safe. For many communities, especially along the Jordan Trail or around Petra, travelers are an essential source of income. Jordan consciously focuses on local providers, family-run accommodations, and hiking tours. Every visitor contributes to securing jobs and preserving cultural heritage.

4. Tajikistan

Tajikistan is one of the poorest countries in Central Asia, yet it possesses enormous natural potential. Trekking tours in the mountains or encounters with Pamir communities bring income to remote mountain regions. Tourism here is small but effective: Guided tours create opportunities for local guides, cooks, and host families – in areas that otherwise have few economic opportunities.

5. Paraguay

Paraguay is often overshadowed by its larger neighbors. Yet the country is culturally rich and ecologically diverse. The sparsely populated Chaco region, in particular, offers opportunities for sustainable tourism. Revenue from birdwatching, cultural tours, and visits to the capital, Asunción, helps to create alternative sources of income and finance the preservation of nature and traditions.