Not the Seychelles and not Bora Bora. Tourists have found a new paradise

The latest UN tourism report showed which countries saw the biggest increase in arrivals in the first three months of 2026. These are often destinations that until now have remained unknown to many people, or at least they were not an obvious choice for spending a holiday. The trends show clearly: we are looking for places away from people. Places such as Mongolia, Palau and Uzbekistan achieved great results. However, three countries turned out to be even better than them.

Tourists have discovered a new paradise

New Caledonia recorded as many as 45 percent more arrivals at the beginning of 2026. The French overseas territory is located in the western Pacific Ocean, in Melanesia, approximately 1,400 km east of Australia and 1,500 km northwest of New Zealand. This paradise offers phenomenal coral reefs and the most beautiful lagoons in the world: the New Caledonia Lagoon has even been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Another place gaining popularity, also located in Oceania, is Palau. The island state has “grown” in tourism by 37 percent.

Poles can fly directly

According to Euronews, among the destinations that recorded an increase in the number of arrivals in the first three months of 2026, the best results were achieved by: Paraguay (an increase of 46%), the aforementioned New Caledonia (45%) and El Salvador (43%). In addition to Oceania, Central America and South America, Asia is also gaining. Double-digit growth occurs in Mongolia (39%) and Uzbekistan (37%).

This last place should be of particular interest to Poles. Polish LOT flies to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The flight from Chopin Airport takes less than 6 hours – so Uzbekistan may be an interesting and not so far away alternative to many European destinations. Ticket prices in June start from PLN 1,800 one way.