Worlddata.info

International tourism: the most popular countries

Tourism

Drastic declines due to COVID-19

The most popular travel countries.

Traveling by plane

Germany is the world travel champion

Booming tourism and slump in 2020.

Development of global tourism

A look at the costs

Ranking: Safest travel countries

International tourism, number of arrivals - Country Ranking

Definition: International inbound tourists (overnight visitors) are the number of tourists who travel to a country other than that in which they have their usual residence, but outside their usual environment, for a period not exceeding 12 months and whose main purpose in visiting is other than an activity remunerated from within the country visited. When data on number of tourists are not available, the number of visitors, which includes tourists, same-day visitors, cruise passengers, and crew members, is shown instead. Sources and collection methods for arrivals differ across countries. In some cases data are from border statistics (police, immigration, and the like) and supplemented by border surveys. In other cases data are from tourism accommodation establishments. For some countries number of arrivals is limited to arrivals by air and for others to arrivals staying in hotels. Some countries include arrivals of nationals residing abroad while others do not. Caution should thus be used in comparing arrivals across countries. The data on inbound tourists refer to the number of arrivals, not to the number of people traveling. Thus a person who makes several trips to a country during a given period is counted each time as a new arrival.

Source: World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.

See also: Thematic map , Time series comparison

More rankings: Africa | Asia | Central America & the Caribbean | Europe | Middle East | North America | Oceania | South America | World |

Development Relevance: Tourism is officially recognized as a directly measurable activity, enabling more accurate analysis and more effective policy. Whereas previously the sector relied mostly on approximations from related areas of measurement (e.g. Balance of Payments statistics), tourism today possesses a range of instruments to track its productive activities and the activities of the consumers that drive them: visitors (both tourists and excursionists). An increasing number of countries have opened up and invested in tourism development, making tourism a key driver of socio-economic progress through export revenues, the creation of jobs and enterprises, and infrastructure development. As an internationally traded service, inbound tourism has become one of the world's major trade categories. For many developing countries it is one of the main sources of foreign exchange income and a major component of exports, creating much needed employment and development opportunities.

Limitations and Exceptions: Tourism can be either domestic or international. The data refers to international tourism, where the traveler's country of residence differs from the visiting country. International tourism consists of inbound (arrival) and outbound (departures) tourism. The data are from the World Tourism Organization (WTO), a United Nations agency. The data on inbound and outbound tourists refer to the number of arrivals and departures, not to the number of people traveling. Thus a person who makes several trips to a country during a given period is counted each time as a new arrival. The data on inbound tourism show the arrivals of nonresident tourists (overnight visitors) at national borders. When data on international tourists are unavailable or incomplete, the data show the arrivals of international visitors, which include tourists, same-day visitors, cruise passengers, and crew members. Sources and collection methods for arrivals differ across countries. In some cases data are from border statistics (police, immigration, and the like) and supplemented by border surveys. In other cases data are from tourism accommodation establishments. For some countries number of arrivals is limited to arrivals by air and for others to arrivals staying in hotels. Some countries include arrivals of nationals residing abroad while others do not. Caution should thus be used in comparing arrivals across countries.

Statistical Concept and Methodology: Statistical information on tourism is based mainly on data on arrivals and overnight stays along with balance of payments information. These data do not completely capture the economic phenomenon of tourism or provide the information needed for effective public policies and efficient business operations. Data are needed on the scale and significance of tourism. Information on the role of tourism in national economies is particularly deficient. Although the World Tourism Organization reports progress in harmonizing definitions and measurement, differences in national practices still prevent full comparability. Arrivals data measure the flows of international visitors to the country of reference: each arrival corresponds to one in inbound tourism trip. If a person visits several countries during the course of a single trip, his/her arrival in each country is recorded separately. In an accounting period, arrivals are not necessarily equal to the number of persons travelling (when a person visits the same country several times a year, each trip by the same person is counted as a separate arrival). Arrivals data should correspond to inbound visitors by including both tourists and same-day non-resident visitors. All other types of travelers (such as border, seasonal and other short-term workers, long-term students and others) should be excluded as they do not qualify as visitors. Data are obtained from different sources: administrative records (immigration, traffic counts, and other possible types of controls), border surveys or a mix of them. If data are obtained from accommodation surveys, the number of guests is used as estimate of arrival figures; consequently, in this case, breakdowns by regions, main purpose of the trip, modes of transport used or forms of organization of the trip are based on complementary visitor surveys.

Aggregation method: Gap-filled total

Periodicity: Annual

Note: This page was last updated on December 28, 2019

Home | About | Search | Site Map | Blog | Indicadores en Español

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

The first global dashboard for tourism insights.

  • UN Tourism Tourism Dashboard
  • Language Services
  • Publications

share this content

  • Share this article on facebook
  • Share this article on twitter
  • Share this article on linkedin

UN Tourism Data Dashboard

The UN Tourism Data Dashboard – provides statistics and insights on key indicators for inbound and outbound tourism at the global, regional and national levels. Data covers tourist arrivals, tourism share of exports and contribution to GDP, source markets, seasonality and accommodation (data on number of rooms, guest and nights)

Two special modules present data on the impact of COVID 19 on tourism as well as a Policy Tracker on Measures to Support Tourism

The UNWTO/IATA Travel Tracker

The UN Tourism/IATA Destination Tracker

UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker

UN Tourism Recovery Tracker

International Tourism Results

  • International tourist arrivals and receipts and export revenues
  • International tourism expenditure and departures
  • Seasonality
  • Tourism Flows
  • Accommodation
  • Tourism GDP and Employment
  • Domestic Tourism

International Tourism and COVID-19"

International Tourism and COVID-19

  • The pandemic generated a loss of 2.6 billion international arrivals in 2020, 2021 and 2022 combined
  • Export revenues from international tourism dropped 62% in 2020 and 59% in 2021, versus 2019 (real terms) and then rebounded in 2022, remaining 34% below pre-pandemic levels.
  • The total loss in export revenues from tourism amounts to USD 2.6 trillion for that three-year period.
  • International tourist arrivals reached 89% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 and 97% in Q1 2024

COVID-19: Measures to Support Travel and Tourism

Map Options

map placeholder

Most Visited Countries 2024

European countries, often rich in history, culture, beautiful beaches, and ocean views, attract the highest number of tourists.

France, leading in tourism for over 30 years, offers attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland Paris, drawing 38 million tourists to Paris alone in 2019.

Global travel and tourism, an $8.9 trillion industry in 2019, suffered a loss of $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Global travel and tourism was an $8.9 trillion (US$) business in 2019 . Moreover, though the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced that number to roughly a quarter of its previous value, all signs point to tourism continuing to grow, expand, and evolve. Every country on Earth has something to offer international visitors, from the pyramids in Egypt to the rainforests of Brazil or the sidewalk cafes of Paris —but which countries attract the most visitors of all? Most of the countries with the highest tourism rates are located in Europe , whose rich history, architecture, and cultural influence make it an appealing destination for many travelers. Countries positioned on or near a body of water are also very popular, particularly those that offer a relaxed, low-key atmosphere mixed with beautiful beaches and ocean views.

Top 10 Countries Most Popular with Tourists (by number of 2019 visitor arrivals)

The most popular tourist destination in the world for more than 30 years, France offers a myriad of attractions: the Eiffel tower, countless world-class restaurants, the Musée du Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Notre-Dame cathedral, the beaches of the Côte d'Azur, and of course, Disneyland Paris. Moreover, the lushly beautiful countryside is full of storybook villages, mountains, vineyards, and the occasional castle. One can even view prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux. Paris, France's capital, is the most visited city in Europe, receiving 38 million tourists in 2019.

Spain is another tourist destination overflowing with interesting attractions. Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia cathedral and other works in Barcelona , the Guggenheim museum, the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, Europe's largest aquarium (the lily-shaped L'Oceanogràfic), the beaches of Gran Canaria, and La Rambla in Barcelona. Spain is also home to El Teide, an ancient—but not entirely dormant—volcano, which visitors can hike around at the Parque Nacional del Teide on the Spanish island Tenerife.

England's capital city, London , attracts visitors with a wide range of sights including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum, which includes the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo . Beyond London, England offers the mysterious Stonehenge, the Beatles' birthplace in Liverpool , the quaint beauty of the Cotswolds, the sci-fi botanical gardens of the Eden Project, and more. Speaking of more, the UK also includes three additional subdivisions. First is Scotland, with the charming city of Edinburgh , moody Loch Ness and Inverness , the scenic highlands, and the historic St. Andrews golf course. Next comes charming Wales and its castles, scenery, and capital city of Cardiff . Finally, Northern Ireland boasts attractions including Belfast 's bubbling nightlife, the glens and coastline of Antrim, and one of Europe's most compelling natural wonders: the Giant's Causeway.

The Mediterranean nation Turkey balances captivating man-made attractions such as Hagia Sophia mosque and Topkapı Palace with archaeological wonders such as the Biblical city of Ephesus, the fairy city of Cappadocia, and the desolate fallen splendor of Mount Nemrut. It also has more than its share of natural wonders, including the famous beaches at Ölüdeniz and Patara, the mineral pools at Pamukkale, and the Mediterranean coastline itself.

The South Asian country of Thailand is also known as the "Land of Smiles", and offers both modern comforts and wild adventure. Thailand's capital, Bangkok , receives over 20 million visitors every year. Popular attractions include the Grand Palace in Bangkok; beaches including Railay, Long, and Monkey beach; the ancient city Ayutthaya and ornate Buddhist wat Coi Suthep, and national parks including Khao Yai (where wild elephants roam) and the otherworldly Khao Sok.

The impact of COVID-19 on travel and tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21 had a devastating effect on the travel and tourism industry. According to a report released by the World Travel & Tourism Council , the pandemic cost the industry an estimated US$ 4.5 trillion in 2020, which resulted in the loss of 62 million tourism-dependent jobs. Data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization backs this up. Consider the following table:

International tourist arrivals (in thousands of visitors):

Compared to 2019, tourism dropped by approximately 74% in 2020, with a total of a billion fewer travelers over the course of the year--making 2020 the worst year on record for tourism. The UNTWO's own estimates registered a loss of US$ 1.3 trillion in lost revenues and 100-120 million jobs either lost or at risk.

The impact has been particularly damaging in countries that rely heavily upon tourism as part of their GDP. Lost tourism in Macau , one of China 's special administrative regions, led to a 79.3% drop in year-on-year gambling revenues , which caused overall GDP for 2020 to fall 43.1% compared to the previous year.

While tourism has picked up slightly in 2021, they still fall far short of the pre-pandemic numbers. Late 2020 projections were hopeful that the industry would be back on track by late 2021, but the ongoing nature of the pandemic has thwarted that optimism. As of late 2021, most estimates do not expect the industry to rebound to 2019 (pre-COVID) levels until sometime in 2023 at the earliest.

  • Visitor totals are displayed in 1000s. For example, South Africa 's displayed total of 3886.6 equals 3,886,600 visitors.

Download Table Data

Enter your email below, and you'll receive this table's data in your inbox momentarily.

What are the top 5 most visited countries?

Frequently asked questions.

