It’s been a buzz word for the last couple of years, and there’s no sign that ‘overtourism’ is going to disappear any time soon
Many cities and countries are straining under the influx of travellers, with locals in destinations like Barcelona and Florence pushing back.
So where should travellers head to? Which areas are looking for tourists? What destinations can we learn from? Here is the Stuff Travel team’s guide on where to travel to in 2025.
Bhutan
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan measures its success in terms of Gross National Happiness, which has helped protect its pristine natural environment and traditional Buddhist culture and way of life.
The strict rules around tourism mean it’s not an easy (or cheap) place to visit, but those who do are rewarded with authentic experiences utterly unlike anything found elsewhere.
Tours with government-approved operators typically include visits to cliff-side monasteries, golden-topped temples and hikes through a sacred valley, and many can arrange homestays which enable you to live like a local for the duration of your stay. The world’s first carbon-negative country, Bhutan is a trekker’s dream, with legislation requiring it to maintain at least 60% forest coverage at all times. The food is pretty good too – particularly it you’re a big chilli fan. – Lorna Thornber, travel journalist.
San Marino
The world’s oldest country is also the fifth smallest. San Marino, with a population of 33,000 people, is landlocked by Italy and has no airport or train station. You’ll need to include it as a stop on your driving or bus tour of Europe, but that is easy to do as just 90 minutes drive away is the Italian city of Ancona where you can get ferries to Croatia.
At 61 kilometres squared (slightly bigger than Manhattan), a day trip should include a visit to the Old Town with its medieval walls and a walk up Mount Titan, 739 m above sea level. – Emma Stanford, senior travel journalist
Greenland
The world’s largest island is opening not just one airport soon, not even two, but three new transport hubs. The huge nation has only 150km of roads, with 60km of those paved, so getting around is pretty tricky.
The new international terminal in the capital Nuuk will operate direct international flights to the likes of Copenhagen and New York, so expect to see Greenland appearing on many to-do lists. The government is pledging to balance the incoming wave of tourism with the need to protect the fragile ecosystem. – Alan Granville, travel journalist.
Norway
I get it, it’s a long way to travel. Roughly 17,638 km away from New Zealand. And I’ll be the first to admit my bias as someone whose ancestry stretches back to Scandinavia.
Norway’s commanding fjords, jagged peaks and remote seaside villages are the major tourist drawcards, but the real reason to put it on your 2025 list is to see and learn how this country successfully operates with sustainability and an eco-conscious frame of mind.
Norway is well established for EV travel with 94% of new cars purchased being electric. The country is well on its way to reach the national goal that all new cars sold by 2025 should be 100% zero-emissions. Norway successfully combines its respect for nature and outdoor living, known as ‘friluftsliv’, with thoughtful, innovative urban design that supports citizens and tourists alike. With a similar population, landscape and that same love for the outdoors, New Zealand could learn a lot. – Juliette Sivertsen, chief travel news director
Southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Most visitors to the Unesco-listed Great Barrier Reef base themselves in the northern hubs of Cairns and Townsville, but some of the most spectacular – and sustainable – experiences can be found in the south. Not far from Bundaburg, of rum and ginger beer fame, Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliott islands both offer opportunities to swim with giant manta rays and coo over nesting turtles.
Certified by Advance Ecotourism and Climate Action, Lady Musgrave Experience offers day tours of the former – a protected island and reef lagoon where you can snorkel or scuba dive with hundreds of tropical fish – along with overnight glamping trips, while the latter is home to an eco-resort run almost entirely on renewable energy. Make sure you save time for the Bundaberg Rum Experience, the first tourism operator to receive Ecotourism Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Certification. – Lorna Thornber, travel journalist
Maui, Hawai’i
After the devastating wildfires in August 2023, it has taken some time for this part of Hawai’i to heal and get back on its feet. Now, the island of Maui is very much open and eager to have visitors snorkel, hike, whale watch and ultimately, relax. A wonderful island holiday.
With Hawaiian Airlines relaunching its non-stop flights from Auckland to Honolulu it just got easier to get there, too. Be sure to travel there with compassion as it rebuilds and support local businesses and its vibrant communities. – Emma Stanford, senior travel journalist.
Vanuatu
For a while there it seemed Vanuatu just couldn’t catch a break. Storm after storm battered the island nation and just when things looked to have settled down, the country’s airline went bust. So if there was ever a destination which needed some love, then it is our northerly neighbours.
Luckily Vanuatu offers tourists an authentic Pacific experience. It may not be as flashy as some other local tourist hotspots but it offers a friendliness that’s hard to match. Lonely Planet listed it as one of its top destinations for 2025, so maybe this is the start of something good for plucky Vanuatu. – Alan Granville, travel journalist.
Wellington
With a string of big-name hospitality and retail closures it’s been a tough old year in Wellington. Stuff reporter Paddy Gower puts it best, saying our “cooked Capital” needs your love and support – or maybe just a hug – more than ever.
Wellington’s tightly packaged inner city makes hopping between attractions and grabbing a bite to eat incredibly easy. Exciting new additions worth checking out in the city include Tākina’s The Art of Banksy, billed as the world’s largest collection of original artwork from the unknown artist. Further ahead, Te Papa will be the first venue to welcome the global Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery tour next year, while the Black Caps and White Ferns are dropping into the capital for a bumper season of cricket internationals. – Stephen Heard, travel publishing coordinator
Cre: STUFF
