In this article, we will look at the 10 most visited countries in the world in 2024. We have also looked the the growth projections for global tourism in another article. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 35 Most Visited Countries in the World in 2024.
10. United Kingdom
Number of Arrivals: 39.4m
Tourism plays an important role in the United Kingdom’s economy, ranking as the world’s 10th most popular tourist destination with over 40.1 million visitors in 2019. This sector contributes substantially to the UK’s GDP, totaling £234 billion ($295billion) in 2019 alone. In 2017, foreign tourists spent £23.1 billion ($29.11 billion) within the UK. According to VisitBritain data, the USA continues to be the most lucrative inbound market, with American visitors spending £2.1 billion ($2.65 billion) in 2010.
9. Germany
Number of Arrivals: 39.6m
The German National Tourist Board (GNTB), along with its National Tourist Offices in 29 countries, serves as the official body for promoting tourism in Germany. Their surveys reveal that 75% of respondents cite culture, while 59% each mention outdoors/countryside and cities as reasons for holidaying in Germany.
8. Thailand
Number of Arrivals: 39.8m
In 2019, Bangkok secured the top position in Mastercard’s Global Destination Cities Index with 22.78 million visitors, outshining Paris and London. Phuket ranked 14th with 9.89 million visitors, while Pattaya stood 15th with 9.44 million visitors.
7. Mexico
Number of Arrivals: 45.0m
Mexico consistently ranks among the world’s top tourist destinations, according to the World Tourism Organization. Second only to the United States in the Americas, it claimed the sixth position globally for tourism in 2017.
6. Turkey
Number of Arrivals: 51.2m
Tourism in Turkey thrives on its rich historical sites and scenic coastal resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. With a surge in culture, spa, and healthcare tourism, Turkey ranked as the fourth most visited country globally by 2021. Despite fluctuations, foreign arrivals peaked at 51 million in 2019.
5. Italy
Number of Arrivals: 64.5m
Italy’s tourism sector is a vital contributor to its economy, hosting approximately 65 million visitors annually as of 2019, making it the fifth most visited country globally. With direct contributions exceeding five percent of the GDP and indirect impacts pushing this figure to 13 percent, tourism holds significant economic importance, employing over six per cent of the workforce.
4. China
Number of Arrivals: 65.7m
China’s visa-free travel policy, implemented on December 1, has significantly promoted tourism, according to the country’s foreign ministry. There has been a notable increase in tourist numbers from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, the countries covered by the waiver. Daily average tourist visits from these countries increased by 39% in the first three days of December compared to November’s end. It is one of the top 5 most visited countries in the world in 2024.
3. United States
Number of Arrivals: 79.3m
Tourists spend the most money in the United States compared to any other country, despite it ranking third in tourist arrivals behind France and Spain. This difference could be attributed to longer average stays in the US. It is one of the countries with highest number of international tourists.
2. Spain
Number of Arrivals: 83.7m
Spain was the the second most visited country globally in 2019 for the seventh consecutive year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, tourist numbers drastically declined to 18.9 million. Spain’s tourism industry has demonstrated resilience, with consistent top rankings in the biannual Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index by the World Economic Forum, leading among 140 countries in 2019, 2017, and 2015.
1.France
Number of Arrivals: 89.4m
France boasts 45 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including iconic cities like Paris, historic regions like the Loire Valley, and cultural gems like Toulouse and Bordeaux. Its diverse landscapes offer beaches, ski resorts, and tranquil rural areas popular for green tourism. Charming villages, such as Collonges-la-Rouge and Montsoreau, are celebrated through Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Over 200 gardens, designated “Remarkable Gardens” by the Ministry of Culture, are protected and promoted for their beauty and historical significance. It is the most visited country in the world in 2024.
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