Liepāja named among world's top 10 destinations to discover in 2027
Travel company Intrepid Travel, together with trend forecaster Globetrender, has placed Liepāja on its list of ten global destinations worth visiting in 2027, citing the city's status as European Capital of Culture as a key reason.
Latvia's coastal city of Liepāja has received international recognition, earning a spot on the "Not Hot List 2027," a ranking compiled by travel company Intrepid Travel in partnership with trend-forecasting agency Globetrender that highlights ten destinations worldwide worth exploring in the coming years.
Destinations on the list were judged on three main criteria: their current level of international recognition and visitor numbers, their readiness to welcome a growing number of tourists, and notable developments or plans set for 2027. The goal of the list is to spotlight places that have not yet become mass-tourism hotspots but are prepared for gradual, responsible growth in visitor numbers.
Capital of Culture status a key factor
Liepāja's inclusion is largely tied to the city's designation as European Capital of Culture 2027. Intrepid describes Liepāja as the "Baltic Mediterranean," pointing to its eight-kilometre white sand beach alongside a vibrant cultural scene, architectural heritage and military history. As part of the Capital of Culture programme, more than 500 cultural events are planned for 2027 in Liepāja and the neighbouring Dienvidkurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, including international exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances, festivals, and new walking routes.
Growth potential without overtourism
The list's compilers note that Liepāja can accommodate more visitors while retaining the sense of authenticity that has become harder to find at Europe's more popular destinations. In 2025, the city's accommodation facilities recorded 119,840 overnight stays, reflecting a steady tourist flow that still leaves considerable room for sustainable growth. Alongside Liepāja, the 2027 list includes destinations in Sweden, Georgia, Greece, Jordan, Kenya, Canada, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka and Chile. Rankings were also based on tourism data, infrastructure and accessibility indicators, and input from local experts and national tourism organisations.
