Since 2003, leading travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, has been collecting customer data to gain insights into travel trends. Using this information, Squaremouth reports the recent growth in popularity to these countries.
Climate change
In the past year, travel to countries affected by climate change saw a significant increase in travellers.
Maldives: 68% increase in travelÊ
With its low lying islands and rising sea levels, this country is considered to be vulnerable to global warming.
Australia: 25% increase in travelÊ
The Environmental Protection Agency says the world’s largest coral reef systems inÊAustraliaÊare at risk due to global warming. In addition to increased travel in the past year, Australian visitors are spending nearly 28% more on trips.
Antarctica: 17% increase in travelÊ
Antarctica’sÊice sheets are at risk due to global warming, directly impacting wildlife.
Over-tourismÊ
Some destinations have limited the number of tourists they allow into their country, however, this has actually contributed to an increase in tourism interest.
Galapagos Islands: 38% increase in travelÊ
Due to the fear of over-tourism and the deterioration of the islands, the Galapagos Islands have limited tourism, only allowing a certain number of tourists in at a time.
Restricted entry
Some travellers are trying to cross countries off their bucket list before it’s too late to visit due to government-imposed regulations.
Cuba: 11% increase in travelÊ
Travel restrictions haveÊsome travellers concernedÊthat future travel toÊCubaÊmay become even more limited.