  • UNWTO Tourism Data Dashboard - United Nations World Tourism Organization
  • World Tourism Barometer - United Nations World Tourism Organization
  • Trending in Travel - World Travel & Tourism Council
  • Economic Impact Reports - World Travel & Tourism Council

Data Pandas Logo

  • Get started

Data Pandas Logo

  • Introduction
  • Most Visited

Most Visited Countries

tourism world ranking wiki

Travel Hotspots & Popular Destinations

Every year, millions of people across the globe pack their bags and set off to explore the diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, unique cuisines, and historic landmarks that the world's countries have to offer. Transnational tourism plays a monumental role in the global economy and significantly impacts the culture and environment of the countries it touches. Using data on international arrivals collected by the World Tourism Organization, we've compiled a list of the most visited countries across the globe and analyzed what makes these nations so attractive to travelers.

Key findings from the data include:

  • France tops the list with a whopping 89.4 million arrivals, corroborating its reputation as a global hotspot for its rich history, cultural heritage, fine wines, and exquisite cuisine.
  • Making an impressive appearance in the second place is Spain, boasting 83.7 million arrivals, thanks to its sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a rich festive tradition.
  • The United States, with its diverse topography, iconic landmarks, and multicultural cities, follows closely, welcoming 79.3 million visitors.
  • Interestingly, Asian countries like China, with 65.7 million, Turkey, with 51.2 million, and Thailand, with 39.8 million, emphasize the growing interest in Asian cultures, history, landscapes, and culinary delights.
  • Countries with a strong historical and cultural background like Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom boast high arrival numbers, with 64.5 million, 39.6 million, and 39.4 million respectively, demonstrating the global appetite for cultural tourism.

As we travel the spectrum of countries, from the lavender fields of Provence in France to the bustling cityscape of New York in the United States to the Great Wall of China, it's clear that each nation offers a unique array of experiences and attractions that draw people from around the world.

10 Most Visited Countries

Topping the chart, with a massive number of 89.4 million arrivals, is France. This is a testimony to its enduring popularity amongst tourists, drawn to its diverse regional cultures, historical sites, museums, gastronomy, and the romantic allure of Paris.

Stepping up to the second spot is Spain, counting 83.7 million arrivals. Its combination of historical richness, sundrenched coasts, architectural beauty, flamenco music, and the running of the bulls are among the experiences that keep tourists pouring in.

The United States, a country of vast landscape diversity and iconic cities, seizes the third spot with 79.3 million international visitors. From the swarming streets of New York City to California’s golden coasts and Florida’s amusement parks, there is an endless list of attractions for tourists.

In the fourth spot, we see China, an Asian giant that had an impressive 65.7 million arrivals. With its ancient history, diverse culture, and remarkable landmarks like the Great Wall, it continues to enthrall explorers from around the globe.

Italy marks the fifth position with 64.5 million arrivals. Famed for its art, history, fashion, food, and wine, Italy effortlessly captivates the heart of its visitors.

At the sixth spot, we have Turkey with 51.2 million arrivals. It's a fascinating mix of Eastern and Western culture, joining together Istanbul's grand history and the turquoise coastlines of Antalya.

Heading to the Americas, Mexico lands on the seventh spot with 45.0 million arrivals. Its vibrant culture, mouth watering food, sun-beaten beaches, and famous Mayan and Aztec ruins are a strong pull for tourists.

Thailand welcomes the world at number eight, with 39.8 million arrivals, giving them a taste of Asia through its royal palaces, ancient ruins, ornate temples, and folk traditions, not to mention the famed beaches.

Germany ranks ninth with 39.6 million visitors, who are often drawn towards its picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and of course, Oktoberfest.

The final spot in our list goes to the United Kingdom, with 39.4 million arrivals. Its wealth of history, notable landmarks, and the royal charm of London, added to the cultural riches of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, make it a bucket list regular.

10 Most Visited Countries:

  • France - 89.4M
  • Spain - 83.7M
  • United States - 79.3M
  • China - 65.7M
  • Italy - 64.5M
  • Turkey - 51.2M
  • Mexico - 45.0M
  • Thailand - 39.8M
  • Germany - 39.6M
  • United Kingdom - 39.4M 

Full Data Set

To sort the data in the table, click on the column headers.

Frequently Asked Questions

International Tourism, Number of Arrivals - The World Bank

Related Rankings

Food stamp benefits by state, guns per capita, co2 emissions by country, developed countries, average age to lose virginity by country, newest countries.

Oxford Martin School logo

By: Bastian Herre , Veronika Samborska and Max Roser

Tourism has massively increased in recent decades. Aviation has opened up travel from domestic to international. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of international visits had more than doubled since 2000.

Tourism can be important for both the travelers and the people in the countries they visit.

For visitors, traveling can increase their understanding of and appreciation for people in other countries and their cultures.

And in many countries, many people rely on tourism for their income. In some, it is one of the largest industries.

But tourism also has externalities: it contributes to global carbon emissions and can encroach on local environments and cultures.

On this page, you can find data and visualizations on the history and current state of tourism across the world.

Interactive Charts on Tourism

Cite this work.

Our articles and data visualizations rely on work from many different people and organizations. When citing this topic page, please also cite the underlying data sources. This topic page can be cited as:

BibTeX citation

Reuse this work freely

All visualizations, data, and code produced by Our World in Data are completely open access under the Creative Commons BY license . You have the permission to use, distribute, and reproduce these in any medium, provided the source and authors are credited.

The data produced by third parties and made available by Our World in Data is subject to the license terms from the original third-party authors. We will always indicate the original source of the data in our documentation, so you should always check the license of any such third-party data before use and redistribution.

All of our charts can be embedded in any site.

Our World in Data is free and accessible for everyone.

Help us do this work by making a donation.

tourism world ranking wiki

Download WP Travel

Please enter your email to download WP Travel and also get amazing WP Travel offers and Newsletters.

World Tourism Ranking by Country 2024

Home » Blog » World Tourism Ranking by Country 2024

The world is slowly emerging from the shadows of the pandemic and so is the world tourism industry. The positive signs (data and stats) seen during the 2023 calendar year have brought high hopes for the travel season of 2024. Buckle up as we discuss the World Tourism Rankings by Country for 2024!

International tourism has recovered by 87% of pre-pandemic levels. UN Tourism predicts that international tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024.

Key Insights:

  • After a strong rebound in 2023, global tourism is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2% in 2024.
  • France takes the crown as the most visited country internationally, with over 100 million tourists in 2023.
  • Spain ranks second with over 85.17 million international tourist arrivals in 2023.
  • The Middle East region boasts the fastest recovery rate, reaching 22% above pre-pandemic numbers.

Table of contents

World tourism rankings by country 2024, results of 2023, projections for 2024, world tourists arrivals, recovery of international tourist arrivals, recovery of international tourist arrivals by region, world tourism rankings by country in terms of total arrivals 2023, in comparison to 2019, asia and the pacific, africa and the middle east, large best-performing destinations, world tourism rankings by country in terms of receipts, large best-performing destinations in terms of receipts, frequently asked questions.

According to Global and Regional Tourism Performance by UNTWO, The World Tourism Ranking by Country in 2024 is France as no.1 followed by Spain, the United States, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, and Austria.

World Tourism Analysis

According to UN Tourism, formerly known as UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), an estimated 1286 million international tourists (overnight visitors) were recorded around the world in 2023, an increase of 34% over 2022. This is the highest point after the pandemic period. Looking at the Global Tourism Statistics 2024 , let’s analyze a few key results of 2023 and projections for 2024.

  • International tourism recovered 88% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 (-12% versus pre-pandemic year 2019) with an estimated 1286 billion arrivals (1.3 billion), up 34% from 2022.
  • The Middle East recorded the best results, with arrivals 22% above pre-pandemic levels. Africa recovered 96% of 2019 numbers, Europe 96%, the Americas 90%, and Asia and the Pacific 65%
  • International tourism receipts reached USD 1.4 trillion in 2023 based on preliminary estimates, about 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.
  • Total export revenues from tourism (including passenger transport) are estimated at USD 1.6 trillion in 2023, almost 95% of the USD 1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.
  • Tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) climbed to USD 3.3 trillion in 2023 according to provisional estimates, about 3% of global GDP, similar to 2019 values, driven by strong domestic and international travel.
  • International tourism is expected to recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels.
  • This projection is subject to several factors including the pace of recovery of Asia and the Pacific, economic circumstances such as inflation and its effect on transport and accommodation costs, as well as the evolution of geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
  • The latest UNWTO Panel of Experts survey shows that 67% of tourism professionals expect better performance in 2024 than in 2023, while 28% expect similar performance and 6% suggest it could be worse.
  • The UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index indicates slightly weaker prospects for January-April 2024 (score of 122) than for September-December 2023 (score of 126).

According to the provisional data provided by UNWTO (Jan. 2024), the number of international tourist arrivals reached around 1286 billion in the year 2023 . For context, the number was around 1,462 billion pre-pandemic .

World Tourist Arrivals in millions

While the tourist arrival was affected by 72% i.e. 1.1 billion in 2020, the sharp growth in the graph reflects that 2024 could meet the numbers of 2019 with the possibility of even exceeding it.

International tourism recovered 88% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. We were previously at 28% in 2020, 31% in 2021, and 66% in 2022.

Bar Graph showing Recovery of International Tourists Arrival

With 122% the Middle East region has seen the most growth in terms of international tourist arrival in the year 2023.

Africa has 96%, Europe 94%, and America with 90% recovery shows a positive sign.

Meanwhile, Asia and the Pacific region reached 65% of pre-pandemic levels, with a gradual recovery since the start of 2023.

Bar Graph showing Recovery of International Tourists Arrivals by Region

Explore our article “Most Visited Countries in the World 2024”

Best Performing Destinations Coming into 2024

According to the tourism data provided by UNWTO on Global and Regional Tourism Performance , France ranks no. 1 with the arrival of 100 million international tourists .

Note: If no data is shown, there is no data available for the country. This ranking by indicators does not always coincide with the official UNWTO rankings as it only ranks counties based on existing data for the selected year. As data will be updated regularly throughout the year the rankings therefore will change as well.

On the basis of change in international tourist arrivals after 2019, Turks & Caicos leads the chart with a +127% change. Following behind is Qatar with +90%, Saudi Arabia with +56%, Albania with +53%, and El Salvador with a +40% increase in their tourist arrivals in comparison to 2019.

Ethiopia ranks at no. 8 with +30% change being the only country from Africa region in the top 10. Tanzania ranks 12th with a +20% change while Morocco with a +11% change barely gets into the top 20 spots.

With the data provided by UNWTO, World Tourism Rankings By Country in terms of increase in international tourists is:

1. Turks & Caicos 2. Qatar 3. Saudi Arabia 4. Albania 5. El Salvador 6. Columbia 7. Andorra 8. Ethiopia 9. Curaçao 10. Dominican Rep.

Row Chart showing Recovery of International Tourists Arrivals by Region

Turks & Caicos is experiencing a resurgence in tourism due to the islands becoming a popular destination for cruise ships. Over 491,000 cruise passengers were recorded to have visited till the October month of  2023. [ Source ]

On the other hand, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have capitalized on their sports events and tournaments to draw a large number of international tourists. After the AFC Asian Cup Tournament, Qatar is now aiming to lure families, medical tourists, and business travelers with a line-up of conferences and exhibitions.

Best Performing World Tourism Countries Rankings Based on Regions

Albania tops the list by a +53% increase in their tourist number in comparison to 2019. Andorra follows with a +31% change.

