5 countries that really need more travellers in 2025

For years, land-based travel in Greenland has been kept to a minimum due to the country’s handful of airports being unable to cater to larger aircraft. This means tourism in Greenland has been largely dictated by cruise companies, who tend to visit coastal villages on fly-by stops. Later this year, though, a new international airport is opening in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital city – meaning many more people will be able to explore Greenland’s stunning landscapes. It’ll also allow visitors to immerse themselves in the Greenlandic way of life and ensure tourism income is going to local businesses (something that’s a lot harder to manage with cruise ships).

As rising sea levels, caused by climate change, force some island residents away from their homes, tourism income has never been more important to Panama’s rural communities. Now, travellers can experience the country’s biodiversity-rich rainforests and coastlines by booking with knowledgeable guides through the SOSTUR Network. From exploring the northwestern jungles – home to the Indigenous Naso Tjër Di communities – or meeting the Ngöbe custodians of Dekö Island, every SOSTUR experience comes with the opportunity to immerse in local cuisine, customs and produce – ensuring you support those who need it most.

Although not directly affected by the devastating events taking place in the Middle East, Jordan – which neighbours Israel, West Bank and Syria – has sadly found itself suffering from a drop in tourism numbers. Well-established operators such as G Adventures continue to offer diverse solo, adventure, hiking and cultural itineraries, with community experiences threaded throughout. Walking sections of the Jordan Trail is one of the best ways to experience this humble nation. Stretching 675km – from the Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south – the route explores the famous dunes at Wadi Rum, the dramatic Rift Valley and the glassy waters of the Red Sea. It’s an adventurous and immersive way to get to know the land and meet local communities.

Direct Air Sierra Leone flights from London to Freetown are due to launch any day now, and this English-speaking West African nation couldn’t be more ready for visitors. In the north, Outamba-Kilimi National Park is a haven for wildlife spotting, with everything from chimpanzees to hippos roaming the lush forests and flowing waterways. Bunce Island, once the largest slave fort in the country, is now a force of historical storytelling. The capital, Freetown, welcomes you with even more museums, a ‘Big Markit’, and endless restaurants serving traditional West African and international dishes. Gold sands fringe the coastline, with Tasso and the Banana Islands providing an even more laidback escape.

Spanning the border of Eastern Europe and West Asia, this emerging tourism nation has been working hard to help independent travellers navigate the country more easily. Improving public transport systems, developing accessibility infrastructure and translating maps and signs are high on the agenda. Take a ride on the 1961-built ariel tramway and discover 3,000 years of history in Kutaisi. Or sip Georgian wine, made from clay-fermented whole grapes, in Kakheti. The capital, Tbilisi, is buzzing with home-cooked foodie spots, street art, and an unlikely electronic music scene. Even Tskhaltubo, an old Soviet ghost town, shouldn’t be missed.