Intrepid reveals Not Hot List for travel in 2027 Intrepid reveals Not Hot List for travel in 2027

From the UNESCO-listed landscapes of Mestia, Georgia  to the lush Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka, the Not Hot List 2027 by Intrepid targets places deserving of more visitors, where tourism can create meaningful change for local communities.

The list was developed using insights from Intrepid’s extensive global network of local leaders and destination experts and travel trend agency Globetrender, and is based on three key criteria: being less-visited, with fewer visitors than comparable places; demonstrating tourism readiness, with infrastructure and capacity to support more tourists; and new initiatives, launches or openings in the region.

Samburu National Reserve, Kenya

As Kenya works to spread the benefits of safari tourism beyond its busiest parks, Samburu National Reserve offers a more intimate wildlife experience where community-led tourism supports conservation and local livelihoods.

One of the reasons to visit this semi-arid region is to try and spot the rare ‘Samburu Special Five’; five unusual animals that are not found in Kenya’s better-known parks and reserves. The five are gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra (the largest of all wild equids), Somali ostrich and the beisa oryx.

“Our most famous parks offer extraordinary wildlife experiences, but they also face growing pressure from demand. By spotlighting less-visited – but equally remarkable – places like Kenya’s Samburu region, we can help redirect tourism towards communities and conservation areas that can benefit from it the most.” Samuel Karani, Intrepid Travel General Manager, East Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Mestia, Georgia

With new airport investment and Georgia’s highland tourism strategy, the small town of Mestia is becoming more accessible as a gateway to the Caucasus, where UNESCO-listed landscapes, medieval tower villages and trekking routes on the Transcaucasian Way remain relatively uncrowded.

“Mestia’s shift into Svaneti’s main hub has increased local trade and investment, raising the quality of life across neighbouring villages and giving people a real economic reason to stay instead of moving away to big cities.” Merab Mchedliani, Intrepid Travel Tour Leader.

Northern Highlands, Jordan

Following a challenging year, Jordan is continuing to focus on diversifying tourism beyond Petra and Wadi Rum, with the Northern Highlands emerging as a greener, less-visited region of Roman ruins, forest reserves and a host of community-based travel experiences.

“When people think of Jordan, they often think of deserts. I remember how surprised I was to see green areas in the Northern Highlands and experience the diversity that the region has to offer. I hope that more people will take the time to discover this side of Jordan for themselves.” Salam Shaqdeeh, Intrepid Travel General Manager, Jordan & Egypt, based in Amman, Jordan.

Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Following the launch of the Arctic Canada Tourism Network, Whitehorse is emerging as the gateway to the Yukon, offering the wilderness, wildlife, Indigenous culture and adventure.

“The Yukon has wilderness that is vast and looks pristine because of the stewardship here by the Yukon First Nations people. It is very important to know that this land has been travelled and cared for since time immemorial. Visiting here means stepping into history and feeling the land in a very meaningful way.” Amber Berard-Althouse, Tlingit woman from Kluane First Nations and Chair of Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism.

Alonnisos, Greece

As Greece seeks to disperse visitors beyond its most crowded islands, Alonnisos is gaining momentum as a low-impact Aegean destination, with new port upgrades, improved connectivity access and a growing focus on marine conservation and responsible island tourism. Here, you can sail through the clear waters of the National Marine Park, home to the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, before wandering the cobbled streets of Alonnisos Old Town and taking in panoramic hilltop views across the Aegean.

“Alonnisos demonstrates how tourism can contribute to nature conservation while creating meaningful experiences for visitors and supporting the local economy and community.” Eleni Skarveli, Greek National Tourism Office.

Dili, Timor-Leste

Following Timor-Leste’s admission to ASEAN, Dili is entering a new era of tourism, with new flights, upgraded infrastructure and community-led experiences making it easier than ever to explore one of Southeast Asia’s least-visited destinations. Travellers can visit Dili’s local cafes, browse the traditional Tais Market and learn about the country’s past at local museums, before venturing out of the city to hike to the summit of Timor-Leste’s tallest mountain, meet farmers at local coffee plantations and spend time on Atauro Island.

“Tourism here is still young. We are not a destination where everything has been built or polished for tourists, and I think that is one of our biggest strengths. You need to come with an open mind and a heart for adventure – but that is also where some of the best experiences come from.” Anas Madeira, Intrepid Travel Tour Leader, Timor-Leste.

Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka

Relaxed visa rules and new flight routes mean Sri Lanka’s community-led walking trail – encompassing tea estates, cloud forests, mountains, rivers, remote villages and World Heritage landscapes – is more accessible than ever.

“As Sri Lanka’s tourism boom continues, most visitors remain concentrated along the coast, but there’s so much more to see. We need to better disperse tourists, and a trip through Sri Lanka’s tea country is the perfect place to start.” Poornaka Delpachitra, Intrepid Travel General Manager, Sri Lanka, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Carretera Austral, Chile

Backed by one of Chile’s largest infrastructure investment programmes in decades, the Carretera Austral is a remote road trip through Northern Patagonia, featuring fjords, glaciers and rainforest landscapes and offering an alternative to the more visited southern parks.

“Patagonia is often associated with places like Torres del Paine or the iconic Route 40 which passes through El Chaltén, but it is so much more than that. This part of Northern Patagonia is not very well known, but for adventurous travellers willing to venture off the beaten path, it’s completely worth it.” Camila Blanzaco, Intrepid Travel General Manager, Chile, based in Santiago, Chile.

Liepāja, Latvia

As European Capital of Culture 2027, Liepāja is taking centre stage as Latvia diversifies tourism beyond Riga, combining white-sand beaches, cultural heritage and military history on the Baltic coast.

“Liepāja has never been a city that follows the crowd. Shaped by the Baltic Sea, creativity and a spirit of restless innovation, it offers visitors an authentic experience where culture, nature and local life exist in perfect balance.” Inta Šoriņa, Chairperson of the Board, Liepāja 2027

Dalsland, Sweden

With new rail links set to strengthen access along Sweden’s west coast, Dalsland is positioning itself as “Europe’s Nearest Wilderness”, offering lakes, forests and gravel cycling routes that remain far less visited than Scandinavia’s better-known outdoor hubs.

“When people find their way to Dalsland, they are often surprised by how much there is to experience in a place that still feels so unspoilt and unexplored.” Lotta Edin-Johansson, CEO, Visit Dalsland AB & Dalslands Canal AB.