10 Most Popular Countries in the World in 2023

In this piece, we will take a look at the 10 most popular countries in the world in 2023. For more countries, head on over to the 50 most popular countries in the world in 2023.

10. Qatar

Total expenditure in 2021 (in millions): $14,830

Total overnight visitors in 2021 (in thousands): 2,560

Qatar is likely to climb up the list of the most popular countries in the world after successfully holding the most popular sporting event in the world in the FIFA World Cup Finals in 2022.

9. Macao, China

Total expenditure in 2021 (in millions): $15,679

Total overnight visitors in 2021 (in thousands): 3,697

Macao is a popular destination for Asian countries and its tourism office has been working to create demand in India, a potentially major market.

8. Australia

Total expenditure in 2021 (in millions): $17,132

Total overnight visitors in 2021 (in thousands): 3,690

Virgin Australia finally turned over a profit for the first time in over a decade, taking advantage of higher prices due to pent-up demand.

7. Mexico

Total expenditure in 2021 (in millions): $20,554

Total overnight visitors in 2021 (in thousands): 31,860

Mexico may be known for its beaches and sunshine, but it is also a well-known destination for medical tourism, allowing it to be counted among the most popular countries in the world.

6. Germany

Total expenditure in 2021 (in millions): $22,113

Total overnight visitors in 2021 (in thousands): 11,688

Tourism in Germany has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels after a major boost in summer travel, according to Bloomberg.

5. Italy

Total expenditure in 2021 (in millions): $25,355

Total overnight visitors in 2021 (in thousands): 26,888

Italy is home to Venice, one of the most famous cities in the world, and which recently implemented a tourist tax to promote sustainable tourism.

4. Türkiye

Total expenditure in 2021 (in millions): $27,899

Total overnight visitors in 2021 (in thousands): 29,925

Türkiye’s location encompassing both Europe and Asia, not to mention Istanbul’s history, Fethiye’s resorts and Cappadocia’s incredible nature all lead to it being considered among the most popular countries in the world.

3. United Arab Emirates

Total expenditure in 2021 (in millions): $34,440

Total overnight visitors in 2021 (in thousands): 11,479

The UAE has fast been growing to become one of the most visited countries in the world, with Dubai a particular global tourist hotspot.

2. France

Total expenditure in 2021 (in millions): $44,402

Total overnight visitors in 2021 (in thousands): 48,395

France is the most visited country in the world, but spend in the nation is still much lower.

1. United States of America

Total expenditure in 2021 (in millions): $82,974

Total overnight visitors in 2021 (in thousands): 22,100

Unsurprisingly, topping the list of the 50 most popular countries in the world is the United States of America, which may not have the highest number of tourists but easily tops spend. In 2022, spending in the U.S. crossed $132 million.
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