4 countries eagerly welcoming tourists: Unique destinations for unforgettable journey

Greenland

With the opening of an international airport in Nuuk this year and a new runway in Ilulissat set for 2026, Greenland is preparing to welcome more visitors. These developments will transform its tourism landscape, allowing direct arrivals of large aircraft, bypassing Kangerlussuaq.

In addition to increasing tourist numbers, the new infrastructure will boost imports and exports, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and ensuring future stability.

Greenland is focused on two key forms of tourism: adventure and year-round travel. Adventure tourism includes rock climbing, whale watching, and camping on the ice sheet, while year-round tourism highlights activities like stargazing and viewing the northern lights under the dark winter skies.

While it is easier to attract tourists in the summer, drawing visitors during the off-season is crucial to maintaining year-round employment for locals. Greenland has turned its harsh winter conditions into an advantage by offering igloos with panoramic views of the northern lights.

Tanny Por, Head of International Relations at Visit Greenland, emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in tourism. The goal is to achieve a positive impact on the local community without overwhelming it.

Following a recent visit to Northern Greenland, which will become more accessible with the opening of the Ilulissat runway in 2026, Por noted: "I went to a tiny town of 1,000 inhabitants, Qasigiannguit, and it was fantastic. There are musk ox in the backcountry, historical reenactments at the local museum and so many whales!"

Greenland (Photo: Wikipedia)

Morocco

Morocco is actively developing its tourism infrastructure in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. The country views the tournament as an opportunity to double its annual tourist numbers to 26 million.

To accommodate football fans and teams, Morocco needs around 100,000 additional accommodations. International hotel chains are stepping in to help, with plans to open a Waldorf Astoria in Tangier, 25 new Radisson hotels, and restore properties damaged in last year’s earthquake.

Barbara Podbial, a Morocco specialist adviser at travel agency Flee Winter, has been visiting the country for over 20 years and notes tourism’s positive impact on Marrakech. The city has become cleaner, safer, and more welcoming. However, the rise in budget flights has led to overcrowding in Marrakech.

In preparation for the 2030 World Cup, attention is shifting to other cities, including Casablanca, Agadir, Fes, Rabat, and Tangier, where stadiums are being renovated and tourism is expanding.

Barbara recommends visiting Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco with the largest medina in the world, as well as Taroudant, a "little Marrakesh" near Agadir, and the coastal town of Taghazout, known for surfing lessons. Travelers heading to Marrakech can also explore the High Atlas Mountains, just a few hours away.

By focusing on major cities, Morocco is creating opportunities for authentic experiences in less-visited nearby destinations.

Morocco (Photo: Wikipedia)

Serbia

Serbia focuses on sustainable tourism development, avoiding mass tourism, and collaborating with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council to create culturally-oriented projects.

Instead of emphasizing large cities like Belgrade, the country highlights rural and mountain tourism, spa and wellness resorts.

Serbia attracts tourists with its mountains for skiing in winter, ecotourism, and birdwatching in summer, as well as natural springs for health retreats.

These initiatives support local businesses and provide stable jobs. In 2023, international tourism in Serbia increased by 20%.

George Colvin-Slee, a Serbia specialist adviser at Cox & Kings, recommends visiting Novi Sad, the country’s second-largest city, known for its Habsburg heritage, beautiful architecture, and Austrian-influenced cuisine. A must-see is the Petrovaradin Fortress, often called the "Gibraltar of the Danube."

Serbia (Photo: Wikipedia)

Georgia

Georgia, bordering Türkiye, Russia, and Azerbaijan, actively promotes tourism, especially for travelers with disabilities, independent tourists, and cruise passengers.

A new 10-year development plan includes international signage, improved accessibility, and transport infrastructure, as well as port modernization, particularly in Batumi.

Natalie Fordham, a Georgia specialist at Wild Frontiers, notes the country boasts a new generation of guides fluent in English and adaptable to diverse travelers. While infrastructure is still developing, tourism revenues are expected to enhance it.

“Tbilisi is my favorite capital city in the world with charming cobbled streets, a real aesthetic, old fortress walls, museums, and more. Then you've got cave towns, Soviet architecture, history and the northern and southern mountains, Unesco churches and monasteries, and a thriving wine and food scene. There's so much to see, you need a week-long trip at least,” said Natalie Fordham.

Georgia (Photo: Wikipedia)