Europe Tourism Rankings by Country

1. Albania 2. Andorra 3. Liechtenstein 4. Iceland 5. Serbia 6. Portugal 7. Montenegro 8. Denmark 9. Malta 10. Türkiye

Row Chart showing Europe Tourism Ranking by Country

Maldives and French Poyln. tops the list for the Asia Pacific region by a +10% increase in their tourist number in comparison to 2019. Fiji stands 3rd with a +3% increase while other countries gradually try to reach the same numbers as in 2019.

Asia Pacific Tourism Rankings by Country

1. Maldives 2. French Polun. 3. Fiji 4. N. Caledonia 5. Samoa 6. Nepal 7. India 8. Cook Islands 9. Sri Lanka 10. Japan

Row Chart showing Asia Pacific Tourism Ranking by Country

Turks & Caicos stands on top with a +127% increase in their tourist number in comparison to 2019. El Salvador follows with a +40% change.

Americas Tourism Rankings by Country

1. Turks & Caicos 2. El Salvador 3. Colombia 4. Curaçao 5. Dominican Rep. 6. US Virg. Islands 7. Guatemala 8. Honduras 9. Aruba 10. Barbados

Row Chart showing Americas Tourism Ranking by Country

Qatar ranks 1st with a +90% increase in their tourist number in comparison to 2019. Saudi Arabia follows with a +56% change.

Africa and Middle East Tourism Rankings by Country

1. Qatar 2. Saudi Arabia 3. Ethiopia 4. Tanzania 5. Oman 6. Morocco 7. Tunisia 8. Kenya 9. Mauritius 10. Syria

Row Chart showing Africa and Middle East Tourism Ranking by Country

Based on countries recording 5 million arrivals or more in 2019 and their change in 2024, here’s a list of Best Performing Countries :

1. Saudi Arabia 2. Albania 3. Dominican Rep. 4. Portugal 5. Morocco 6. Denmark 7. Türkiye 8. Greece 9. Netherlands 10. Spain 11. Argentina 12. Belgium 13. Bulgaria 14. Tunisia 15. France

Row Chart showing Large Best-Performing Destinations

Best Performing Destinations in Terms of Receipts

Serbia leads the rankings with a +79% increase in their receipts from international tourists. Pakistan follows closely with +77%.

1. Serbia 2. Pakistan 3. Türkiye 4. Romania 5. Portugal 6. Mauritius 7. Morocco 8. Latvia 9. Tanzania 10. Mexico 11. Spain 12. Italy 13. Slovenia 14. Brazil 15. Greece 16. France 17. Cyprus 18. India 19. Samoa 20. Mongolia

Row Chart showing Best Performing Destinations in Terms of Receipts

Based on destinations earning USD 5 billion or more in receipts in 2019 and comparing it to 2023, Türkiye ranks 1st with +59% growth in their receipts. Portugal managed to get 2nd place with a +38% increase.

1. Türkiye 2. Portugal 3. Morocco 4. Mexico 5. Spain 6. Italy 7. Brazil 8. Greece 9. France 10. India 11. Japan 12. Germany 13. Israel 14. United States 15. Korea (ROK)

Large Best-Performing Destinations in Terms of Receipts

Explore this article “Best Tour Operator Software: Features and Pricing (2024)”

Following a strong rebound in 2023, world tourism is expected to recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels.

France has become the largest international tourist hosting country with 100 million international tourists. [Source: UNWTO Global and Regional Tourism Performance ]

Turks & Caicos with +12% ranks 1st in terms of best-performing country in comparison to their 2019 levels.

In terms of receipts, Türkiye ranks no. 1 with 59% more income than their 2019 levels.

According to Global and Regional Tourism Performance by UNTWO, France has the highest tourism rate in the world with 100 million arrivals in 2023 . Spain ranked second with over 85.17 million tourists visiting Spain in 2023.

According to Global and Regional Tourism Performance by UNTWO, Thailand is the most visited country in Asia with 28.15 million arrivals and USD 29.67 billion receipts heading into 2024.

France has been holding the title for the most tourist arrivals for a long time. Recent tourism data from UNWTO ranks France for the highest arrival again in 2023 with over 85.17 million international tourist arrivals.

According to the UNWTO Panel of Experts Survey (Jan 2024), tourism destinations seem to be heading toward a positive impact with i. 12% saying it’ll be much better ii. 55% say it’ll be better iii. 28% say it’ll be the same iv. 6% suggesting it’ll be worse and v. 0.4% result saying it’ll be much worse

According to the UNWTO Panel of Experts Survey (Jan 2024), 39% feel they’ve already achieved it, 30% hope to reach it in 2024 while 31% expect to reach the same level in 2025 or later.

According to the UNWTO Global and Regional Tourism Performance Report of 2023, the top 10 most traveled countries in the world are: 1. France [100 million] 2. Spain [85.17 million] 3. United States [66.48 million] 4. Italy [57.25 million] 5. Türkiye [55.16 million] 6. Mexico [42.15 million] 7. United Kingdom [37.22 million] 8. Germany [34.80 million] 9. Greece [32.74 million] 10. Austria [30.91 million]

According to Global and Regional Tourism Performance by UNTWO, the world tourism ranking is France in first place followed by Spain, the United States, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, and Austria.

tourism world ranking wiki

Yam Bahadur Chhetri is a content writer and vivid contributor to the WordPress community and a WordPress enthusiast with an experience of 7+ years in the relative field. He also loves to develop WordPress Themes, Plugins, and custom WordPress development for clients.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

wp-trvel.io

Get WP Travel Pro

Create Stunning , SEO friendly and Fully functional Travel website within minutes . No Coding Required !

Suitable for any

  • Travel Agency
  • Tour Booking Services
  • Travel Bloggers

Drive more Sales and Revenues from today !

$ 99 99 USD per year

tourism world ranking wiki

📢 Santa has sent the gift for Christmas and New Year sales on all WP Travel Pro plans. 🛍️ Use coupon code "XMAS_NEWYEAR2024" at checkout.

Related posts

tour operator software, travel agency software, tour operator software comparison

Leading Tour Operator Software for Medium Businesses in The USA

tourism world ranking wiki

How to Promote & Advertise Travel Agency Business in 2024?

tourism world ranking wiki

How to Redirect a URL in WordPress

Wp travel modules.

Need more features to save your time and to boost your travel business? WP Travel Pro comes with more powerful modules . While our core travel plugin provides almost all the features that a travel and trekking websites generally needs, our add-ons boost it’s capacity further to make it the best travel engine on WordPress. Whether you want to add new payment method to your site or brush up your trekking listings with beautiful maps show casing your trips, we have all your imagination covered. See all our add ons below to boost your travel website’s features further.

tourism world ranking wiki

Weather Forecast

tourism world ranking wiki

Import Export

tourism world ranking wiki

Partial Payment

Connect with wp travel to join the travel conversation, documentation →.

Explore More

Customer Support →

We are here to help.

Facebook Group →

User Community Forum

Follow On Twitter →

Connect with us on Twitter

Top 10 Most Visited Countries in the World

Photo of author

January 7, 2024

Here are the 10 most visited countries in the world, according to the last issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer – January 2023:

  • France : 48.4 million visitors
  • Mexico : 31.9 million visitors
  • Spain : 31.2 million visitors
  • Türkiye : 29.9 million visitors
  • Italy : 26.9 million visitors
  • United States : 22.1 million visitors
  • Greece : 14.7 million visitors
  • Austria : 12.7 million visitors
  • Germany : 11.7 million visitors
  • United Arab Emirates : 11.5 million visitors

Most of these countries saw an increase in tourist arrival compared to the previous year, the exceptions being Austria and Germany.

Most Visited Countries Chart

International tourism saw a strong recovery in 2022 and 2023, with Europe and the Americas leading the way.

Europe recorded 585 million international tourist arrivals in 2022 , reaching nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels (-21% over 2019), which makes it the world’s largest destination region and home to the most famous country in the world (more on that later) .

The Middle East enjoyed the strongest relative increase across regions in 2022 with arrivals climbing to 83% of pre-pandemic numbers (-17% versus 2019).

Africa and the Americas both recovered about 65% of its pre-pandemic visitors, while Asia and the Pacific reached only 23%, as a result of stronger pandemic-related restrictions.

International Tourism Statistics Map

By subregions, Western Europe (87%) and the Caribbean (84%) came closest to their pre-pandemic levels.

The recovery was uneven across regions, with Europe and the Middle East outperforming the other regions due to their more successful implementation of coordinated travel measures. The recovery is expected to consolidate in 2023 , with pent-up demand particularly in Asia and the Pacific, as destinations and markets open up.

International tourism was able to recover 63% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022, and recovered 84% of pre-pandemic levels in the period January-July 2023 (-16% versus 2019).

According to the World Tourism Organization’s publication “ World Tourism Barometer “, a total of 917 million international tourists travelled the world in 2022. And between January and July 2023, 700 million tourists travelled internationally , 43% more than in the same months of 2022.

While not yet achieving pre-pandemic levels, this is considered a notable recovery and one which bodes well for 2023 as it sets out to consolidate its comeback.

It’s time to grab your passport and explore the world again!

Below more data and details about the top 10 tourist countries in the world.

1. France: 48.4 Million Visitors

2. mexico: 31.9 million visitors, 3. spain: 31.2 million visitors, 4. türkiye: 29.9 million visitors, 5. italy: 26.9 million visitors, 6. united states: 22.1 million visitors, 7. greece: 14.7 million visitors, 8. austria: 12.7 million visitors, 9. germany: 11.7 million visitors, 10. united arab emirates: 11.5 million visitors.

France is the most visited country in the world with a record breaking of 48.4 million visitors!

Its capital, Paris, is the second most visited city in the world .

Patched up with idyllic villages and romantic cities, France wears its culture in both iconic landmarks and ordinary settings. Few have the audacity to gild everything in gold, but the country’s noble castles, villas and cathedrals pull off ostentatious decor with a nonchalance attributed to its long centuries of royal history.

France is the Most Visited Country in the World

As if to match, the village-square markets, café terraces, and the daily rituals of a coffee and croissant presents a genteel sort of luxury. Don’t overlook its outdoors either; the lyrical forests of Corsica and the warm waters of the French Riviera are well-sought retreats for city-dwellers.

France’s reputation as the most popular country in the world is not only due to its stunning architecture and picturesque scenery but also its exquisite cuisine. French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its unique flavors, techniques, and presentation, and travelers flock to France to indulge in the country’s culinary delights.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy cafes, France delicacies make it a top destination for foodies and travelers alike.

Attractions: Eiffel Tower , Palace of Versailles , French Riviera, Chamonix, Mont St-Michel, Paris Bridges .

Vivid and steamy Mexico can barely contain the life of its people. Maybe that’s why Mexico wins the 2nd place for the most visited countries in the world with almost 40 million visitors.

Fiesta loving in crowds and philosophical in the quiet, the local community is empathetic hosts with fierce pride in their country. It is this pride and expressive nature that allowed for architectural triumphs (in both Teotihuacan pyramids, Maya temples and colonial towns) as well as masterful art, home to the likes of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Underground artistic movements have also brought dance and street art to the fore.

Beyond the city’s endless cultural riches are also eye-catching jungles, volcanoes, deserts and coast. Mexico’s boundless nature offers adventures for both hikers and divers. Scale Oaxaca’s mountainous ridges or dive deep into the Caribbean to embrace all it has on platter.

Attractions: Tulum, Cabo Pulmo, Palenque Ruins, Teotihuacan, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Edzna, Oaxaca City.

Passion flares here, a country crafted for the good life. This is the beautiful Spain, the 3rd most popular country on earth !

