Some stunning but under-the-radar travel destinations have seen a big boost to tourist numbers in recent years, according to the latest data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Here we look at the top 15 countries that had the largest percentage increase in international arrival growth between 2017 and 2018, and suggest why you should be following the trend.

It’s little wonder this sliver of a southeastern European country is finally beckoning more tourists. With a stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline, it’s got beaches as well as ancient ruins, well-preserved UNESCO-listed Ottoman towns (like Berat and Gjirokastra) and majestic mountainous scenery. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization data, Albania saw a 15% increase in international arrival growth between 2017 and 2018.

Cheap, safe to visit and fully open to international visitors (now that its communist past is well behind it), the country's most enticing destination is the so-called Albania Riviera with knock-out beaches to rival nearby Croatia and Corfu. Drymades and Ksamil are a few of the prettiest stretches. The expansive ruins of Butrint are one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities in Europe, while the dramatic Dinaric Alps (pictured) is a dreamy spot for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Discover more little-known Roman ruins around the world.

A land of ancient temples and grand palaces, as well as modern architecture and cutting-edge technology, South Korea is an intriguing holiday destination – especially judging by the 15.1% leap in visitors. In capital Seoul, the vast Gyeongbokgung (pictured) is a splendid site to visit. Built in 1395, it was the first and main palace of the Joseon dynasty. A wander around the atmospheric alleyways and traditional homes of Bukchon Hanok Village is also recommended.

The lively port of Busan on the southeastern coast is another essential city stop with its bustling markets, temples (including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, pictured) and beaches. Don’t miss a visit to the impressive Jagalchi Fish Market. Off the southern coast, Jeju is a holiday hot spot for locals with its semi-tropical climate, striking cliffs, waterfalls and hiking trails. Currently, the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel to Daegu, Gyeongsan and Cheongdo due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Landlocked Laos is a backpacker favourite but it looks like the little Southeast Asian country is luring more visitors. International arrival growth has risen by 15.8%. The first stop for most tourists is Luang Prabang, a former royal city on the River Mekong which charms with its traditional culture and numerous historic sights – the Royal Palace, Wat Mai and Wat Xieng Thong are top of the list. You’ll find more temples and handsome French-Lao buildings in capital Vientiane, including national symbol Pha That Luang, a gold-covered Buddhist stupa (pictured).

It's a largely safe country but the British and US governments advise against travel to the mountainous Xaisomboun province due to conflict between the government and the Hmong people. Trekking in its remote jungle-clad valleys is a big draw though, so head to Luang Namtha, home to little-visited hill tribes, for some of the best trails. The Vang Vieng region on the Song River (pictured) is renowned for its gorgeous limestone-karst scenery and a boat trip down the Mekong and its tributaries is an absolute must.

This little South American gem has slipped under the radar of many tourists but that looks to be changing, with a 15.9% jump in visitor numbers. Its vibrant capital Georgetown has a blend of indigenous, Caribbean and European cultures; handsome historic buildings (including its wooden cathedral which is one of the world's tallest wooden buildings); and a clutch of fascinating museums.

Away from the cities, you’ll find a lush land of sugar plantations, rivers and tangled rainforests which are home to all kinds of incredible creatures (jaguars, giant anteaters, black caimans, monkeys and over 800 species of birds). The spectacular waterfall at the Kaieteur National Park (pictured) is a must-see – five times taller than Niagara Falls, it's the world’s highest single-drop waterfall. Take a look at amazing photos of the world's most impressive waterfalls here.

Another small but culture-rich nation is Georgia in the South Caucasus, which saw 16.9% more tourists in 2018. Located between Europe and Asia, the country has a beguiling mix of cultural influences, evident in its architecture, traditions and gastronomy. Capital Tbilisi, set along the River Mtkvari and surrounded by mountains, is one of Europe’s most alluring, under-the-radar cities. There’s much to see among the meandering alleys of its Old Town including a fortress, historic bathhouses and ancient churches.

For a little land Georgia has some jaw-dropping scenery. There are rolling vineyards, awe-inspiring peaks and a Black Sea coastline. The remarkable cave city of Vardzia in the south of the country is a must-visit, as is the remote mountainous Svaneti region in the northwest, with its green peaks, far-flung villages and ancient monasteries. While generally safe to visit, both the US and UK governments advise against travel to South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to civil unrest.

