Travel Destinations: Exploring Open Countries And Their Attractions

As of December 2024, several countries are actively welcoming travellers, including Georgia, Greenland, and four destinations that are using tourism as a tool to build stronger economies.

Countries welcoming tourists

There are several countries that are actively welcoming tourists, including Georgia, Greenland, and North Greenland.

Georgia, which borders Turkey, Russia and Azerbaijan by the Black Sea, has big plans to encourage everyone from disabled visitors and independent travellers to cruise tourists. It is developing international signage so tourists can navigate the country solo, as well as improving accessibility, public transport and cruise ship ports as it opens up.

Greenland is also keen to attract tourists, despite its extremely cold temperatures. The country has opened up sky view cabins and igloos for aurora-focused experiences. Tanny Por, head of international relations at Visit Greenland, has emphasised that the country wants to encourage tourism in a balanced way, so as not to overrun local people. From 2026, North Greenland will be accessible via direct international flights when the new runway in Ilulissat opens.

These countries are using tourism as a tool to build stronger economies, and they are welcoming travellers with open arms.

Countries with travel bans

The US has a travel ban list that includes countries such as Sudan, Venezuela, Syria, Libya, and North Korea. Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen are also expected to be added to the list. The US State Department has categorised countries into three tiers: red, orange, and yellow. Citizens from the 11 countries in the "red" category would be entirely barred from entering the US. The orange category would affect immigrant, tourist, and student visas, with some exceptions.

The US is also considering banning all travel to the country from 11 countries, the so-called "red list". The other countries are in the "yellow and orange" lists. The countries on the "red list" include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Vanuatu, Gambia, the Dominican Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, Cape Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Congo, Liberia, Mauritania, Malawi, Mali, São Tomé and Príncipe, Guinea, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Chad.

It is important to note that travel restrictions and bans can change frequently, so it is always best to check the latest official advice before planning any travel.

While some countries have travel bans in place, others are actively welcoming travellers. For example, Georgia, which borders Turkey, Russia, and Azerbaijan by the Black Sea, has big plans to encourage everyone from disabled visitors and independent travellers to cruise tourists, with a vast port in Batumi, the country's second city. Greenland is also opening up sky view cabins and igloos for aurora-focused experiences and will be accessible via direct international flights from 2026 when the new runway in Ilulissat opens.

Countries with new infrastructure

Georgia and Greenland are two countries that are actively welcoming travellers.

Georgia, which borders Turkey, Russia and Azerbaijan by the Black Sea, has big plans to encourage everyone from disabled visitors and independent travellers to cruise tourists, with a vast port in Batumi, the country's second city. Its new 10-year development plan includes improving accessibility, public transport and cruise ship ports as it opens up. Georgia is also ranked No. 1 for U.S. distribution and supply chain hubs and No. 2 for infrastructure and access to global markets. It has a robust rail and highway infrastructure, and its 60+ cold chain facilities provide a dependable infrastructure for moving perishable and temperature-sensitive products. Georgia is also the 5th state in the U.S. for internet access, thanks to investments by public-private partnerships.

Greenland is also investing in infrastructure to encourage more visitors. Three new airports in Nuuk, Ilulissat and Qaqortoq are under construction, which will improve the country's international transportation connections and offer greater domestic air service. There are also harbour and road developments, including a dirt road between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq that will connect two towns for the first time. The service industry is also preparing for an increase of visitors, with new hotel developments, new visitor attractions and new tourism products.

Countries with extreme temperatures

Many countries are actively welcoming travellers. For example, Georgia, which borders Turkey, Russia and Azerbaijan by the Black Sea, has big plans to encourage everyone from disabled visitors and independent travellers to cruise tourists, with a vast port in Batumi, the country's second city. Greenland is also opening up sky view cabins and igloos for aurora-focused experiences.

Some countries are using tourism as a tool to build stronger economies, offering jobs and training and giving locals a chance to proudly share their country's culture and traditions. Managed well, tourism can be an enriching economic stream, bringing people together around shared values and experiences.

Thoughtful Travel is a series on the ways people behave while away, from ethics to etiquette and more. It highlights destinations that are just a handful of the countries who are using tourism as a tool to build stronger economies, and welcoming travellers with open arms.

Countries with new international travel links

There are several countries that are actively welcoming travellers and seeking to attract tourists. One such country is Georgia, which borders Turkey, Russia and Azerbaijan by the Black Sea. Georgia has big plans to encourage a wide range of visitors, from disabled travellers to cruise tourists, and is developing international signage to help tourists navigate the country independently.

Another country that is opening up to international travel is Greenland, which is accessible via direct international flights from 2026 when the new runway in Ilulissat opens. Greenland is promoting itself as a destination for awe-filled aurora-focused experiences, with sky view cabins and igloos. The country is keen to encourage tourism while also maintaining a balance with the local population.

In addition, there are countries that are using tourism as a tool to build stronger economies and are welcoming travellers with open arms. These destinations often offer unique cultural experiences and the opportunity to positively impact local communities.

It is important to note that the travel landscape is constantly evolving, and it is always a good idea to check the latest travel advice and restrictions for your desired destination before planning a trip.

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