Sevilla, Spain

Embark on an epic road trip looping from Barcelona to Madrid – glimpses of Spain’s enduring landscapes pass by like a photographer’s reel. Gather around the Gothic quarters of Barcelona and browse the experimental works of Gaudi before taking off for the mysterious Alhambra in Granada, or the flamenco halls of Seville.

There is also Bilbao and San Sebastian in the north, ready to satiate your hunger with delicious pinxtos and avant-garde architecture.

For nature that transforms every season, visit the hills of Picos de Europa and snow-capped Sierra Nevada, the sandy reaches of Menorca. From coast to mountains and dry in-land outposts you’ll sense that for all the history lurking in the corners, Spain lives in the moment.

Attractions: La Familia Sagrada, Park Guell, The Alhambra, El Retiro, Guggenheim Museum, Real Alcazar, Mallorca’s beaches.

Sultry Turkey smolders with desert heat and sun-beaten ruins, backed by the enticing thrum of bustling cities. Having been conquered by the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, Turkey treks its story from fervent Istanbul to the romantic Mediterranean coast.

Sultan Ahmet Camii in Istanbul, Turkey

On the way are magical landscapes that range from jutting rock formations to glittering lakes and olive groves, Kacker Mountains, Patara Beach, and Lake Egirdir only few of its lyrical ruralscapes. Explore these settings via canyoning, kayaking, paragliding, hiking and more adventurous means; they’re lessons in the physical and cultural, and make Turkey one of the most visited places in the world.

As if Turkey wasn’t alluring enough, its culinary specialties draw from both inland and coastal sources. Spiced kebabs, oil-cooked vegetables and sweet baklava barely skim the trove of local eats.

Eat hearty and smile plenty.

Attractions: Topkapi Palace, Suleymaniya Mosque, Aya Sofya, Bergama Acropolis, Caves of Heaven and Hell, Nemrut Dagi National Park.

The arts come to mind when we think of Italy, the 5th most visited country in this world; of the Byzantine architectures, Padua’s frescoes, Michelangelo’s David and the greatest of Da Vinci’s works.

Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

Heritage sites are the norm and not minority, remnants of ancient Rome and subsequent empires left in form of ruins, archeological sites, churches and manors. Attention to aesthetics translates in to the everyday details too – Italy is home to some of the biggest fashion minds.

On the more natural spectrum is extraordinary geological diversity. From the turquoise coral-reefs to icy Alps, Italy flourishes in blues and greens. Where nature is abundant, culinary delights follow. Indulge in the powdery dough of pizzas and pastry, filling the stomach with oysters and ricotta and topping it off with heady wines.

Attractions: Roman Forum, Tuscany’s Vineyards, Ruins of Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, St. Peter’s Basilica, Duomo.

America has always been a popular travel destination due to its sprawl of metropolis and small town charms; last year, it welcomed a rounded-down number of 22.1 million inbound tourists. With travel patterns trending towards city hopping and road tripping, America’s endless highways are a siren’s call.

Empire State Building in New York, Usa

New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Boston are all cities of transience, ever-evolving urban spaces that broils over with mixed cultures and cuisines.

There is then musical Austin and free-spirited Portland, a San Francisco as dynamic as its coastal waves, and Miami which entertains with beaches and nightlife.

There is also the quiet heat of the Grand Canyon, the miles of lush rainforests and country lanes. And when you tune into the radio, the jazz, country, hip-hop, rock and pop keep you company through this mish-mash of sights.

Attractions: New York City, Yellowstone National Park, Arizona National Parks and Monuments , Grand Canyon, New Orleans, Miami beaches.

Greece is steeped with the footprints of ancient empires, a country whose gentle coastline gives away to grand cities and humble villages now become UNESCO sites.

tourism world ranking wiki

This is a country of infinity smiles, one where hospitality swells from multi-storey restaurants and home-cooked tavas as if part of some divine agenda.

In the mainland is a swirl of mountainous shapes, one that carries on to its hundreds of islands, each offering its own flavor – from romantic Mykonos perched high above cobblestones, to Santorini’s seas of whitewashed cliffs.

The ruins are abundant here too; don’t skip out on Athens’ well-preserved Acropolis or the Temples of Phaistos and Knossos built during the Minoan period.

Every twist and turn in Greece is an invitation to connect with stories older than time itself.

Attractions : Acropolis of Athens, Poseidon Temple, Parthenon, Meteora Monasteries, Knossos Palace, Delphi National Archaeological Museum.

Austria, a country with a rich history and culture, and is the 8th most visited country in the world with 12.7 million visitors.

Hallstatt Lake in Austria

From lush Alpine landscapes and breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks to majestic Baroque architecture, Austria offers visitors a unique vacation experience.

Tantalize your taste buds by indulging in traditional Austrian delicacies from Wiener Schnitzel to Apfelstrudel. Explore Vienna’s historic old city filled with Baroque architecture and classical music, or take a romantic stroll along the Danube River.

Take the plunge in Salzburg and soak up the personality of the beautiful town, made famous by the movie ‘The Sound of Music’, or explore an enchanting Austrian lakeside village.

Attractions : Schönbrunn Palace, Hohensalzburg Castle, Salzburg Cathedral, Giant Ice Caves Hallstatt, St. Stephen’s Cathedral of Vienna, Belvedere Palace.

Germany may be remembered as the set of horrific tragedy, but it is also the birthplace of great thinkers, inventors and creatives who ushered in the modern era. From the contemporary architectures by Frank Gehry and Daniel Libeskind to lofty museums and automobile factories, you can track the country’s cultural footprints.

Historical Town of Quedlinburg in Harz Germany

Cast your eyes beyond the Romanesque and Baroque build of Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg to see the swaying path into rural Germany. The valleys unfold into imposing forests and vast vineyards, reaching towards northern dunes and chilly Alps. Stretch your senses – eyes and tongue – to taste Germany’s regional diversity.

Attractions: Pergamon Museum, Schloss Neuschwanstein, Zwinger, Kolner Dom.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a rapidly growing touristic destination for its luxurious lifestyle, extravagant architecture and abundance of attractions.

white yacht sailing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

With 11.5 million foreign tourist arrival, the UAE is the 10th most visited country in the world.

Its sun-soaked cities are full of majestic landmarks, buzzing shopping souks, pristine beaches, Wild Wadi waterparks and some of the world’s most luxurious hotel chains.

Whether you’re taking a timeout from city life or seeking unique cultural experiences, the UAE has somewhere that you can explore.

Put on your explorer spirit in Dubai and explore iconic attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Mosque and Bastakiya in its ancient districts. Take your journey even further to Abu Dhabi to explore Ferrari World, grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque or Louvre Abu Dhabi.

On your vacation, indulge yourself with glitzy shopping experiences at the Dubai Mall or the Abu Dhabi Mall, where you can find the latest trends from around the world.

And last but not least, get to know the Emirati culture through vibrant festivals and handicrafts markets.

Attractions : Burj Khalifa, Bastakiya, Ferrari World, Sheik Zayed Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Dubai Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall.

Related article : the most visited cities in the world.

About the author

Photo of author

Travel Reporter & Editorial Director

Ph.D. in Geography, Travel Photographer, and Software Engineer. Been on 4 continents and loved them all.

Latest Posts

Most Popular Outdoor Activities

Studies , Outdoors , USA

The Most Popular Outdoor Activities in The USA

Read more →

Top 20 Most Visited Museums in the World

Top 20 Most Visited Museums in the World

The Largest Museums in the World

Top 10 Largest Museums in the World [2022 Edition]

Travel Guides You Can Trust

About Travelness

Brand Assets

Recent Posts

Tours & Activities

Tours in Europe

Digital Security

© 2024 Travelness. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use - Privacy policy

  • Today's news
  • Reviews and deals
  • Climate change
  • 2024 election
  • Fall allergies
  • Health news
  • Mental health
  • Sexual health
  • Family health
  • So mini ways
  • Unapologetically
  • Buying guides

Entertainment

  • How to Watch
  • My Portfolio
  • Latest News
  • Stock Market
  • Biden Economy
  • Stocks: Most Actives
  • Stocks: Gainers
  • Stocks: Losers
  • Trending Tickers
  • World Indices
  • US Treasury Bonds
  • Top Mutual Funds
  • Highest Open Interest
  • Highest Implied Volatility
  • Stock Comparison
  • Advanced Charts
  • Currency Converter
  • Basic Materials
  • Communication Services
  • Consumer Cyclical
  • Consumer Defensive
  • Financial Services
  • Industrials
  • Real Estate
  • Mutual Funds
  • Credit Cards
  • Balance Transfer Cards
  • Cash-back Cards
  • Rewards Cards
  • Travel Cards
  • Credit Card Offers
  • Best Free Checking
  • Student Loans
  • Personal Loans
  • Car Insurance
  • Mortgage Refinancing
  • Mortgage Calculator
  • Morning Brief
  • Market Domination
  • Market Domination Overtime
  • Asking for a Trend
  • Opening Bid
  • Stocks in Translation
  • Lead This Way
  • Good Buy or Goodbye?
  • Financial Freestyle
  • Fantasy football
  • Pro Pick 'Em
  • College Pick 'Em
  • Fantasy baseball
  • Fantasy hockey
  • Fantasy basketball
  • Download the app
  • Daily fantasy
  • Scores and schedules
  • GameChannel
  • World Baseball Classic
  • Premier League
  • CONCACAF League
  • Champions League
  • Motorsports
  • Horse racing
  • Newsletters

New on Yahoo

  • Privacy Dashboard

Yahoo Finance

World tourism rankings by country: top 20 countries.

In this piece, we will take a look at world tourism rankings by country. If you want to skip our analysis of the tourism industry and recent trends, head on over to World Tourism Rankings by Country: Top 5 Countries .

Tourism is one of the key determinants of global economic health. And it's an industry that has grown alongside advances in air transportation that have enabled people to travel to far flung destinations while traveling at speeds of hundreds of kilometers per hour.

This industry is also among the few that were left completely devastated in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Estimates from the United Nations' World Tourism Organization (WTO) show that international travel shrunk by an absolutely stunning 72% in 2020 as lockdowns and stay at home orders led to the closure of hospitality establishments and restrictions on the number of people that could be crammed inside an enclosed space such as an airplane. The impact of the pandemic was so severe that even by the end of 2022, the industry had recovered to 65% of previous levels despite more than a year of near normalcy.

Yet, tourism is one of the biggest industries in the world. For instance, according to research from Industry Arc, the global travel and tourism industry is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% between 2021 and 2026 to be worth an estimated $8.9 trillion by the end of the forecast period. Another report from Allied Markets Research estimates that the business travel market was worth $696 billion in 2020 and will grow at a CAGR of 13.2% to sit at $2 trillion by 2028.

At the same time, business and leisure travel are not the only constituents industries of tourism. Two additional markets are adventure tourism and luxury travel. Estimates suggest that the former was worth $282 billion in 2021 and after growing at a CAGR of 15.1% is estimated to be worth $1 trillion in 2030. As far as luxury tourism is concerned, it was quite lucrative, being worth $1.28 trillion in 2022, and should have a CAGR of 7.6% to be worth $2.32 trillion in 2030.