With its enthralling landscapes and incredible cuisine, Vietnam has long been a favourite on the Southeast Asian travelscape. And that looks set to grow as the diverse country saw a 19.9% leap in international tourists. From its lush paddy fields and rural villages to its beguiling cities, Vietnam offers a mix of tradition and modernity. In the shadow of the cutting-edge architecture of cities such as Hoi Chi Minh City and Hanoi, lie majestic temples, ancient relics and colourful food markets.

The immense limestone rock formations of Halong Bay are one of the country’s top travel destinations – hop aboard a traditional junk boat and set off to explore the islands and caverns of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vietnam’s beaches are another big draw – sand stretches for miles near Hội An. From here, drive along the coast to explore the imperial treasures of Huế. For trekking, head into its northern hills or explore the extraordinary cave systems and underground rivers of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in central Vietnam.

Palestine is seen by many as a conflict zone but those who visit discover a beautiful place with a deeply fascinating and rich historical, religious and cultural heritage. It looks like more people are discovering its appeal with Palestine seeing a 20.5% leap in international arrivals. The historical cities of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Jericho (one of the world’s oldest continuous settlements) are stuffed with religious and cultural wonders. In the UK, the FCO advises against travel to some parts including Gaza. The US government also asks citizens to reconsider all travel to the West Bank.

As well as its many archaeological and biblical sites, Palestine’s landscapes are bewitching and surprisingly varied. You'll find deserts and canyons, plus lush hills in the Central Highlands, between Nablus and Hebron (pictured), which are dotted with crops and olive groves. Another must-visit is the Roman city of Sebastiya while those really wanting to get to the heart of the place should follow the Abraham Path, a long-distance walking trail that follows in the footsteps of Abraham from Turkey to Palestine.

From its dazzling coastline, intoxicating cuisine and crumbling ancient ruins to the mosques and monuments of Istanbul, there are myriad reasons to visit Turkey. Set between eastern Europe and western Asia, with cultural connections to ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, it's steeped in history. But political turmoil and its proximity to conflict in the Middle East has taken some of the shine off it in recent years. But with a 21.7% rise in tourists, that looks to be changing.

The UK travel advice is to avoid all travel to areas near the border with Syria and all but essential travel to Sirnak, Kilis and Hatay provinces as well as the provinces of Diyarbakir, Tunceli and Hakkari. The US has categorised Turkey as level two “exercise extreme caution” and level four “do not travel” by the Syrian and Iraqi borders. Thankfully, most of its spectacular landscapes such as the rock chimneys and underground settlements of Cappadocia and the sparkling Lycian coast are safe and easy to visit.

Towering peaks, remote monasteries, deep valleys, thick jungles and rushing rivers – Nepal is a country of extreme beauty. But after suffering a tragic earthquake in 2015, its tourist industry took a knock. But it looks to be a destination on the rebound, according to the UNWTO data. Its big draw is, naturally, the awe-inspiring Himalayas, but it’s not just a bucket-list destination for mountain climbers and trekkers. Take a look at the world's most beautiful natural wonders here.

Kathmandu, with its Hindu temples, palaces and Buddhist monasteries, is chaotic but captivating, as is the smaller city of Bhaktapur which is crammed with medieval buildings (many restored after the earthquake). Chitwan National Park, a subtropical lowland in south-central Nepal, draws wildlife enthusiasts with safaris to spot rhinos, elephants and the elusive Bengal tiger. While the Nepalese are famed for their friendliness, the current US travel advice is to “exercise increased caution in Nepal due to the potential for isolated political violence.”

This cluster of three islands, strewn in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique, may be very much under the radar still but Comoros is seeing its tourism numbers grow significantly at 28.2%. There’s plenty to appeal to jaded tourists: gorgeous and empty beaches, colourful coral reefs, majestic volcanic scenery, fascinating wildlife and a culture where African, French and Arabic influences mingle. See more photos of the last unspoiled places on Earth.

Top attractions include hiking to the summit of Mount Karthala, an active volcano on Grande Comore, and the beaches on the island of Mohéli (Sambadjou and Nioumachoua are particularly stunning). To see the green turtles’ nesting grounds, head to the beach at Itsamia. Mohéli is also the best isle to base yourself for whale and dolphin watching, and in Parc Marin de Mohéli, you can spot the islands' famed and extraordinarily huge Livingstone’s fruit bats.

