Americans are Discovering These Destinations Like Never Before
1/16
There are some places that are just hot right now - whether it be from the influence of social media influencers or the hard work of their destination management organizations, destinations such as South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Portugal are being pencilled into millions of Americans' bucket lists this year.
Curious to see our list? Click through this slideshow to learn more.
Ecuador
2/16
While travelers have been enjoying the bio-diverse Galapagos Islands for decades as a bucket-list destination, the Ecuadorian mainland may be getting more attention than it has in the past this year, and that's due to a few reasons. Peru, its southern neighbor, is currently going through political instability, and its risk level is at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. This might make some travelers who'd like to explore the Andes visit Ecuador instead.
Ecuador's mainland is also home to part of the Amazon rainforest, making it a great choice for nature and wildlife lovers. Its capital city of Quito sits along the equator and is home to a rich gastronomy and a history that spans cultures and centuries - its Old Town is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site and is considered one of South America's largest preserved area.
Panama
3/16
Panama may be most famous as the country of the Panama Canal, which connects that Pacific and the Caribbean seas, but it's become a much more popular destination for other reasons, including its gastronomy, which has been influenced by Indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, African and American cuisines. More expedition cruise liners are also offering trips to this country for the first time, offering opportunities to not only visit the Panama Canal, considered a feat of modern engineering, but also spend time among Indigenous communities as part of the country's responsible tourism strategy.
Dominica
4/16
Dominica is often confused with the Dominican Republic, but that is quickly changing as it grows in popularity. It's visitor number also tell a striking tale of its popularity: in 2021, it welcomed just over 14,000 visitors; in 2022, it welcomed just under 61,000! The verdant island offers a lush, tropical escape for travelers of all budgets who'd like to enjoy a less touristy destination, and is the only Caribbean island with a surviving Indigenous population.
South Korea
5/16
South Korea has burst onto the international travel scene following the pandemic, and for a few major reasons: K-pop, K-beauty and K-dramas! Especially popular among younger travelers, the small country boasts an incredible gastronomy, ancient history, modern innovations and plenty of arts and culture to explore as well as one of the best safety ratings in Asia. It's also more affordable than some other destinations, including Japan, making it attractive to budget travelers or solo travelers. The country is also easily accessible and has a great public transit system that both residents and travelers can employ. Tour operators like InsideAsia Tours have noticed this new trendy country and are offering new South Korea-specific tours.
Curaçao
6/16
The Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao broke its record for annual visitor totals in 2022, welcoming over 489,000 travelers to the island. The record it broke was made in 2015, showcasing the island's increasing popularity. From its colorful Dutch capital of Willemstad to its selection of new all-inclusive resorts, like the Sandals Royal Curaçao and Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa, travelers love to experience this island that offers so much to do and explore.
Portugal
7/16
Portugal might have been a popular warm-weather destination for those located in the United Kingdom and northern Europe for decades, but it's just begun making its way onto Americans' bucket lists in the past few years. With stunning beaches along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, easy access to day-tripping in Spain and a language, culture, history and gastronomy all its own, it's no wonder Portugal is now receiving the attention from Americans that it deserves. In fact, it had welcomed more American travelers in 2022 than it did in 2019 before the year was out! Travelers can also visit this country while on a cruise - itineraries usually begin in Southampton, England and make their way around the Iberian Peninsula before heading to the Mediterranean.
Croatia
8/16
Croatia is a popular summer vacation hotspot for Europeans, but it's been increasing in popularity among Americans for the last few years. Attracted by the filming locations from Game of Thrones and its stunning Adriatic coastline, more travelers have been visiting on land and from the sea on Mediterranean cruises. Croatia recently adopted the Euro form of currency and is now part of the Schengen Area, making it much easier for Europeans from other Schengen-Area countries to visit, but also helping Americans simplify their currency exchange, especially for those traveling to more than one country during a single trip.
Tahiti
9/16
The Islands of Tahiti, a collection of 118 islands that include the island with the same name, is becoming a popular destination for those looking to discover a thriving culture amid some of the world's most stunning tropical island systems. This destination has recently seen a near-recovery to pre-pandemic levels and took the time during the pandemic to create a new slow-growth tourism plan that includes sustainability and responsible travel as the first priority.
It's looking to encourage travelers to visit less-visited islands, such as the seven Austral Lands, to allow for greater spread of tourism's benefits to its people while eliminating things like overtourism. Travelers wanting to experience tropical wildlife, scuba or snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, or experience the rich island history and culture are going to find a true paradise.