Building on this, the next logical question to ask is which countries are the most popular for tourists and which are the most visited overall as well as in continents such as Europe and Asia. Well, on this front, data from the World Tourism Organization once again answer all our questions. Its World Tourism Barometer report for December 2020 (the latest version that is publicly available) shows that France was the most visited tourist destination in the world and in Europe in 2019. Broadening our approach to see which are the top ten most visited tourist countries in the world, we find out that after France, the list is dominated by Spain, the U.S., China, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, Thailand, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Astute readers will note that this also makes China as the most visited tourist destination in Asia. In terms of numbers, 83.5 million people visited Spain in 2019 - the second most popular tourist destination in Europe while China attracted 65.7 million people.

At this point, you might be wondering which is the most popular and most visited city in the world. Well, and perhaps unsurprisingly, just as France is the world's and Europe's most popular tourist destination, the most visited city in the world is its capital, Paris. This bit of information comes courtesy of Euromonitor International, which adds that in addition to Paris, some other popular cities for tourists are Dubai, Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome, and London. Crucially, Euromonitor's stats are for 2022, while the WTO's data shared above is from 2019, and these facts when taken together indicate that trends in the tourism industry tend to stay similar over the years - a crucial conclusion as you'll find out below.

China's role as the most popular tourist destination in Asia and a leading global economy merits a deeper look at what's in store for the country's tourist fortunes. China kick started 2023 by removing nearly all restrictions on travel and tourism, and after initially faltering, the pent up tourism demand roared back to life. Data compiled by McKinsey shows that visits to one of its most popular cities Shanghai nearly doubled to ten million visitors from the pre coronavirus 2019 peak. At the same time, China also has some of the biggest outbound tourism travelers in the world, and McKinsey estimates that pend up demand from these visitors as well carries with it a strong chance of injecting fresh vigor into the global tourism industry.

Finally, it's relevant to conclude our analysis of the global tourism industry by taking a look at what's happening on the ground. On this front, the management of Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE ) outlined during its first quarter of 2023 earnings call conference :

And I’m pleased to have started the year with strong performance. We posted our highest ever quarter for lodging gross bookings and free cash flow and our best first quarter for revenue. Throughout the quarter, we saw strong consumer demand with acceleration in international and big city travel and more of Asia reopening. The reemergence of major international cities has meant increased hotel demand, offset in part by flattening demand in vacation rentals as travel demand mix to urban destinations over extended beach and mountain trips. Similarly, air has continued to mix towards international travel and away from COVID era concentration in domestic. By and large, prices have held up quite well after several years of inflation. We’ve seen lodging ADRs hold fairly steady across geos. Air ticket prices, however, continued to increase as strong demand continues to outstrip capacity. The only area where we have seen any meaningful decline in average daily rate is in the car rental space where larger inventories have allowed rental companies to drive more volume at the expense of price. Overall, we are pleased to see broad travel demand remain strong in what appears to be a more structural post pandemic environment of people prioritizing travel above most other categories of spend. This has held up despite inflation and recession worries and even, more recently, bank system concerns. While economists continue to debate potential recession outcomes and clearly many unknowns are still out there, consumers have so far shaken it off and continue to travel.

With these details in mind, let's take a look at the world tourism rankings according to countries.

Pixabay/Public domain

Our Methodology

To compile our global tourism ranking by country, we used data from the 2020 version of the United Nations' World Tourism Barometer report. While it lists out international tourism receipts for 2019, this is actually helpful since 2019 was the last economically stable year for the global tourism industry which is still recovering. For our world tourism rankings, we have used international tourism receipts which is the amount spent by international visitors in a country. On a side note, both countries and special territories are included, since the spending is quite substantial.

World Tourism Rankings by Country

20. portuguese republic.

International Tourism Receipts: $20.6 billion

The Portuguese Republic is a Southwestern European country. It has a $257 billion economy and is famous for its Gothic architecture and diverse cuisine.

19. Republic of Korea

International Tourism Receipts: $21.6 billion 

The Republic of Korea, commonly known as South Korea is a technologically developed Asian country. South Korea is quite popular with visitors from China - with thousands flocking to the country each year.

18. United Arab Emirates

International Tourism Receipts: $21.8 billion 

The United Arab Emirates is not a surprising industry in our list of world tourism rankings. After all, its economic hub Dubai is one of the most highly visited cities in Asia.

17. Republic of Austria

International Tourism Receipts: $22.9 billion 

The Republic of Austria is a Central European landlocked country. Some of its most popular tourist destinations include its capital Vienna, known for the Schönbrunn Palace.

16. United Mexican States

International Tourism Receipts: $24.6 billion 

The United Mexican States, or Mexico, is a North American country. It is well known for historical tourism, being the birthplace of the Mayan civilization as well as beautiful beaches.

International Tourism Receipts: $28.0 billion 

Canada is a prosperous North American nation. Canada is best known for its Niagra Falls, which has been a popular tourist destination for more than a hundred years.

14. Hong Kong SAR

International Tourism Receipts: $29.0 billion 

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic temples, and of course, Disneyland.

13. Republic of Türkiye

International Tourism Receipts: $29.8 billion

The Republic of Türkiye is an Asian and European nation. Its Istanbul International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world.

12. Republic of India

International Tourism Receipts: $30.7 billion

The Republic of India is one of the biggest countries in the world and is full of iconic tourist destinations such as the Taj Mahal, the Ganges River, and more.

11. People's Republic of China

International Tourism Receipts: $35.8 billion

The People's Republic of China is the most populous nation in the world. It has a centuries old culture lending it iconic destinations such as the Great Wall of China.

10. Macao SAR

International Tourism Receipts: $40.1 billion

Macao is another special territory of China. It is best known for its vibrant casino and gaming industry.

9. Federal Republic of Germany

International Tourism Receipts: $41.6 billion

The Federal Republic of Germany is Europe's largest economy It is known for its beer festivals and winter markets, that is quite a spectacle.

8. Commonwealth of Australia

International Tourism Receipts: $45.7 billion

The Commonwealth of Australia is a prosperous Oceanic country. It is known for having the world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef.

International Tourism Receipts: $46.1 billion

Like China, Japan is also a historic country full of ancient temples and a historic culture.

6. Italian Republic

International Tourism Receipts: $49.6 billion

Another unsurprising entry on our list is Italy. Known for its Roman culture and art galleries, it is one of the best destinations for cultural tourism.

Click to continue reading and see World Tourism Rankings by Country: Top 5 Countries .

Suggested Articles:

Top 15 Luxury Travel Agencies in the World

20 Most Dangerous Countries for LGBTQ+ American Travelers

Top Supersonic Travel Companies in the World

Disclosure: None.  World Tourism Rankings by Country is originally published on Insider Monkey.

World Tourism Rankings

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates that internationally there were just 25 million tourist arrivals in 1950. 68 years later this number has increased to 1  billion  international arrivals per year.

Every country on Earth has something to offer international visitors, from the pyramids in Egypt to the rain forests of Brazil or the sidewalk cafes of Paris but which countries attract the most visitors of all? Most of the countries with the highest tourism rates are located in Europe, whose rich history, architecture, and cultural influence make it an appealing destination for many travelers. Countries positioned on or near a body of water are also very popular, particularly those that offer a relaxed, low-key atmosphere mixed with beautiful beaches and ocean views.

International Arrivals Per Year

According to the  World Tourism Organization’s  yearly highlights report, there was a growth of 7% in international tourist arrivals in the last 10 years. Europe makes up 51% of the 1,326 million figure, followed by Asia and the Pacific at 24%. Economic gain through tourism peaked at US$ 1,340 billion, divided up between Europe, Asia and the Pacific, and Americas.

While tourism has picked up slightly in 2021, they still fall far short of the pre-pandemic numbers. Late 2020 projections were hopeful that the industry would be back on track by late 2021, but the ongoing nature of the pandemic has thwarted that optimism. As of late 2021, most estimates do not expect the industry to rebound to 2019 (pre-COVID) levels until sometime in 2023 at the earliest.

Top 10 Most visited Country in the World

The most popular tourist destination in the world for more than 30 years, France offers a myriad of attractions: the Eiffel tower, countless world-class restaurants, the Musée du Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Notre-Dame cathedral, the beaches of the Côte d’Azur, and of course, Disneyland Paris. Moreover, the lushly beautiful countryside is full of storybook villages, mountains, vineyards, and the occasional castle. One can even view prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux. Paris, France’s capital, is the most visited city in Europe, receiving 38 million tourists in 2019.

World Tourism Rankings by Country

  • UNWTO Tourism Data Dashboard – United Nations World Tourism Organization
  • World Tourism Barometer – United Nations World Tourism Organization
  • Trending in Travel – World Travel & Tourism Council
  • Economic Impact Reports – World Travel & Tourism Council

3mWSI-literacy-rate-by-country

Literacy Rate by Country

World Tourism Rankings by Country

World Tourism Rankings by Country 2024

Average Monthly Salary by Country

Average Monthly Salary by Country 2024 (After Tax)

Suicide Rates by Country

Suicide Rates by Country 2024

Depression Rates by Country 2024

Depression Rate by Country (2024)

travel-again-concept-arrangement

World Most Powerful Passport Ranking 2024

World Tourism rankings

The World Tourism rankings are compiled by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as part of their World Tourism Barometer publication, which is released up to six times per year. In the publication, destinations are ranked by the number of international visitor arrivals, by the revenue generated by inbound tourism , and by the expenditure of outbound travelers.

Most visited destinations by international tourist arrivals

Asia and the pacific, international tourism receipts.

  • Asia and the Pacific 2
  • West Asia 2

International tourism expenditure

External links.

In 2023 there were 1.3 billion international tourists, with a growth of 33,4% compared to 2022 and growth of 112.2% compared to 2021. [1] The top 10 international tourism destinations in 2023 were: [2] [3]

In 2019, there were 69.9 million international tourist arrivals to Africa (excluding Egypt and Libya), an increase of 2.4% from 2018. [5] In 2019, the top ten African destinations were:

In 2022, there were 156.2 million international tourist arrivals to the Americas , an increase of 90.9%. [5] In 2022, the top ten destinations were:

In 2019, there were 360.7 million international tourist arrivals to Asia-Pacific , an increase of 4.1% over 2018. [5] In 2019, the top ten destinations were:

In 2022, there were 594.5 million international tourist arrivals to Europe , an increase of 95% over 2021. [5] Top 10 destinations of the last four years were:

In 2019, there were 61.4 million international tourist arrivals to West Asia (excluding Iran and Israel), an increase of 2.1% over 2018. In 2019, the top ten destinations were:

International tourism receipts reached USD 1 trillion in 2022, growing 50% in real terms compared to 2021, driven by the important rebound in international travel. [5] The World Tourism Organization reports the following destinations as the top ten tourism earners for the year 2022, with the United States by far the top earner.