Tourism is on the up in this verdant southeast African country, but it still remains an unsung treasure of the continent. Uganda has bountiful beauty: volcanic craters, lakes, mist-shrouded peaks and thick forests. World Heritage-listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is where you’ll find the country’s stars: the mountain gorillas. The jungle is home to more than half the world’s population of the endangered and endlessly fascinating creatures, along with over 120 species of mammals and birds. Treks up the steep slopes of the Rift Valley are truly a bucket-list experience.

As well as gorilla tourism, the country draws wildlife enthusiasts in search of its other many extraordinary creatures. The protected forest of Kibale is home to 13 primate species including 1,500 chimps. Safaris in the Queen Elizabeth National Park will take you to see tree-climbing lions, hippos and elephants. For a thrill of a different kind, there’s white-water rafting on the River Nile – Jinja in the south is the famed source of the mighty African waterway. These are the best wildlife experiences in the world.

Egypt is another country on the rebound after some difficult years of turmoil and violence. The United Nations World Tourism Organization data shows a 36.8% rise in international arrivals. It seems tourists are returning to the fascinating country to explore its hordes of ancient treasures and lie on its sun-kissed beaches. British-bound flights to Red Sea resorts also resumed in 2019 which will only boost its figures further.

Capital Cairo is an essential visit: meander around its medieval quarter with atmospheric alleyways and famed Khan el-Khalili bazaar; wonder at the age-old artifacts in its treasure-filled museums; and stare spellbound at the mighty pyramids of Giza. The southern Nile towns of Luxor and Aswan are also unmissable with their incredible tombs and temples. The US currently urges citizens to exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism, and not to travel to the Sinai Peninsula, Western Desert or border areas at all. The UK advises against all travel to North Sinai with a few other areas deemed all but essential travel. 

Iran has recently opened itself up to the world and Western travellers are discovering an extraordinary country. With monuments that date back millennia, ancient holy sites from many religions, opulent palaces, bustling bazaars and landscapes of otherworldly beauty, it's no wonder its tourism numbers rose a huge 49.9%. Sadly after recent events, Iran is deemed too dangerous by some countries: the UK advises against all travel to some areas and all non-essential trips to the rest. The US advises against all travel to the Middle Eastern country.

Capital Tehran is the place to discover both old and new with its lavish palaces, sprawling museums, excellent cuisine and modern architectural icons such as Milad Tower. In all, Iran has an impressive 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – including the ancient city of Persepolis, founded by Darius the Great as the capital of the vast Persian Empire. It's one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites with stunning bas-reliefs and colossal columns.

Small but blessed with big natural beauty, Ecuador saw a 51% change in international arrival growth. It's home to handsome and historic cities too, including lofty capital Quito which sits high in the Andes at the foot of the snow-capped Pichincha volcano. The city's charming UNESCO-listed Old Town is crammed with convents and churches, and watched over by a towering statue of the Virgin Mary. Head up on the cable car to El Panecillo (Little Bread Loaf) to see the winged Madonna and take in the views.

Other top draws are outdoor-activity central Baños and Tungurahua volcano (pictured), the pretty city Cuenca, the Incan ruins at Ingapirca and the country’s incredible wildlife. Blanketed by lush tropical forests, Ecuador is a real biodiversity hot spot both on the mainland and, of course, on famed volcanic archipelago Galápagos. The country has been given a level two warning in the US, with citizens advised to exercise increased caution due to political unrest. In the UK, the FCO advises against all travel along the border with Colombia.

Top of the list and the fastest-growing destination, according to UNWTO, is the central Asian country of Tajikistan. It registered a whopping 190.1% increase in international arrivals. Located between Afghanistan and China, the little landlocked country was once part of the Persian empire and has many relics from its day as a key location on the ancient Silk Road. Treks into its rugged and remote mountains are one of its main attractions – ethereal Iskanderkul, a lake in the Fann Mountains (pictured), is one of many natural wonders.

While relatively stable and safe to visit, the country has little tourism infrastructure so remains the preserve of adventurous travellers. Driving along the Pamir Highway, one of the world’s riskiest mountain roads which connects Khorog and the capital Dushanbe, is a thrill-seeker's dream road trip. Travellers should also make a beeline to Panjakent, an ancient Sogdian town on the banks of the Zeravshan River, where you can walk about atmospheric ruins, including Zoroastrian temples and a necropolis. Look at jaw-dropping photos of the world's most dangerous roads here.