The travel landscape in 2025 reveals a fascinating divide between nations that roll out the red carpet for visitors and those where tourists might encounter cooler receptions. Recent international surveys and polling data paint a clear picture of which destinations genuinely embrace foreign visitors and which ones might leave travelers feeling less than welcome.
Global tourism has fully recovered from pandemic lows, with over 1.4 billion international tourists expected to travel in 2024, according to UN Tourism data. Yet not all destinations treat their visitors equally, and understanding these cultural dynamics can make or break your travel experience.
South Africa: The Ultimate Tourist-Friendly Destination
With a score of 34.63 on a scale of 40, South Africa has emerged as the top performer in Remitly’s widely disseminated rankings. The country’s position as the most welcoming destination reflects the genuine warmth of its people and their communal approach to hospitality. Given the welcoming nature of the African people, the communal warmth they extend to everyone (even outsiders), and the cosmopolitan makeup of the cultural hotspot that is this country, it’s easy to see why South Africa outperformed all other countries on the map. Visitors consistently report feeling embraced by local communities, whether exploring Cape Town’s vibrant neighborhoods or experiencing the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Panama: A Rising Star in Tourist Hospitality
Pushing Mexico to spot #2 since the previous year, Panama topped the list as the friendliest country for expats in 2024 – and it’s easy to see why. The Central American nation has become a beacon for welcoming attitudes toward visitors. Expats love the affordable housing, great weather, and easy visa process. Nearly 90% said their income covers a comfortable life, and over 80% are happy with their overall experience. This satisfaction extends to tourists, who find locals eager to share their culture and assist with directions or recommendations.
Iceland: Where Nordic Hospitality Shines
At the other end of the scale, Iceland and New Zealand were ranked the world’s most welcoming nations for visitors. Iceland consistently appears at the top of multiple international surveys measuring tourist friendliness. While also being the third-happiest country in the world, according to the United Nations’ 2017 World Happiness Report, Iceland tops the list of friendly countries. Icelanders welcome outsiders with open arms and will go above and beyond to make you feel at home. The small island nation’s culture of helping others creates an exceptionally positive environment for travelers.
New Zealand: Pacific Warmth at Its Best
New Zealand shares the top spot with Iceland in the World Economic Forum rankings for tourist friendliness. At the other end of the scale, Iceland and New Zealand were ranked the world’s most welcoming nations for visitors. The country’s reputation for “Kiwi hospitality” isn’t just marketing speak but reflects genuine cultural values. Local communities across both islands demonstrate remarkable openness to sharing their stunning natural landscapes and rich Maori heritage with visitors from around the globe.
Mexico: Vibrant Culture Meets Warm Hearts
Mexico continues to win hearts with its warmth and vibrancy. Nearly 9 in 10 expats say they’re happy living there, thanks to friendly locals, a strong sense of welcome, and a culture that’s easy to adapt to. This welcoming spirit extends beyond expatriate communities to tourists, who frequently report being invited to local celebrations and receiving genuine assistance from strangers. Mexico’s cultural emphasis on hospitality makes it a consistently top-rated destination for visitor satisfaction.
Morocco: North African Hospitality Excellence
Morocco’s position in multiple international rankings reflects its deep-rooted tradition of hospitality toward guests. Available data for the first 10 to 12 months of 2024 shows several destinations reporting double-digit growth compared to 2019: El Salvador (+81%), Saudi Arabia (+69%), Ethiopia (+40%), Morocco (+35%), Guatemala (+33%) and the Dominican Republic (+32%), all exceeded pre-pandemic levels by far in the full twelve months of 2024. The country’s impressive tourism growth demonstrates how welcoming attitudes translate into visitor loyalty.
Portugal: European Charm with Open Arms
The Portuguese people are a famously easygoing bunch, balancing out their workdays with long, laid-back hours of leisure over coffee or wine, and enjoying a lifestyle into which new friends can be assimilated effortlessly. Portugal’s relaxed approach to life extends naturally to how locals interact with tourists, as one Quora user described them: “Very welcoming, friendly, and helpful. With a modesty that melts your heart.” The country’s reputation for hospitality has helped it become one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.
Ireland: The Land of Genuine Welcome
Rolling green hills, charming pubs around every corner, and strong cultural roots are bound to make anyone friendly – and the Irish are no exception! Ireland is universally known as one of the friendliest countries in the world, with incredibly helpful and chatty locals. The Irish approach to hospitality goes beyond politeness to a genuine interest in visitors. If travelers want to experience true Irish hospitality, all they have to do is visit a pub and strike up a conversation with the locals. This cultural openness makes Ireland consistently rank among the world’s most welcoming destinations.
Greece: Mediterranean Warmth and Pride
One of the few countries that made the top 10 list for both US News and World Population Review, Greece welcomed over 17 million tourists in just the first six months of 2023. Much of the country’s friendliness is attributed to the strong cultural heritage of the region, which locals continue to take great pride in. Their eagerness to share their history continually impresses travelers and has inspired many repeat visits over the years. Greek hospitality, known as “philoxenia,” literally means “love of strangers” and remains deeply embedded in the culture.
Costa Rica: Central American Gem of Hospitality
Additionally, the variety of beautiful things to see in Costa Rica is accessible to even the most out-of-place traveler, making it clear why Costa Rica is one of the friendliest countries in the world. Plus, Costa Rica is the top country to retire in 2024, according to the Global Retirement Index. The country’s “Pura Vida” philosophy creates an atmosphere where both locals and visitors embrace a relaxed, friendly approach to life. This cultural mindset translates into exceptional hospitality for tourists throughout the country.
Bolivia: The Challenge for Travelers
Bolivia took the dubious honor, scoring a 4.1 out of seven on a scale of “very unwelcome” (0) to “very welcome” (7). Multiple international surveys consistently place Bolivia at or near the bottom of tourist friendliness rankings. The three countries least welcoming to foreigners are, in order: Bolivia, Venezuela, and Russia. While the country offers stunning natural attractions like the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, travelers often report challenges in receiving assistance or feeling welcomed by local communities.
Venezuela: Political Tensions Affect Tourism Experience
Venezuela’s position as one of the least welcoming countries reflects broader challenges facing the nation. Once one of the wealthiest countries in South America, with the falling price of oil over the years, Venezuela’s economy has effectively collapsed. The Venezuelan bolivar is worth almost nothing, and food and supplies are scarce for those in poverty. Economic difficulties and political instability have created an environment where tourism infrastructure and local hospitality have suffered significantly.
Kuwait: Cultural Barriers to Tourist Welcome
Kuwait ranked last (53rd) in the global expat survey for the seventh year in a row, and the numbers tell the story. Just 22% of expats are satisfied with their social life (vs. 52% globally), and only 26% feel locals are friendly toward foreign residents (vs. 61%). Kuwait’s consistent low ranking in hospitality surveys extends to tourist experiences. While 73% view Kuwait’s economy positively, the heat, rigid work culture, and difficult social scene make life there challenging. These cultural and environmental factors create barriers between locals and visitors that affect the overall tourism experience.
These rankings, based on international polling and survey data, reveal clear patterns in global hospitality. Countries with strong tourism-friendly cultures tend to see continued growth in visitor numbers, while those with less welcoming reputations struggle to attract and retain tourists. What surprises you most about these findings?