November 28, 2025, 12:11 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
While tourists are increasingly seen as a nuisance in many popular destinations around the world—such as Venice, Bali, or Barcelona—there are also regions that would welcome more tourism for economic reasons. The online travel guide “Fodor’s” presents 10 potential travel destinations of this kind. They could appeal to people who want to discover exciting places without being exposed to crowds and throngs of people. All the details here.
Overview
Destinations Affected by Undertourism According to “Fodor’s”
Recently, “Fodor’s” highlighted the harmful effects of mass tourism on various popular cities and regions, as TRAVELBOOK reported. The online travel guide issued a clear warning in this context. Among other things, Antarctica, the Canary Islands, and several other destinations should be avoided next year if one does not want to contribute to the growing problems of overtourism. Now, “Fodor’s” is focusing on the other end of the spectrum: destinations affected by “undertourism,” which are practically begging for tourists.
The article reminds us that responsibly managed tourism offers great opportunities. It can strengthen local communities, create jobs, and fund the protection of wildlife and natural habitats. For travelers, a visit can pay off with authentic experiences—far from the overused Instagram motifs. The journey begins in a country in East Africa, considered one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Madagascar
Although Madagascar (see photo above) offers spectacular natural experiences—from rainforests and baobab avenues to dream beaches and national parks full of lemurs—the island nation attracts only about 250,000 visitors each year, according to “Fodor’s.” Most of them head to the same easily accessible areas. However, Madagascar’s greatest charm, according to the author, is found off the beaten tourist paths. Many locals also hope that more international guests will choose the less-traveled routes, as this could prompt the government to invest in much-needed infrastructure. More tourism could also help protect the highly endangered species and forests and provide further incentive to preserve the unique ecosystems. More than 90 percent of the animals and plants living in Madagascar are found nowhere else.
Ghizer District, Pakistan
In Pakistan, there are already some places visited by international guests, including the Hunza Valley in the north of the country. However, the neighboring Ghizer District has received little attention. It features the same stunning mountain landscapes, colorful valleys, and cherry blossom splendor, writes “Fodor’s,” and the community is equally hospitable. The only thing missing is the crowds.
The article highlights cultural peculiarities, including fortune-tellers who claim to communicate with “mountain fairies,” as well as the world’s highest polo field. Tourism projects are currently being developed in the region, specifically involving women as guides or hosts. This is a novelty in rural Pakistan. An increase in visitor numbers could not only create new jobs but also strengthen the regional culture.
Palau
Palau, a state consisting of 356 islands in the Pacific, has long been considered a paradise for divers and snorkelers. But beyond that, the archipelago has much to offer: pristine turquoise bays, dense jungle areas with waterfalls, jellyfish lakes, and much more. Additionally, “Fodor’s” describes Palau as a pioneer in sustainable tourism. Upon entry, an environmental pledge must be signed, committing to respect the country’s nature and culture. This is unique worldwide.
About 40 percent of jobs in the private sector depend directly on tourism. Thus, Palau is—relatively speaking—just as affected by undertourism as the other destinations on the list. However, the government is not interested in a purely quantitative increase in visitors. The goal is not to attract as many travelers as possible, but those who travel responsibly and do not burden the fragile ecosystem. Precisely because Palau manages this balance so well, the country is ready to welcome significantly more travelers—as long as they respect the sensitive conditions of the island nation.
Tsuruoka, Japan
Japan hardly needs to be sold as a travel destination. But besides the hype-destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, there is apparently a city that has been largely overlooked by tourism: Tsuruoka. The coastal town is hardly known internationally, although it was once a spiritual center of the country. The region still offers several incentives for a visit, with pilgrimage routes, mountain landscapes, and hot springs, as well as a UNESCO-recognized culinary culture. More visitors would not only strengthen the local economy but also relieve pressure on the country’s overrun metropolises.
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4 worthwhile destinations that would love to welcome more tourists
Contextualizing the Selection
The author of the article emphasizes that, in addition to the ten destinations, there are many other places around the world that are theoretically affected by undertourism. However, not all of them have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate more visitors. The list, therefore, focuses on destinations “ready and willing to welcome visitors.” The locals are reportedly already making efforts to expand their own tourism sector.
However, some of the destinations listed below raise questions. Several of the destinations are not entirely safe for visitors or are controversial for political or social reasons. These include Iraq, which is still classified as a high-risk area by Germany and the U.S., and Uganda, where the rights of homosexual people are severely restricted. For such destinations, careful planning and awareness of the situation are essential if one still wishes to visit them as a tourist after critical consideration.
“Fodor’s” List of Destinations Affected by Undertourism
- Madagascar
- Ghizer District, Pakistan
- Palau
- Iraq
- Uganda
- Tsuruoka, Japan
- Mongolia
- Mount Kanchenjunga Circuit, Nepal
- Suriname
- Bhutan