Stunning Countries Where Tourists Are Not Just Welcome But Encouraged To Visit

Venice. Dubrovnik. Bali. Santorini. The Galápagos Islands. So many of the world's most beloved travel destinations are struggling with rampant and destructive overtourism. The impact on these places' infrastructure, environment, and local communities has been severe — to the point that governments have had to step in and implement measures like extremely high tourist taxes to control the relentless influx of visitors and even banning Airbnb to stabilize housing prices. Locals in Barcelona are protesting en masse in public squares with thousands of people shouting, "Tourists, go home!" — the same in Ibiza, Mallorca, and other burdened hotspots. It doesn't have to be this way.

What if some places expressed the sentiment "Tourists, please come!" instead? The world is large — 193 countries in all. If you're looking for a warm hello without the guilt of contributing to overtourism, there are plenty of countries that not only welcome tourists but are quite literally crying out for them to visit. From breathtaking landscapes and affordable itineraries to rich cultures and underrated attractions, these places are eager to share their treasures with travelers who are willing to look beyond the bucket list spots of the status quo and try something different. Though this list is not exhaustive, here are some stunning countries that would love for you to visit — all you need to do is open the door.

Grossly overshadowed by its more famous Western European neighbors, Romania has been working hard to position itself as a must-visit destination — which it is, but many seem to overlook that. Boasting nature, culture, and history galore, Romania is much more than just Transylvania and the spooky legends of Dracula. While the likes of Amsterdam — with a ratio of over 20 million annual visitors to a local population of less than one million — are booming with tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic, Romania has lost 45% of its international visitors and has struggled to recover.

Romania's efforts to rally visitors have cleverly played on the growing anti-tourism movement in Western Europe. Using tongue-in-cheek slogans like "In some cities they don't want you, but in Romania, we love you!" and "Tourists go the F*@& away!!! Visit Romania," the TouristsGo.ro initiative is calling on tourists to attend the music festival Electric Castle, which features world-renowned acts like Iggy Pop, The Chemical Brothers, and Peggy Gou. Another campaign, by a Romanian online newspaper Gandul.ro, is specifically targeting Brits with "We serve more food groups than pie, sausage, fish & chips. We may not like Britain, but you will love Romania. Why don't you come over?"

Of course, in Romania, you must visit the legendary Bran Castle in Transylvania. But, go beyond this. Explore the charming town of Sibiu, where cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, and local eateries serving sarmale (cabbage rolls), covrigi (Romanian pretzels), and papanași (stuffed donuts) await. For nature time, hike the Carpathian Mountains or take a boat trip through the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta, one of Europe's most biodiverse regions. You'll find welcoming locals, good times, and travel opportunities at a much lower cost compared to many Western European countries.

Iceland and Greenland hate to be compared with this overused joke: Iceland is green, and Greenland is icy, yes, ha-ha. What's not a joke, however, is that Greenland only gets a little over 100,000 annual visitors, while Iceland gets almost 2 million. If you're looking for the last frontier of wilderness, a place where tourists are few and far between, Greenland is calling your name. As one of the most remote places on Earth, Greenland is eager to attract more tourists and share its natural wonders in a sustainable way. To achieve this mission, something big is coming by the end of 2024: Nuuk, the capital, is getting an international airport. Another international airport is slated for Ilulissat in 2026. Currently, the only way to get to Greenland is by a cruise ship or on a flight from Iceland or Denmark. This will change Greenland forever and make travel much, much more accessible.

One of the best times to visit Greenland is during the summer when the midnight sun bathes the landscape in a perpetual golden glow and tolerable temperatures. On the flip side, winter brings freezes reaching -58 degrees Fahrenheit and a non-existent sun — Greenland is, after all, one of the most uninhabitable places in the world — but also the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. Greenland is very well known for its adventure tourism — the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most stunning places to watch massive icebergs in action. Kayaking, dog sledding, hiking, ice fishing, learning about Inuit culture, and whale watching are just a few other things you can do here. Plus, 80% of the local population considers tourism as a good thing. What are you waiting for?

