On a planet where millions of people travel to the same places every year, there are corners that hardly receive visitors. They are isolated, fragile and scattered areas in the middle of the ocean or far from main air routes, where tourism has not entered them with the same force as it has in other parts of the world. existing The least visited countries in the world It works almost like a secret map: destinations that very few visit, but hold unique stories, ecosystems and cultures that live far away from the global noise.
The World Tourism Organization places them at the bottom of its annual rankings. For some travelers, this information serves as an invitation. On the other hand, for these countries, the tourism arrivals are usually minimal and subtle and profoundly transform their economies. Here we look at the five regions with the lowest numbers of international arrivals.
1. Tuvalu
Tuvalu It is an archipelago so remote that, even on a map, it is difficult to locate. Located about 4,000 kilometers from Australia, it is part of Polynesia and is one of the smallest independent countries on the planet. Its nine atolls are just 26 square kilometers in size, and its 11,000 residents live in constant balance with the ocean.
Up to Tuvalu It’s not easy: There are only flights from Kiribati and Fiji, and Funafuti International Airport serves almost as a daily occurrence for the island. In 2018, it received only about 2,500 international visits. This puts him, year after year, in between The least visited countries in the world.
What this small country offers is exactly what world tourism lacks: deserted beaches, villages lived without haste and an intimate relationship with the sea. It is a destination for those who are truly looking for seclusion.
2. Kiribati
Kiribati It has a peculiarity that makes it unforgettable: it is the first country in the world to welcome the New Year. In 2000, it changed its time zone to GMT+14, ensuring this symbolic concession. But beyond the tale, this country consists of 32 atolls and Banaba Island has an area of 810 square kilometers and a population of about 110,000 people.
Tourism towards Kiribati And it remains a testament: the number of visitors barely reached 7,100 in 2018. Its isolation makes it a logistical challenge for any traveler, and at the same time makes it a completely different destination from the usual routes.
It is a place where life revolves around the ocean, where communities depend on fishing and keep Polynesian traditions almost intact. For many, that’s where its appeal lies: unfiltered authenticity.
3. Marshall Islands
the Marshall Islands It is spread across 29 atolls and five volcanic islands with a total area of 181 square kilometres. Independent since 1990, the Republic of Micronesia has a past marked by US nuclear testing in the mid-20th century, particularly at Bikini and Eniwetok. But it also maintains a distinct marine ecosystem.
Despite this historical and natural interest, in 2017 it received only 6,800 international visitors. This puts it right in between The least visited countries in the world.
today Marshall Islands They are also known to have made a surprising political decision: to become the first country to adopt its cryptocurrency as its official currency. It is as unique as its dispersed geography, its recent past, and the ongoing challenge of rising sea levels.
4. Niue
Niue It’s a special case. It is self-governing, but maintains close ties with New Zealand. Located in a triangle formed by Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands, it is a mass of coral origin called the “Polynesian Rock”. Its isolation means that many travelers arrive only after combining several flights and stops.
In 2017, Niue received about 10,000 visits, which is low for any tourist destination, but very high for its size. However, it is still in between The least visited countries in the worldThis is partly because its tourist infrastructure is modest and because its geography – a continuous slope surrounded by ocean – limits any attempt at overcrowding.
It’s a destination for those seeking absolute tranquility: transparent waters, lunar coral landscapes, and residents who welcome you almost like a neighbor.
5. Solomon Islands
the Solomon Islands It is one of the most stunning archipelagos in the Pacific Ocean. Its more than 990 islands are divided into two main groups: the archipelago of the same name, southeast of Papua New Guinea, and the Santa Cruz Islands, to the north. With an area of 28,450 square kilometers and a population of about 650,000, it is a large but isolated country, where tourism remains rare: about 25,700 visitors in 2017.
The past of war is very present. During World War II, it was the scene of the Battle of Guadalcanal, and even today it is possible to see the remains of sunken tanks, planes and ships that have been converted into artificial reefs. This, coupled with dense forests, remote mountains and paradise lakes, makes the world Solomon Islands Its an amazing destination for those looking for raw nature and historical memory.
Despite its potential, it is still among The least visited countries in the worldThis is partly due to its remoteness and partly to its limited air contact.