The World Tourism Organization reports the following source markets as the top ten spenders on international tourism for the year 2022 and 2023, with China and the United States by far being the top spender:

  • List of cities by international visitors
  • World Travel Monitor

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism</span> Travel for recreational or leisure purposes

Tourism is travel for pleasure, and the commercial activity of providing and supporting such travel. UN Tourism defines tourism more generally, in terms which go "beyond the common perception of tourism as being limited to holiday activity only", as people "travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure and not less than 24 hours, business and other purposes". Tourism can be domestic or international, and international tourism has both incoming and outgoing implications on a country's balance of payments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UN Tourism</span> Specialised agency of the United Nations

UN Tourism is a specialized agency of the United Nations which promotes responsible, sustainable and universally-accessible tourism. Its headquarters are in Madrid, Spain. Other offices include: a Regional Support Office for Asia and the Pacific in Nara, Japan and a Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Japan</span>

Tourism in Japan is a major industry and contributor to the Japanese economy. Foreigners visit Japan to see natural wonders, cities, historic landmarks, and entertainment venues. Japanese people seek similar attractions, as well as recreation and vacation areas. In 2019, Japan attracted 31.88 million international tourists. Japan welcomed 2.78 million visitor arrivals in February 2024, surpassing 2019 levels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Australia</span>

Tourism in Australia is an important part of the Australian economy, and comprises domestic and international visitors. Australia is the fortieth most visited country in the world according to the World Tourism Organization. In the financial year 2018/19, tourism was Australia's fourth-largest export and over the previous decade was growing faster than national GDP growth. At the time it represented 3.1% of Australia's GDP contributing A$60.8 billion to the national economy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in India</span>

Tourism in India is 4.6% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Unlike other sectors, tourism is not a priority sector for the Government of India. Forbes magazine ranked India as the 7th most beautiful country in 'The 50 Most Beautiful Countries In The World' rankings. The World Travel and Tourism Council calculated that tourism generated ₹ 13.2 lakh crore (US$160 billion) or 5.8% of India's GDP and supported 32.1 million jobs in 2021. Even though, these numbers were lower than the pre-pandemic figures; the country's economy witnessed a significant growth in 2021 after the massive downturn during 2020. The sector is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 7.8% to ₹ 33.8 lakh crore (US$400 billion) by 2031. India has established itself as the 5th largest global travel healthcare destination with an estimated market size of around $9 billion in 2019, out of the total global travel healthcare industry of $44.8 billion(2019). In 2014, 184,298 foreign patients travelled to India to seek medical treatment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Germany</span>

Germany is the eighth-most-visited country in the world, with a total of 407.26 million overnights during 2012. This number includes 68.83 million nights by foreign visitors, the majority of foreign tourists in 2009 coming from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Additionally, more than 30% of Germans spend their holiday in their own country. According to Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Reports, Germany is ranked 3 out of 136 countries in the 2017 report, and is rated as one of the safest travel destinations worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Turkey</span>

Tourism in Turkey is focused largely on a variety of historical sites, and on seaside resorts along its Aegean and Mediterranean Sea coasts. Turkey has also become a popular destination for culture, spa, and health care. Since 2021, Turkey is the fourth most visited country in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Nepal</span>

Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal and its largest source of foreign exchange and revenue. Home to eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and adventure seekers. The Hindu and Buddhist heritage of Nepal and its cool weather are also strong attractions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Thailand</span>

Tourism is an economic contributor to the Kingdom of Thailand. Estimates of tourism revenue directly contributing to the GDP of 12 trillion baht range from one trillion baht (2013) 2.53 trillion baht (2016), the equivalent of 9% to 17.7% of GDP. When including indirect travel and tourism receipts, the 2014 total is estimated to be the equivalent of 19.3% of Thailand's GDP. According to the secretary-general of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council in 2019, projections indicate the tourism sector will account for 30% of GDP by 2030, up from 20% in 2019, Thailand expects to receive 80 million visitors in 2027.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Brazil</span>

Tourism is a growing sector and key to the economy of several regions of Brazil. The country had 6.589 million visitors in 2018, ranking in terms of the international tourist arrivals as the second main destination in South America after Argentina and third in Latin America after Mexico and Argentina. Revenues from international tourists reached US$5.8 billion in 2015, continuing a recovery trend from the 2008–2009 economic crisis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Cyprus</span>

Tourism in Cyprus occupies a dominant position in the country's economy, and has significantly impacted its culture and multicultural development throughout the years. In 2006, the tourism industry made up 10.7% of the country's GDP and the total employment in the tourism industry was estimated at 113,000 jobs. With a usual minimum of around 4 million tourist arrivals per year, it is the 40th most popular destination in the world and the 6th most popular per capita of local population. Cyprus has been a full member of the World Tourism Organization since 1975.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Vietnam</span>

Tourism in Vietnam is a component of the modern Vietnamese economy. In 2019, Vietnam received 18 million international arrivals, up from 2.1 million in the year 2000. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is following a long-term plan to diversify the tourism industry, which brings foreign exchange into the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indians in Thailand</span> Thai Indians

Thai Indians are Thai people with full or partial Indian ancestry. But these ancestral ties are usually left out of statistics. About 65,000 Indian Thais have full Thai citizenship, but around 400,000 persons of Indian origin settled in Thailand mainly in the urban cities. Intermixing and interethnic marriages of the earlier migrants have led to a large indigenous Thai Indian community.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Costa Rica</span>

Tourism in Costa Rica has been one of the fastest growing economic sectors of the country and by 1995 became the largest foreign exchange earner. Since 1999, tourism has earned more foreign exchange than bananas, pineapples and coffee exports combined. The tourism boom began in 1987, with the number of visitors up from 329,000 in 1988, through 1.03 million in 1999, over 2 million in 2008, to a historical record of 2.66 million foreign visitors in 2015. In 2012, tourism contributed with 12.5% of the country's GDP and it was responsible for 11.7% of direct and indirect employment. In 2009, tourism attracted 17% of foreign direct investment inflows, and 13% in average between 2000 and 2009. In 2010, the tourism industry was responsible for 21.2% of foreign exchange generated by all exports. According to a 2007 report by ECLAC, tourism contributed to a reduction in poverty of 3% in the country.

Tourism is one of the leading sources of income, crucial to Egypt's economy. At its peak in 2010, the sector employed about 12% of workforce of Egypt, serving approximately 14.7 million visitors to Egypt, and providing revenues of nearly $12.5 billion as well as contributing more than 11% of GDP and 14.4% of foreign currency revenues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Iran</span>

Tourism in Iran provides a wide range of activities from hiking and skiing in the Alborz and Zagros mountains, to beach holidays by the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea. Iran's rich culture and history is reflected in large part by its 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranking first in the Middle East, and 10th in the world. Alongside the capital city Tehran, the most popular tourist destinations are Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Armenia</span>

Tourism in Armenia has been a key sector to the Armenian economy since the 1990s when tourist numbers exceeded half a million people visiting the country every year. The Armenian Ministry of Economy reports that most international tourists come from Russia, EU states, the United States and Iran. Though relatively small in size, Armenia has four UNESCO world heritage sites.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International tourism</span> Travel for pleasure or business that crosses national borders

International tourism is tourism that crosses national borders. Globalisation has made tourism a popular global leisure activity. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes". The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 500,000 people are in flight at any one time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Overtourism</span> Excessive number of tourists

Overtourism is the congestion or overcrowding from an excess of tourists, resulting in conflicts with locals. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines overtourism as "the impact of tourism on a destination, or parts thereof, that excessively influences perceived quality of life of citizens and/or quality of visitor experiences in a negative way". This definition shows how overtourism can be observed both among locals, who view tourism as a disruptive factor that increasingly burdens daily life, as well as visitors, who may regard high numbers of tourists as a nuisance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zurab Pololikashvili</span> 6th Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization

Zurab Pololikashvili is a Georgian politician and diplomat, currently serving as Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization. From 2005 to 2009 he was the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, and he served as ambassador to Spain, Morocco, Algeria and Andorra.

  • ↑ "Global and regional tourism performance" . www.unwto.org . Retrieved 2 February 2024 .
  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "International Tourism – 2023 starts on a strong note with the Middle East recovering 2019 levels in the first quarter" (PDF) . webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com . Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 August 2023.
  • 1 2 3 "World Tourism Barometer" (PDF) . World Tourism Organization . May 2024. p.   19 . Retrieved 24 June 2024 .
  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 "UNWTO World Tourism Barometer and Statistical Annex, December 2020 | World Tourism Organization" . UNWTO World Tourism Barometer (English Version) . 18 (7): 1–36. 18 December 2020. doi : 10.18111/wtobarometereng.2020.18.1.7 . S2CID   241989515 .
  • 1 2 3 "WTO/ Member States of Middle East" . World Tourism Organization . Retrieved 16 January 2015 .
  • Official website
  • List of countries by international inbound tourists
  • Topics ›
  • Tourism worldwide ›

The World's Largest Tourism Spenders

World Tourism Day , celebrated annually on September 27, serves as a global recognition of the vital role that tourism plays in our world. The day was established and first observed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980 to celebrate tourism's social, cultural, political and economic value. Tourism not only has the power to foster understanding between nations and promote cultural exchange, but it is also an important driver of economic growth and development. Especially for smaller countries that aren’t rich in resources and don’t play a major role in global trade, tourism is often a key export sector, attracting foreign capital and creating wealth by fostering the domestic service sector, particularly in hospitality, transportation and entertainment.

Over the past few decades, the world has seen a steep increase in international tourism , as the world has become more globalized and advances in transportation have increased mobility and brought down travel costs. Wealth and prosperity have also contributed to an increase in international travel, particularly in countries like China, where a growing middle class has clearly shown an appetite for exploring the world in the past decade.

As our latest Racing Bars video, based on UNWTO data , shows, outbound tourism spending by Chinese travelers increased more than tenfold between 2006 and 2019, catapulting China to the top of the international tourism spending ranking, a position it even held through the pandemic, despite widespread travel restrictions. Aside from China, the United States have been at or near the top of the ranking for the past three decades, with travelers from Germany, France and the UK also spending freely abroad. The ranking nicely reflects the rise in prosperity in certain countries, with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and India all entering the top 10 at some point in the past five years.

Description

This video shows the countries with the highest outbound tourism spending since 1995.

Infographic Newsletter

Statista offers daily infographics about trending topics, covering: Economy & Finance , Politics & Society , Tech & Media , Health & Environment , Consumer , Sports and many more.

Related Infographics

Sponsored post by booking.com, chinese tourists: the big spenders of the coming decade, tourism & hospitality, the top destinations of indian tourists, britons' favorite travel destinations, americans' favorite travel destinations, covid-19 & tourism, will 2023 bring china's tourism recovery, spanish tourism, spain's ailing tourism sector, when are chinese people planning to resume traveling, domestic tourists pick up the slack for some aussi states, sydneysiders splurge on overnight stays in their hometown, chinese-u.s. tourism flatlines, the world’s biggest tourism spenders, travel & tourism, u.s. inbound travel & tourism is america's most valuable export service.

  • Who may use the "Chart of the Day"? The Statista "Chart of the Day", made available under the Creative Commons License CC BY-ND 3.0, may be used and displayed without charge by all commercial and non-commercial websites. Use is, however, only permitted with proper attribution to Statista. When publishing one of these graphics, please include a backlink to the respective infographic URL. More Information
  • Which topics are covered by the "Chart of the Day"? The Statista "Chart of the Day" currently focuses on two sectors: "Media and Technology", updated daily and featuring the latest statistics from the media, internet, telecommunications and consumer electronics industries; and "Economy and Society", which current data from the United States and around the world relating to economic and political issues as well as sports and entertainment.
  • Does Statista also create infographics in a customized design? For individual content and infographics in your Corporate Design, please visit our agency website www.statista.design

Any more questions?

Get in touch with us quickly and easily. we are happy to help.

Feel free to contact us anytime using our contact form or visit our FAQ page .

Statista Content & Design

Need infographics, animated videos, presentations, data research or social media charts?

More Information

The Statista Infographic Newsletter

Receive a new up-to-date issue every day for free.

