Travelers are getting smarter. The travel boom of the last few years has been a wake-up call for many, with surging prices, unprecedented crowds, and reservation-only time slots becoming the norm in classic destinations like Paris, Rome, and Cancun.
The fatigue is real, and travelers are now looking beyond the usual suspects for their next great vacation.
To help you find your perfect match, we’ve even built a cutting-edge quiz tool, ready for you below! Just answer a few quick questions and you can find out which growing destination should be your next stop.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re searching for a hidden gem that isn’t already all over your Instagram feed, you’re not alone. The desire for more authentic, affordable, and less crowded experiences is reshaping the global tourism map.
And now, fascinating new data, originally compiled and analyzed by The Telegraph, reveals exactly which destinations are benefiting from this massive shift in traveler behavior. The study compared visitor counts from 2019 to 2024 (we all want to forget about the pandemic, don’t we?).
The results are surprising, exciting, and prove that the world’s next great hotspots are places you might never have expected.
A New World Order In Travel
So, which destinations are leading the charge? The numbers show a clear trend away from the traditional and towards the novel. Topping the list with a staggering 137% increase in tourism is Qatar, which has masterfully leveraged its World Cup infrastructure to become a global hub for luxury, art, and culture.
But it’s not just about flashy new megaprojects. In Europe, travelers are bypassing the crowded coast of Italy and France for the stunning and affordable Adriatic shores of Albania, which saw its tourism numbers explode by 84%. Similarly, Balkan nations like Serbia are gaining traction for their incredible history, vibrant nightlife, and budget-friendly prices.
Meanwhile, a massive resurgence is happening in the Americas. El Salvador, once overlooked, is now a premier destination for surfers and eco-adventurers, boasting an 80% growth rate. Not far behind, Colombia continues to shed its past reputation, captivating visitors with its vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and welcoming locals. This isn’t a fluke; it’s a fundamental change in where we want to go and why.
The Full List with growth rates
- Qatar – 137.62%
- Albania – 84.29%
- El Salvador – 80.46%
- Puerto Rico – 74.56%
- Bahrain – 71.97%
- Saudi Arabia – 69.62%
- Colombia – 58.05%
- Curaçao – 50.86%
- Turks and Caicos Islands – 50.72%
- Tanzania – 48.44%
- Sint Maarten – 47.81%
- Cape Verde – 47.36%
- Moldova – 45.98%
- Ethiopia – 40.27%
- Andorra – 34.89%
- Morocco – 34.63%
- Guatemala – 33.45%
- Dominican Republic – 32.42%
- Malta – 29.46%
- Serbia – 29.13%
- Aruba – 27.08%
- Mongolia – 26.00%
- Luxembourg – 24.69%
- Egypt – 21.15%
- Panama – 20.42%
- Maldives – 20.20%
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 19.77%
- Liechtenstein – 19.39%
- Turkey – 18.33%
- Anguilla – 17.89%
Find Your Ideal Spot!
What’s your ideal trip distance?
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Quick & Close
A trip within the Americas.
Classic Europe
Exploring the old continent.
Far-Flung
Africa, the Middle East, or Asia.
What setting are you dreaming of?
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Beaches & Coast
Sun, sand, and sea are a must.
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Cities & Culture
I want to explore history and urban life.
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Nature & Landscapes
I prefer mountains, jungles, or deserts.
What’s your primary travel goal?
Ultimate Relaxation
My main goal is to unwind and recharge.
🧗
Non-Stop Adventure
I want to be active and explore.
🧑🤝🧑
Authentic & Local
I seek genuine, cultural experiences.
What’s your budget style?
Budget-Conscious
I’m looking for great value and affordable prices.
Splurge-Worthy
I’m ready to spend for luxury and premium experiences.
Which Surging Destination Is The Right Fit For You?
A list of 30 booming destinations is exciting, but it also presents a challenge: the stunning beaches of Turks and Caicos are a world away from the ancient monasteries of Moldova. The epic nature of Tanzania requires a different travel style than the modern metropolis of Bahrain.
Simply picking the fastest-growing spot isn’t the answer. The best travel experiences happen when the destination perfectly aligns with your personal style, budget, and goals.
That’s why we’ve created a brand-new tool to help you navigate this new world of travel. By answering four simple questions about how you like to travel, our destination matcher will instantly pair you with the perfect emerging hotspot for your next trip—no fallback answers, just a personalized result based on your choices.
The era of following the same well-worn path is over. The data shows that the world is full of incredible, rapidly growing destinations that offer better value, fewer crowds, and more authentic adventures.
The only question left is, which one is yours?
The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit
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