No Indonesia, Here Are 20 Of The Most Popular Travel Destinations For Early 2025

The pandemic has indeed subsided; however, the competition for attracting international tourists has become increasingly fierce. Recent data from UN Tourism indicates an extraordinary surge in several tourist destination countries, particularly during the first quarter of 2025. These nations have successfully driven growth in tourist arrivals by double digits, with some even reporting increases exceeding 50 percent.

Nevertheless, among the 20 countries listed as the most rapidly developing destinations, Indonesia is notably absent. This is certainly an intriguing observation, especially as many neighboring countries begin to report a robust recovery in tourism.

This article will discuss the countries that have demonstrated the highest performance in international tourist growth at the beginning of 2025, complete with percentage data and potential reasons for this growth.

Paraguay Leads Global Tourist Growth

Paraguay has achieved a remarkable position with a 53 percent increase in tourist visits compared to the same period last year. This figure establishes it as the top-performing country in global tourism for the beginning of 2025. This ranking reflects the growing global interest in non-traditional destinations that are beginning to leverage the post-pandemic momentum to present themselves more attractively, both in terms of digital promotion and tourism infrastructure development.

Brazil, Chile, and The Gambia Record Nearly Equivalent Growth

Following Paraguay, Brazil and Chile both recorded a growth of 48 percent. Both countries signal a strong indication that South America is becoming a new magnet for international tourists. The Gambia, a small nation in West Africa, has also garnered attention with a growth rate of 46 percent. Factors such as political stability and consistent promotion of local culture are believed to contribute to attracting tourists, particularly from Europe.

Asia and the Middle East are not lagging behind, with Israel ranking among the top five, experiencing a 31 percent increase in tourists. Meanwhile, Vietnam has demonstrated solid performance with a growth rate of 30 percent. Japan has also seen a resurgence after years of limiting visits due to the pandemic. At the beginning of 2025, Japan recorded a 23 percent increase in tourists, indicating a revival of global interest in East Asian destinations. North Africa and the Balkans are showing consistent performance, with both Egypt and Morocco recording growth rates of 21 to 22 percent, affirming that the North African region remains relevant to global travelers. North Macedonia, a small country in the Balkans, is also gaining popularity with a growth rate of 22 percent. Cultural factors, low prices, and natural beauty are believed to be an attractive combination for European tourists.

Eastern European and Scandinavian countries are beginning to strengthen. Palau, Mongolia, Malta, Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland have recorded growth rates ranging from 15 to 21 percent. This indicates a shift in interest towards destinations that are generally quieter and less crowded. South Korea and Iran complete the list with a growth of 14 percent, signaling that both Western and Eastern Asia continue to attract global market interest.

Tag: Global Tourist Growth Most Popular Travel Destinations UN Tourism