Hungary
10/16
Hungary is a fascinating country with a remarkable history that spans centuries, from Roman times to European Imperialism, World War II and beyond, though travelers haven't been giving it the attention it truly deserves, preferring to visit more popular neighboring countries - until now. Its capital, Budapest, is its rising star, a glimmering imperial city boasting brilliant architecture and a unique culture. That's one of the reasons why it's become a popular river cruise port for all popular river cruise lines in Europe. Its location makes it a great starting or end point along any Danube itinerary.
Georgia
11/16
Georgia, located in the region of the world called Eurasia, the land between Europe and Asia, is a truly enigmatic place: it boasts a friendly people, an ancient history that connects cultures and religions, a rich gastronomy and one of the oldest wine-making traditions in the world - seriously! To top it all off, its gorgeous natural landscapes and less expensive travel offerings make it a great place for travelers who'd like to visit a place that's off the beaten path but sure to dazzle all who visit. Tbilisi, its capital, is a definite must-visit. Contiki, the tour operator for young travelers, released its very first tour to Georgia last fall - it's just one indication of the country's growing popularity.
Saudi Arabia
12/16
How can we showcase the world's top emerging destinations without adding Saudi Arabia? The destination only opened to international travelers in 2019, making it truly the only "new" destination on this list, though it's certainly one of the most popular. The destination saw a marked rise in popularity even during the pandemic, while today it markets itself as a place where modernity and ancient tradition live in harmony. Its tourism development projects, like the Red Sea Development and the Diriyah Gate Authority Development Project are set to create long-lasting popularity and sustainability in its growing travel industry for decades to come.
Rwanda
13/16
Rwanda is a place that has seen healing in recent decades, among its people and among its natural wonders. Here, travelers can see one of the most effective conservation strategies that have saved and preserved gorillas by educating and incentivizing the people to take an active role in their preservation. It's such a renowned success that its capital of Kigali will be the host of the next World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit, to take place in 2023. Today, travelers are becoming more interested in visiting the country for its rich biodiversity and the opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat at one of the country's national parks.
Tanzania
14/16
Tanzania is rich in natural wonders, from Mount Kilimanjaro to Serengeti National Park to its coastline, where travelers can swim with whale sharks among lush coral reefs. It's why this country is now just beginning to get the attention it deserves in 2023, with more tour operators and cruise lines offering expeditions to the country, like luxury operator and National Geographic Expeditions. Other cruise lines, especially expedition lines, are also beginning to offer expeditions to this destination. The country is perfect for travelers looking to explore the natural world, with the opportunity to Africa's Big Five: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino. It's expected to take some of the focus away from South Africa among travelers seeking to enjoy similar opportunities but with less tourists.
New Zealand
15/16
New Zealand gained a sterling reputation for its unified response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and since its reopening last year has once again welcomed travelers from across the world to its beautiful shores. The island nation offers incredibly diverse environments, from glaciers to volcanoes to beautiful beaches, making it a great destination for wellness and adventure travelers. It's also getting more connectivity, with Delta offering the first daily nonstop flights to the country beginning this October, between Auckland and Los Angeles.
Hong Kong
16/16
Hong Kong recently reopened following the end of China's extremely restrictive zero-COVID policy, and while many Chinese residents are traveling internationally for the first time in years, it's likely that Hong Kong, which was a popular destination prior to the pandemic, will once again return in popularity by travelers curious to visit following its reopening. The destination is also encouraging travelers to visit once more, giving away 500,000 free airline tickets with a new global campaign.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information on various topics. While I have personal experiences or opinions, I can provide you with factual information and insights based on the data available to me. Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.
Ecuador:
Ecuador is a country located in South America. It is known for its diverse geography, including the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest. The mainland of Ecuador offers a rich cultural heritage, with its capital city of Quito being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ecuador has become an attractive destination for travelers due to its proximity to Peru and the political instability in Peru, which has led some travelers to choose Ecuador as an alternative [[1]].
Panama:
Panama is a country located in Central America, known for its famous Panama Canal, which connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Apart from the canal, Panama offers a unique gastronomy influenced by Indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, African, and American cuisines. The country has also been focusing on responsible tourism strategies, including opportunities to visit Indigenous communities. This has contributed to its growing popularity as a destination [[2]].