  • Our infographics team prepares current information in a clear and understandable format
  • Relevant facts covering media, economy, e-commerce, and FMCG topics
  • Use our newsletter overview to manage the topics that you have subscribed to

List of Countries by Tourism Income

Below you can find a list of countries by total tourism income and ratio of tourism income by total GDP. You can also find an interactive map below where each country is colored by its tourism income. The ratio of tourism income to the total GDP gives a rough figure which economies are most dependent on tourism income.

  • United States of America has the highest total tourism income with over 210 billion $ yearly. This huge figure however is only 1.1% of the country's total GDP
  • Spain has the second largest tourism income in the World with almost 68 billion $ yearly, making up tourism 5.2% of the total economy.
  • Another Mediterranean country, France, is the third on the list with over 60 billion yearly tourism income.
  • It is no wonder that the popular holiday destination Maldives is the leader when it comes to share of tourism in the total GDP. 2.7 billion $ tourism income of Maldives makes up 60% of the country's total GDP.
  • Palau and Grenada, two island countries of Caribbeans, come second and third after Maldives. Palau with 141 million $ and Granada with 448 million $ obtain respectively 48% and 40% of their GDP by tourism.

Countries by Tourism Income Thumbnail

Similar Data

Countries by Number of Incoming Tourists Thumbnail

Countries by Number of Incoming Tourists

External Links

  • UNWTO - World Tourism Organization

Choose your Language / Country

  • English (USA)

© 2018 AtlasBig.com

Unlocking the Mysteries: Your Comprehensive Guide to Quds Wiki

  • Summer Racing Northeast
  • Champions League
  • Motor Sports
  • High School
  • Shop Northeast
  • PBR Northeast
  • 3ICE Northeast
  • Stubhub Northeast
  • Play Golf Northeast

2024 Paris Olympics men's basketball power rankings: Team USA in own class, but who is biggest competition?

We're ranking the 12 teams heading to paris later this month as team usa looks for another gold medal.

ad-team-usa-getty.png

The field is set for the men's Olympic basketball tournament in Paris after Greece, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Spain claimed the final four spots through Olympic qualifying tournaments held at the beginning of July. And now that we know h ow the three groups will shake out when the 2024 Paris Olympics kick off on July 27, it makes sense to size up how these teams rank against each other. 

Obviously it's no secret that the United States is in a league of its own in this competition. Even more so this year as USA men's basketball director Grant Hill has built perhaps the best Olympic team since the 2008 "Redeem Team." But as talented as that roster is, international basketball has never been in a better position to challenge the U.S. 

France has twin Eiffel Towers in Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert , and as the host country will have the strength of the fans during the Paris Games. Canada, on paper, has the most NBA-level talent next to Team USA, and should challenge them when the knockout rounds begin. There's also Nikola Jokic and Serbia, as well as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece. It should be the most exciting men's Olympic basketball tournament we've had in awhile just on name recognition alone.

As we prepare for the Paris Olympics to get going, here's how the 12 teams competing in the men's basketball tournament rank.

12. South Sudan

South Sudan will compete at the Olympics in men's basketball for the first time ever, after finishing as the highest-ranked African country (17th) at the FIBA World Cup in 2023. They could have a roster that features Phoenix Suns center Bol Bol , who has been named as part of Sudan's training camp roster for the Olympic Games. Bol would certainly have an impact on the defensive side of the ball, and he's shown flashes of being able to handle the ball. If he suits up for Sudan in France, he'll likely be joined by Carlik Jones , who had a standout performance during the World Cup last summer, where he led all players in assists per game (10.6).

Japan finished the highest of any Asian country in the FIBA World Cup last summer (19th), so they were awarded with a ticket to the Paris Olympics. And after going 0-3 during the last Olympic Games as the host country in 2020, they'll be looking to at least put one game in the win column this time around. They'll once again be led by Lakers forward Rui Hachimura , as well as Yuta Watanabe who spent last season with the Suns and Grizzlies . They'll have a tough go of things in Group B with France and Germany, but the matchup against Brazil should provide for an opportunity to get at least one win. 

Brazil punched its ticket to Paris after beating host country Latvia in the Olympic qualifiers. Led by former first-round pick Bruno Caboclo , the Brazilians will have a tough road ahead if they want to make it out of the group stage as they'll face France and Germany in Group B. Barring some surprising turn of events, Brazil will have to hope they finish with one of the top two records as a third-placed team to make it to the knockout rounds, but in that group, it may be difficult to do.

9. Puerto Rico

The last time the Puerto Rican men's basketball team was in the Olympics they pulled off a stunning upset by beating the United States in the group stage during the 2004 Athens Games. It ended up being the start of what was a tumultuous Olympic run for the Americans, one that ended in a disappointing bronze medal. Twenty years later and Puerto Rico is back in the Olympics, and will once again be in the same group as the United States, waiting to pull off another shocker. The motivation and energy will certainly be there as New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado will ensure he makes life difficult for whoever he's guarding. Puerto Rico may be heavy underdogs in a group that also features Serbia, but they showed in the qualifying tournament that they're capable of mucking things up for their opponents and catching them off guard to pull out a win. That's the perfect recipe to win some of these Olympic matches. 

Spain went undefeated in their Olympic qualifying tournament to earn a spot in Paris, highlighted by seven-year NBA player Willy Hernangomez , who averaged over 18 points during the qualifying tournament. Memphis Grizzlies forward Santiago Aldama, also had a standout performance during the tournament, averaging 17 points and eight rebounds on a roster that's littered with current or former NBA players like Usman Garuba , Lorenzo Brown, Rudy Fernandez and Juancho Hernangomez . It may not be the Spain that used to feature Pau and Marc Gasol  and that won silver at the 2012 Olympic Games, but Spain always fields a competitive team that can pull off some upsets. And they're in the perfect group to do so with Australia, Greece and Canada.

Giannis will head to the Olympics for the first time as he led the Greek team to qualify for the Games for the first time since 2008. It's difficult to project what we'll get from the Greece team, because outside of Giannis there's not a ton of NBA-level talent on the roster like other international squads. But having Giannis alone is already a great spot to be in. They just cruised to an Olympic bid on the strength of his performance. There are very few players who can slow him down, and by avoiding Team USA, France and Serbia in the group stage, Greece could have a sneaky shot at advancing to the knockout round in their group. Canada will be the toughest competition, and Australia has a collection of talented guys, but Giannis alone is capable of carrying a team very far.

6. Australia

This has to be the best collection of role players or glue guys imaginable. Australia will be a team that features Patty Mills , Joe Ingles , Matthew Dellavedova , Josh Green , Dante Exum , Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels . It came in third place at the last Olympic Games, beating Luka Doncic and Slovenia to claim the bronze. But that was a weaker field of opponents, so a podium finish may not be as easy to envision for the Boomers, especially in a group that features Canada, Greece and Spain. That may be the hardest draw in the Olympic field. And while Australia has more NBA-level talent than Greece and Spain do, international basketball always yields unexpected results.

Serbia managed to make it to the World Cup championship game last summer  without  Nikola Jokic. This summer they'll have him, and what a difference that will make. Jokic's game obviously lends itself to the FIBA style, and he'll assume a similar role that he plays with the Nuggets . The offense will flow through him as he sets teammates up for easy looks, then bangs in the post to get his points while generally doing it all to help his team win. He'll be joined by Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic , who should rack up a ton of points off feeds from Jokic. Between the two of them, Serbia will have a dangerous 1-2 punch and they'll get an early look at Team USA as they'll play each other in Group C before the knockout rounds.

They are the reigning FIBA World Cup champions, and Germany had an excellent showing last summer during the World Cup, defeating Team USA in the semifinals by two points in a nail biter, and then outlasting Serbia in the championship game. The German team is led by rising Orlando Magic star Franz Wagner , who just signed a rookie max extension, and Dennis Schroder , who earned MVP in that World Cup championship game. Wagner's performance in the World Cup propelled him to a standout third year with Orlando, and with primarily the same roster that won last summer, Germany could be in the running for a medal if things break the team's way.

France placed second in the last Olympics, falling to the United States in the gold medal match. That team was already incredibly good, and they didn't have Victor Wembanyama that time around. This time, they do. And France's recent friendly against Germany -- the reigning FIBA World Cup champions -- showed just how much of a difference the reigning Rookie of the Year can make. Wembanyama had 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field, five rebounds, three assists and one steal in just  19 minutes  of action in that win. He's going to feast on teams lacking the size to guard him throughout the Olympics, and when you add that to a France team that was already pretty dangerous, you have a situation where there could very well be a rematch of the gold medal game at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Even without Andrew Wiggins , who was a late scratch for the Olympics, Canada has the best collection of talent to compete with the Team USA, and the Canadians are going to be incredibly difficult to score on. They're fielding a roster with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , Jamal Murray , RJ Barrett , Dillon Brooks , Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Lu Dort, just to name a few. They may struggle to contain bigs like Joel Embiid , Wemby and Jokic, but they're going to be a nightmare to contain on both ends of the floor. The Canadians have the second-most NBA players on the roster, and for that reason alone they deserve to be No. 2 on this list. But as we saw with the Americans last summer at the World Cup, a collection of talented NBA players isn't enough to win in FIBA-rules basketball. We'll have to see how that talent translates to the court in Paris later this summer, but on paper, Canada certainly has the right pieces.

Obviously the U.S. will enter the tournament as the heavy favorite, and they've constructed a juggernaut of a team complete with the commitment from Joel Embiid who chose to join Team USA over France or Cameroon. Embiid gives the United States a quality defender to throw at the likes of Wembanyama and Gobert on France and Jokic on Serbia. From top to bottom the U.S. roster is sound, and filled with a good mix of young guys -- Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton -- as well as the grizzled veterans in LeBron James , Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry . The gold will be the USA's to lose as it is at every Olympic Games, and after a poor showing the World Cup -- a fourth-place finish -- there will surely be some motivation from this cast of stars to make a statement.

Our Latest NBA Stories

paul-reed-sixers-g.jpg

Pistons claim ex-Sixers center Reed off waivers

James herbert • 2 min read.

kevin-durant-team-usa-g.jpg

Durant to miss Team USA's exhibition game vs. Canada

James herbert • 1 min read.

chris-paul-gregg-popovich-g.jpg

Paul 'didn't need a sales pitch' to join Pop, Spurs

James herbert • 3 min read.

thompson-getty.png

Klay explains why he'll wear No. 31 with Mavericks

Brad botkin • 1 min read.

brooks-edwards-canada-usa-getty.png

Canada's Brooks eager for USA matchup: 'We want gold'

Sam quinn • 2 min read.

morant-getty.png

Grizzlies' Morant cleared to play: 'It's go time'

Share video.

tourism world ranking wiki

2024 Paris Olympics: Ranking the 12 men's teams

tourism world ranking wiki

Power Rankings: Who's Celtics' biggest threat?

tourism world ranking wiki

Offense beats defense? Not this summer

tourism world ranking wiki

Overpaying this role player is smart move

tourism world ranking wiki

What's next in 2024 NBA offseason?

tourism world ranking wiki

Paul 'didn't need sales pitch' to join up with Pop, Spurs

tourism world ranking wiki

Knicks' Brunson may sign early, leave $113M on table

tourism world ranking wiki

Brooks eager for Canada vs. USA tune-up: 'We want gold'

Here's who has committed to the Home Run Derby so far

This year's T-Mobile Home Run Derby will take place at Globe Life Field on July 15 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN), and the first player to announce he will be participating in the annual tournament was Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson. Henderson, who trails only Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani for the most homers in MLB this season, made the announcement while mic'd up during Baltimore's Sunday Night Baseball contest against the Rangers on June 30.