This is not a joke: Taiwan is paying foreign tourists to visit. The Taiwan Tourism Bureau has set up a Taiwan the Lucky Land scheme lasting from May 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025, that will award 500,000 travelers with $5,000 New Taiwan dollars (equivalent to around $163) if they win a lucky draw in the arrivals hall of the airport upon landing. All you have to do is visit Taiwan between three to 90 days, not be a member of an organized tour group, and hold a foreign (non-Republic of China) passport. The money will come as an accommodation voucher or a pre-paid payment card, which you can use to enjoy your trip.

In Asia, countries like Thailand and Japan have stood out as travel giants, but you can swap these destinations with the underrated Taiwan. Although it's a small country, it packs a big punch with natural beauty, unique history, and some of the best food in the world. Friction with China and a slow tourism start post-pandemic have resulted in low visitor numbers and economic problems for Taiwan. So, the government is actively promoting tourism and positioning the country as an ideal destination for nature lovers, culture seekers, and food enthusiasts — which it is.

You'll likely start your journey in Taipei, the capital, a modern metropolis with ancient temples and night markets offering legendary street food like stinky tofu and beef noodle soup. Then, move on to the countryside and experience Taiwan's landscapes, like the towering peaks of Taroko Gorge, the rolling tea plantations of Alishan, and Sun Moon Lake, the largest lake in Taiwan. Don't miss Penghu, an archipelago of 90 islands that could rival the Maldives. With money on the table (if you win), now is the perfect time to discover this gem of a country. 

The African nation of Rwanda, often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," isn't exactly mainstream or on many travelers' bucket lists — but as a beacon of conservation and natural beauty, it should be. Time has passed since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which killed 1 million people, and in these 30 years, the country has made remarkable social, economic, and political progress. Best known for its mountain gorillas (other than Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda is the only place you can see them in the wild), it has transformed itself into a safe, forward-thinking country that is eager to welcome tourists. In an effort to boost tourism, Visit Rwanda has partnered with Arsenal Football Club, Bayern Munich, Saint-Germain, and even Lionel Messi to increase visibility and put this unique country on the map. 

Volcanoes National Park is the crown jewel of Rwanda's tourism offerings, where visitors can embark on guided treks to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, along with 200 bird species, rare golden monkeys, and towering dormant volcanoes. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, this is the ideal travel destination for people obsessed with animals — make sure to invest in some Occer Compact Binoculars. Beyond the gorillas, Rwanda's landscapes, ranging from the lush rainforests of Nyungwe National Park to the serene waters of Lake Kivu, offer much to explore. The country has developed a reputation for sustainable and responsible tourism, with eco-lodges and community-based initiatives that allow travelers to help the environment and local communities. Rwanda's capital, Kigali, is one of the safest and cleanest cities in Africa. Visitors can see the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a reminder of the past that highlights Rwanda's strides toward peace and prosperity.

Sri Lanka, the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," was a popular destination, but then, it went through the wringer, and tourism plummeted. The 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2022 economic crisis have left an indelible mark. With inflation at an all-time high, poverty rates hovering dangerously at 25%, and 6% of the population working in the tourism industry, the only real solution is: more tourists. 

In the words of Sam Clark, co-founder of the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance, "By returning to Sri Lanka and experiencing the country, it is ordinary Sri Lankans that you are helping most" (via The Guardian). According to the U.S. Travel Advisory, Sri Lanka is currently at a Level 2 safety rating. Generally, Sri Lanka is a safe destination; be savvy, stay away from protests, and you'll have a great time — as you would anywhere else in the world.

One of Sri Lanka's biggest draws is its natural beauty. The country's coastline is lined with pristine beaches, perfect for snorkeling, SCUBA diving, relaxing, and world-class surfing. Inland, the Central Highlands are covered in tea plantations, where visitors can learn about Sri Lanka's tea industry (famous for Ceylon tea) while taking in the sublime views. For wildlife lovers, the country's national parks, like Yala and Udawalawe, are a chance to see elephants, leopards, and a variety of exotic bird species. Sri Lanka is also home to some of the most well-preserved historical sites in the world, including the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Sigiriya (which offers stunning views of the Sri Lankan jungle) and the sacred Buddhist city of Kandy. Otherwise, Sri Lankan food is phenomenal, the locals are friendly, and everything is affordable — the best destination for travelers on a budget.