Every year, more than 17.4 global tourists come to Paris, France, making it the second-highest frequented city worldwide. Bangkok, Thailand, draws approximately 22 million visitors annually, establishing itself as the most frequented city globally. France, Spain, and the United States are among the most sought-after destinations. Travel, whether for professional or leisure purposes, is a fundamental aspect of contemporary existence and a significant contributor to the economies of numerous nations.
There are numerous possible reasons why another country might be less popular than a popular one. For example, many island countries in the Pacific, which are notably distant and expensive to reach, may be less appealing due to lacking attractions or prohibitively high costs. Additionally, some countries with underdeveloped tourism industries may present logistical challenges for visitors. Furthermore, there are countries that simply host too few tourists due to their small size. Finally, some countries, such as North Korea or Somalia, may be perceived as difficult or genuinely dangerous to visit due to political instability or outright war.
It is understandable that countries which are considered less dangerous are often more popular tourist destinations than cheaper and unspoiled countries, which are frequently less crowded and deemed less beautiful. The number of visitors a country receives is not necessarily indicative of a lesser experience.
The countries/territories that had the highest number of visitors in 2019 include: 1. Tuvalu with 3,700 visitors, 2. Marshall Islands with 6,100 visitors, 3. Niue with 10,200 visitors, 4. Kiribati with 12,000 visitors, 5. Micronesia with 18,000 visitors, 6. Montserrat with 19,300 visitors, 7. Solomon Islands with 29,000 visitors, 8. Sao Tome and Principe with 34,900 visitors, 9. Comoros with 45,000 visitors, and 10. Guinea-Bissau with 52,000 visitors.
Due to the global COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, it should be noted that the displayed data is from 2019, which represents a more typical year. The data includes only overnight visitors and excludes visitors who are only there during the daytime, with specific countries marked for total numbers.
The Country with the Fewest Visitors in the World: Tuvalu
Tuvalu, a remote island nation in the Pacific, is the least visited country globally, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. In 2019, this tiny island nation welcomed only about 3,700 visitors, a mere fraction of the 12,000 people it received. It is worth noting that tourism in Tuvalu has been rapidly growing, with only 1,100 visitors in 2012.
Well-liked points of interest consist of leisurely strolls and outdoor meals on the shoreline, sailing, motorscooter excursions, and visits to the nearby bakery, the national library, and different WWII-era locations. Scuba diving and snorkeling are especially favored due to a 33km² (12.74mi²) preservation area abundant with coral reefs, lagoons, and marine habitats (which include sea turtles). The tourism industry in Tuvalu mainly revolves around the nation’s clear-blue waters and beaches adorned with palm trees.
Many islands in the Pacific have duplicated concerns about the development of less infrastructure and the remoteness. Visitors are advised to prepare for the possibility that their departure or arrival could be delayed for a few extra days. The service can be inconsistent, but Fiji Airways flies in and out of Tuvalu’s lone international airport every Thursday, except for Tuesday.
Climate change poses a significant threat to Tuvalu, which is among the 22 Pacific island nations most susceptible to its impacts. In educational institutions, young individuals in Tuvalu are educated about the possibility that they could be the final cohort to experience their childhood on the island prior to its submersion caused by rising sea levels.
Other Countries with the Fewest Visitors
Republic of the Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands, similar to Tuvalu, are at risk of being overwhelmed by the rising ocean levels caused by climate change. These islands, which have a rich World War II history, were initially used as a Japanese military base and later became a site for extensive nuclear testing conducted by the U.S. Military. Situated in the Pacific Ocean between the Philippines and Hawaii, these volcanic islands feature pristine white sandy beaches, transparent turquoise waters, and a wide variety of marine life and plant species (including more than 160 types of coral). With just over 6,000 visitors in 2019, the Marshall Islands are the second-least frequented country.
Niue
There is only one flight to and from Niue per week. Niue offers various tourist activities such as swimming, snorkeling and diving, kayaking, 4WD ATV tours, or simply hiking through different types of terrain including beaches, rainforests, plantations, or a vanilla farm. One notable feature of a Niue tourist site is the absence of crowds, long lines, traffic lights, or a fast-paced lifestyle. The small island, which is actually a raised coral atoll, receives approximately 10,000 visitors annually. Situated in the South Pacific, Niue is recognized as one of the world’s smallest countries.
Kiribati
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Micronesia
Micronesia is renowned for its vibrant nightlife in its urban areas. Additionally, it is abundant with natural rugged beauty, lush trails for hiking, and a plethora of shipwrecks from World War II. Moreover, it boasts world-class coral reefs, making it a perfect destination for diving, snorkeling, and surfing. Fishing, exploring beaches, and discovering WWII relics are also popular activities in this Pacific island country, situated between the Marshall Islands and Palau.
Montserrat
The southern region of Montserrat, which includes the island’s capital city of Plymouth, has been mostly off-limits since the volcanic eruption in 1995. Despite this, the volcano remains active, making it one of the most notably active volcanoes in the UK. As a result, approximately two-thirds of the island’s population have emigrated to other countries. Montserrat, positioned in the eastern Caribbean, was once a popular destination in Central America.