Choosing lesser-known regions gives countries that lack visitors a chance to develop their own tourism industry.
Tourism analysts have named five countries, including Moldova and Tajikistan, that are already ready to host travelers and are in dire need of them, according to Worldwide.
It is noted that last year, from January to September, 1.1 billion tourists traveled abroad, which is 5% more than in the same period in 2024. This year, a record number of international trips is expected. At the same time, research shows that travelers are increasingly concerned about the impact of tourism. According to the Booking.com Travel and Sustainability 2025 report, 84% of respondents consider sustainability to be an important factor when planning a vacation, and 73% want their expenses to benefit local communities.
Choosing lesser-known regions helps reduce the burden on overcrowded tourist cities, while also providing an opportunity for countries with limited visitor numbers to develop their own tourism industries.
“When tourists come with interest and respect, and in moderation, they can support the local economy while also discovering cultures and landscapes without crowds. These destinations offer a rare type of adventure – an authentic experience without tourist traps, where your presence truly matters,” explains Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Better Adventures, a company specializing in sustainable and socially responsible travel.
Therefore, researchers recommend that when planning your travels in 2026, you should pay attention to the lesser-known but impressive countries that are currently in need of tourism.
Moldova
For many years, Moldova held the dubious title of the “least visited country in Europe.” However, the situation has begun to change: from January to September 2025, approximately 480,000 tourists visited the country, an increase of 6.5% compared to 2024.
The growth of tourism has not been easy. About 70% of the country was destroyed during the First and Second World Wars, so the reconstruction process took decades. It is only now that Moldova has been able to gradually develop its infrastructure for welcoming visitors.
In Chisinau, it is worth visiting the National Museum of History to gain a better understanding of life before the Soviet period, and the Central Park of Ştefan cel Mare features sculptures of prominent local writers. Outside the capital, the world’s largest wine cellar, Mileşti Mic, founded in 1969, is located.
Gambia
Tourism has become a key sector of the Gambia’s economy, driven by climate change and its impact on agriculture. Travelers have been visiting the country since the 1970s, when package tours were popular.
Today, the country is betting on community-based tourism, where locals and businesses are the backbone of authentic experiences. While the silky-white beaches of the west coast are worth exploring, the best way to experience the real Gambia is by embarking on the Ninki Nanka Trail. This trail, which combines hiking and boating, takes visitors through the lesser-known interior regions of the Gambia River, passing through coastal villages. Here, traditional practices such as salt production, weaving, and blacksmithing are still prevalent.
Jordan
For more than two years, Jordan has experienced a sharp decline in tourist arrivals due to the tragic events in the Middle East. However, the number of travelers is gradually increasing, making it an ideal time to explore the country’s iconic landmarks, including Petra. One of the unique aspects of Jordanian tourism is its close connection with local communities. One of the best ways to experience the country is by embarking on the 675-kilometer Jordanian Hiking Trail.
Highlights include Ajlun’s pine forests with local guide Isa Dwikat, lunch with maglub (a traditional dish of rice, chicken and vegetables that is turned over before serving) with entrepreneur Nabila Mustafa, overnight stays with Bedouin families in the central desert and star-gazing at the autonomous Feynan lodge on the border of the Dana Biosphere Reserve.
Tadjikistan
Traveling to this smallest country in Central Asia is easier than it seems. Flights to the capital, Dushanbe, are available several times a week from Dubai or Istanbul. It is worth visiting the historic Victory Park and the Mehrgon Bazaar. However, the real treasures of Tajikistan lie in the mountains. Hiking trails lead to the true wilderness, with rugged paths through juniper forests and crystal-clear glacial lakes in the Fan Mountains. In the east, among the Pamir Mountains, you can explore the traditions and cuisine of the local communities.
Local guides accompany responsible tour operators, including Trek the Fann Mountains by Much Better Adventures, which features small groups of up to 12 people and camping in exceptional landscapes.
Paraguay
Paraguay has a rich and complex history, with colonization, dictatorships, and regional wars leaving a lasting impact. As a result, the country values peace and embraces a slow, traditional way of life. More than half of the country’s territory is occupied by the Chaco region, a vast expanse of dry forests, swamps, and agricultural lands. The region is home to both the Guarani, the indigenous people of Paraguay, and the Gauchos, and the Guarani language is widely spoken even among the non-indigenous population.
The Chaco is also home to more than 500 species of birds, including flamingos (from April to October). In the spring, you can see armadillos, tapirs, and even the rare puma.
In the capital city of Asuncion, the municipal market is worth visiting during the day, and in the evening – street food courts. The Museo de las Memorias best tells the story of how this humble country overthrew the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner in 1989.