TORONTO — In an effort to raise awareness about overtourism, particularly in Asia where it has become a major issue, Intrepid Travel has released its annual ‘Not Hot List’ that focuses on lesser-known and more sustainable destinations to visit in 2019.

Now in its second year, the list was developed in response to concerns about overtourism, and supports the company’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism.

“Recently, we’ve seen a number of Asian countries take a proactive approach to combat overtourism. North Americans are increasingly concerned with overtourism and this is about encouraging them to step away from the familiar to approach this continent in the most ‘intrepid’ way possible,” said Intrepid Travel’s Regional Director for North America, Darshika Jones.

Jones added that tourism can be a “potent force for good”, and that Intrepid believes that the broader the travel experience, the better. “As North American’s interest in travelling to Asia continues to grow, the more dispersal to lesser-known regions, the better,” she added.

Here is the 2019 Not Hot List:

• The Similan Islands is the new Maya Bay: With Maya Bay no longer a travel option as of summer 2018, clients can still enjoy the warm waters of the Andaman Sea when visiting the Similan Islands. The islands combine rainforests and pristine beaches with a touch of history, having been made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. After being hit by the 2004 tsunami, the island of Khao Lak has since recovered. Intrepid’s ‘Cruising the Thai Islands’ adventure cruise is priced from $2,621 per person.
• Komodo is the new Ubud: Once considered the adventurous alternative to Seminyak, Ubud in Bali has flourished in popularity, which has put pressure on local infrastructure. Komodo is a viable alternative for clients willing to sail from Bali through the Indonesian archipelago. It’s a place where ancient tribes maintain their traditions in deep rainforest valleys, and where guests can snorkel coral reefs, walk across volcanic beaches and watch for legendary Komodo dragons. Intrepid’s ‘Komodo and Flores’ tour is priced from $1,890 per person.
• Bukhara is the new Angkor Wat: Uzbekistan’s fifth largest city, Bukhara, is a UNESCO World Heritage site; its entire old city centre has more than 5,000 years of human history. There are over 140 monuments and historical buildings to explore, including Po-i-Kalyan Mosque which, during its 1,300-year history, even survived assault from Genghis Khan. Intrepid’s ‘Uzbekistan Adventure’ is priced from $1,675 per person.
• Ladakh is the new Everest: While Nepal will always be a must-visit for adventurers, Ladakh, India is rising in popularity for its hiking and Himalayan views. Travellers can break up the hiking with river rafting and visits to remote villages, monasteries and religious sites, and also explore Delhi before or after their treks. Intrepid’s ‘India Himalaya: Bike, Hike and Raft in Ladakh’ tour is priced from $2,070 per person.