According to the latest data, South American destinations are leading with the highest increase in international arrivals during the first three months of 2025. Paraguay recorded the largest growth, with a 53% increase compared to the same period in 2024, followed by Brazil and Chile, each with a 48% rise. These figures highlight growing interest in South American countries that were previously less visited.

Growing interest in lesser-known destinations

Paraguay, often off the radar of the average traveler, offers a unique mix of nature and culture – from UNESCO-protected Jesuit mission ruins and the Ibicuy National Park to the rich heritage of the Guarani people. Similar trends can be seen in other countries in the region, including Ecuador and the island of Curaçao, both registering a 17% increase in tourist arrivals.

More exciting destinations can be found here.

European destinations on the rise

Across Europe, several less-exposed destinations have seen notable growth in tourist arrivals compared to the previous year. North Macedonia leads with a 22% increase, followed by Lithuania (21%), Malta (19%), Latvia (16%), and Finland (15%). This trend shows that travelers are increasingly seeking authentic and less crowded locations.

Asia, the Middle East, and Africa show steady growth

In the Asia-Pacific region, Vietnam (30%) and Japan (23%) are seeing the most significant increases, while Palau and South Korea also recorded moderate growth. In the Middle East, Egypt and Iran saw rises of 21% and 14%, respectively. In Africa, The Gambia stood out with a 48% increase, while Morocco recorded 22% growth.

Who’s leading compared to the pre-pandemic period

UN Tourism also analyzed trends compared to the pre-pandemic period. Some countries have shown substantial long-term growth. Qatar recorded 158% more tourists than in 2019, followed by Albania (136%), Saudi Arabia (102%), and El Salvador (93%). Countries that appear on both lists — growth from 2024 and from 2019 — include Curaçao, Brazil, Malta, Morocco, Egypt, and The Gambia.

These figures reveal shifting tourism patterns, with more travelers opting for alternative and less commercial destinations around the world.

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