Dominica:
Dominica is an island nation located in the Caribbean. It is often confused with the Dominican Republic but has been gaining popularity as a distinct destination. Dominica offers lush tropical landscapes and is the only Caribbean island with a surviving Indigenous population. It provides a less touristy experience compared to other Caribbean destinations, attracting travelers who seek a more authentic and nature-focused experience [[3]].
South Korea:
South Korea has gained international attention in recent years, particularly among younger travelers. The country is known for its K-pop music, K-beauty products, and K-dramas, which have contributed to its popularity. South Korea offers a blend of ancient history, modern innovations, and a vibrant gastronomy. It is also considered a safe and affordable destination, making it attractive to budget and solo travelers. The country has a well-developed public transit system, making it easily accessible for residents and travelers alike [[4]].
Curaçao:
Curaçao is an island located in the Dutch Caribbean. It has seen a rise in popularity among travelers, breaking its record for annual visitor totals in 2022. Curaçao offers a colorful Dutch capital called Willemstad and a range of activities and attractions, including all-inclusive resorts. Its appeal lies in its diverse offerings and opportunities for exploration [[5]].
Portugal:
Portugal has been a popular destination for travelers from the United Kingdom and northern Europe for many years. However, it has recently gained attention from Americans as well. Portugal offers stunning beaches along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, easy access to day trips in Spain, and a unique language, culture, history, and gastronomy. The country has experienced an increase in American travelers in recent years [[6]].
Croatia:
Croatia has become increasingly popular among American travelers in recent years. The country's stunning Adriatic coastline and its role as a filming location for the TV series Game of Thrones have attracted visitors. Croatia's adoption of the Euro currency and its inclusion in the Schengen Area have made it more accessible for European travelers, simplifying currency exchange for Americans traveling to multiple countries in the region [[7]].
Tahiti:
Tahiti is a collection of islands located in French Polynesia. It has become a popular destination for those seeking a tropical paradise with a thriving culture. Tahiti offers opportunities to explore tropical wildlife, scuba dive or snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, and experience the rich history and culture of the islands. The destination has implemented a slow-growth tourism plan to promote sustainability and responsible travel [[8]].
Hungary:
Hungary is a country located in Central Europe with a rich history that spans centuries. Its capital, Budapest, is a popular river cruise port and offers stunning architecture and a unique culture. Hungary's location along the Danube River makes it a great starting or ending point for river cruises in Europe [[9]].
Georgia:
Georgia is a country located in the region known as Eurasia, between Europe and Asia. It offers a fascinating blend of friendly people, ancient history, rich gastronomy, and one of the oldest wine-making traditions in the world. Georgia's natural landscapes and affordable travel options make it an attractive destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. The capital city of Tbilisi is a must-visit, and the country's growing popularity is evident with the introduction of new tours [[10]].
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia is a country that opened its doors to international travelers in 2019. It has gained popularity as a destination that combines modernity with ancient traditions. The country has invested in tourism development projects, such as the Red Sea Development and the Diriyah Gate Authority Development Project, to create long-lasting popularity and sustainability in its travel industry. Saudi Arabia offers a unique cultural experience and is attracting travelers from around the world [[11]].
Rwanda:
Rwanda is a country in East Africa known for its successful conservation strategies, particularly in preserving gorillas. The country has made significant progress in healing and has become a popular destination for travelers interested in its rich biodiversity and the opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat. Rwanda's capital, Kigali, will host the next World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in 2023 [[12]].
Tanzania:
Tanzania is a country in East Africa known for its natural wonders, including Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti National Park. The country offers opportunities for wildlife safaris, scuba diving among coral reefs, and experiencing Africa's Big Five animals. Tanzania has been gaining attention as more tour operators and cruise lines offer expeditions to the country [[13]].
New Zealand:
New Zealand is an island nation known for its diverse environments, including glaciers, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. The country has gained recognition for its unified response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has reopened its borders to travelers. New Zealand offers a range of activities for wellness and adventure travelers, and it is getting more connectivity with daily nonstop flights from Delta beginning in October [[14]].
Hong Kong:
Hong Kong recently reopened following China's restrictive zero-COVID policy. The destination was popular prior to the pandemic and is expected to regain popularity among travelers. Hong Kong is encouraging visitors with a new global campaign that includes giving away free airline tickets [[15]].
I hope this information provides you with a better understanding of the destinations mentioned in the article. If you have any more specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!