We'll be keeping track of which sluggers throw their hat -- or their bat -- into the ring as we near the Derby.

tourism world ranking wiki

Gunnar Henderson , Orioles Current HR total: 27

Longest HR of 2024: 430 feet, June 10 vs. Rays Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 112.3 mph, April 29 vs. Yankees

Henderson belted 28 home runs in his 2023 AL Rookie of the Year campaign, and he's nearly equaled that number in the first half of the '24 season. He'll follow teammate Adley Rutschman and make his Derby debut after Rutschman made his first Derby appearance in Seattle last year.

Pete Alonso , Mets Current HR total: 18

Longest HR of 2024: 446 feet, June 4 vs. Nationals Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 115.3 mph, May 16 vs. Phillies

This marks the fifth Derby appearance for Alonso, who has participated in each year’s competition since 2019 -- outside of 2020 when there were no All-Star Game festivities due to COVID-19. Alonso won in both 2019 and ‘21 and with a win this year, he would tie Ken Griffey Jr. for the most Derby titles since the competition began in 1985.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pete Alonso (@polarpete20)

Alec Bohm , Phillies Current HR total: 11

Longest HR of 2024: 427 feet, June 30 vs. Marlins Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 106.8 mph, June 30 vs. Marlins

Though he's never been a prolific home run hitter -- his career high in a season is 20 -- he definitely has pop. Four of his 11 homers this season have traveled 415 or more feet and nine of the 11 have been hit with an exit velocity of 101.9 mph or better. Bohm has been a doubles machine so far in 2024, but now he'll attempt to up his game just for the fun of it.

Bobby Witt Jr. , Royals Current HR total: 15

Longest HR of 2024: 468 feet, May 21 vs. Tigers Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 112.0 mph, July 7 vs. Rockies

A native of Colleyville, Texas, which is a short drive from Arlington, Witt will have a chance to make his Home Run Derby debut in his own backyard. After a breakout 2023 season that saw him produce the first 30/30 campaign in franchise history , Witt has been even better this year, earning his first All-Star nod as a result.

Although this will be Witt's first go in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, he won the High School HR Derby held at Nationals Park in 2018, the summer before he was drafted.

Bobby Baseball is about to put on a show. See you at the Home Run Derby! pic.twitter.com/zm1rPZsqhe — Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 8, 2024

tourism world ranking wiki

Sign up to receive our weekly Ben's Biz newsletter to stay updated on Minor League Baseball business and culture

Marcell Ozuna , Braves Current HR total: 23

Longest HR of 2024: 446 feet, April 12 vs. Marlins Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 114.6 mph, April 12 vs. Marlins

Another player making his Home Run Derby debut , Ozuna has stepped up in a big way for an Atlanta team that lost reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. to a torn ACL and has had a number of key hitters take a step back from 2023. The right-handed slugger reached the 40-homer mark for the first time in 2023 and has a shot to do so again this season.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marcell Ozuna (@thebigbear13ozuna)

José Ramírez , Guardians Current HR total: 23

Longest HR of 2024: 436 feet, June 28 vs. Royals Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 109.8 mph, June 24 vs. Orioles

With the first 40-homer season of his career in play, Ramírez will step into the Home Run Derby spotlight for the second time after participating in 2022 . He came up short against Juan Soto in the first round despite hitting 17 home runs.

Let’s run it back. pic.twitter.com/Vpz1oD2i5n — Jose Ramirez (@MrLapara) July 9, 2024

IMAGES

  1. SOLUTION: World tourism rankings wikipedia the free encyclopedia

    tourism world ranking wiki

  2. SOLUTION: World tourism rankings wikipedia the free encyclopedia

    tourism world ranking wiki

  3. World Tourism rankings

    tourism world ranking wiki

  4. Top 14 Most-Visited World Tourism rankings (1995-2018)

    tourism world ranking wiki

  5. Famous Tourism Place of the world: International tourist arrivals Ranking

    tourism world ranking wiki

  6. World’s Top 20 Most Visited Countries by International Tourists 1995

    tourism world ranking wiki

VIDEO

  1. Top 20 Most Visited Countries by International Tourists (1995-2023)

  2. The most TOURISTIC countries in the WORLD

  3. Most Visited Countries in the World ▶ International Tourism

  4. TOP COUNTRIES BY HIGH-TECHNOLOGY EXPORTS

  5. Top 10 BEST Countries for Tourism in 2024 #viral #travel #youtubeshorts #facts #shorts

COMMENTS

  1. World Tourism rankings

    The World Tourism rankings are compiled by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as part of their World Tourism Barometer publication, which is released up to six times per year. In the publication, destinations are ranked by the number of international visitor arrivals, by the revenue generated by inbound tourism, and by the ...

  2. List of cities by international visitors

    This is a list of the top 100 cities ranked by the number of international visitors, including all international arrivals by land, air, and sea, for tourist or business purposes.The consulting firm Euromonitor and the financial services corporation Mastercard define the concept of the foreign visitor differently, thus their respective rankings differ. ...

  3. International tourism: the most popular countries

    The Most popular travel countries and ranking of international tourism over 58 countries. USA ranks 6th. ... Germany is the world travel champion With a staggering 99,533,000 trips abroad in 2021, Germany was in first place. Each vacationer spent an average of $480. The USA follows in a remarkable second place with an impressive 60,549,898 trips.

  4. International tourism

    The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the tourism industry due to the resulting travel restrictions as well as slump in demand among travelers. The tourism industry has been massively affected by the spread of coronavirus, as many countries have introduced travel restrictions in an attempt to contain its spread. The United Nations World Tourism Organization estimated that global international ...

  5. Countries ranked by International tourism, number of arrivals

    International tourism, number of arrivals - Country Ranking. Definition: International inbound tourists (overnight visitors) are the number of tourists who travel to a country other than that in which they have their usual residence, but outside their usual environment, for a period not exceeding 12 months and whose main purpose in visiting is other than an activity remunerated from within the ...

  6. The UN Tourism Data Dashboard

    International Tourism and COVID-19. Export revenues from international tourism dropped 62% in 2020 and 59% in 2021, versus 2019 (real terms) and then rebounded in 2022, remaining 34% below pre-pandemic levels. The total loss in export revenues from tourism amounts to USD 2.6 trillion for that three-year period. Go to Dashboard.

  7. Most Visited Countries 2024

    The impact has been particularly damaging in countries that rely heavily upon tourism as part of their GDP. Lost tourism in Macau, one of China's special administrative regions, led to a 79.3% drop in year-on-year gambling revenues, which caused overall GDP for 2020 to fall 43.1% compared to the previous year.. While tourism has picked up slightly in 2021, they still fall far short of the pre ...

  8. Most Visited Countries 2024

    Transnational tourism plays a monumental role in the global economy and significantly impacts the culture and environment of the countries it touches. Using data on international arrivals collected by the World Tourism Organization, we've compiled a list of the most visited countries across the globe and analyzed what makes these nations so ...

  9. Tourism Statistics

    Tourism Statistics. Get the latest and most up-to-date tourism statistics for all the countries and regions around the world. Data on inbound, domestic and outbound tourism is available, as well as on tourism industries, employment and complementary indicators. All statistical tables available are displayed and can be accessed individually ...

  10. Tourism

    Tourism has massively increased in recent decades. Aviation has opened up travel from domestic to international. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of international visits had more than doubled since 2000. Tourism can be important for both the travelers and the people in the countries they visit. For visitors, traveling can increase their ...

  11. World Tourism Ranking by Country 2024

    Key Insights: After a strong rebound in 2023, global tourism is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2% in 2024. France takes the crown as the most visited country internationally, with over 100 million tourists in 2023. Spain ranks second with over 85.17 million international tourist arrivals in 2023.

  12. Top 10 Most Visited Countries in the World

    January 7, 2024. Here are the 10 most visited countries in the world, according to the last issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer - January 2023: France: 48.4 million visitors. Mexico: 31.9 million visitors. Spain: 31.2 million visitors. Türkiye: 29.9 million visitors. Italy: 26.9 million visitors. United States: 22.1 million visitors.

  13. The world's best countries for tourism

    For 2024, six countries share the number one ranking - France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore and Spain. Five of those nations appear in the WEF's top 10, with Singapore a respectable 13th ...

  14. World Tourism Rankings by Country: Top 20 Countries

    Astute readers will note that this also makes China as the most visited tourist destination in Asia. In terms of numbers, 83.5 million people visited Spain in 2019 - the second most popular ...

  15. World Tourism Rankings by Country 2024

    According to the World Tourism Organization's yearly highlights report, there was a growth of 7% in international tourist arrivals in the last 10 years. Europe makes up 51% of the 1,326 million figure, followed by Asia and the Pacific at 24%. Economic gain through tourism peaked at US$ 1,340 billion, divided up between Europe, Asia and the Pacific, and Americas.

  16. World Tourism rankings

    Most visited destinations by international tourist arrivals. In 2023 there were 1.3 billion international tourists, with a growth of 33,4% compared to 2022 and growth of 112.2% compared to 2021. [1] The top 10 international tourism destinations in 2023 were: [2][3] France. Spain.

  17. Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report

    Cover of the 2008 report. The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report was first published in 2007 by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The 2007 report covered 124 major and emerging economies. The 2008 report covered 130 countries, the 2009 report expanded to 133 countries, and the 2011 report to 139 countries. The index is a measurement of the factors that make it attractive to develop ...

  18. Chart: The World's Largest Tourism Spenders

    The ranking nicely reflects the rise in prosperity in certain countries, with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and India all entering the top 10 at some point in the past five years. This video ...

  19. List of Countries by Tourism Income

    United States of America has the highest total tourism income with over 210 billion $ yearly. This huge figure however is only 1.1% of the country's total GDP. Spain has the second largest tourism income in the World with almost 68 billion $ yearly, making up tourism 5.2% of the total economy. Another Mediterranean country, France, is the third ...

  20. World Tourism rankings

    move to sidebar hide. Navigation Main page; Contents; Current events; Random article; About Wikipedia

  21. Tourism

    The Manila Declaration on World Tourism of 1980 recognized its importance as "an activity essential to the life of nations because of its direct effects on the social, cultural, ... World Tourism rankings - List compiled by the UN World Tourism Organization; References Bibliography. Costa, P (1991). "Managing tourism carrying capacity of art ...

  22. 2024 Paris Olympics men's basketball power rankings: Team USA in own

    12. South Sudan. South Sudan will compete at the Olympics in men's basketball for the first time ever, after finishing as the highest-ranked African country (17th) at the FIBA World Cup in 2023.

  23. 2024 MLB Home Run Derby participants

    This year's T-Mobile Home Run Derby will take place at Globe Life Field on July 15 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN), and the first player to announce he will be participating in the annual tournament was Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson. Henderson, who trails only Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani for the

  24. Tourism in the United States

    Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Bay Lake, Florida is the most visited theme park in the world. In 2016, Orlando, Florida was the most visited destination in the United States, and continues to be one of the most visited destinations in the world. The Grand Canyon of Arizona attracts approximately 4.41 million visitors annually.

  25. Tourism in Milan

    1920 travel poster made by ENIT. Milan is one of the international tourism destinations, appearing among the forty most visited cities in the world, ranking second in Italy after Rome, fifth in Europe and sixteenth in the world. One source has 56% of international visitors to Milan are from Europe, 44% of the city's tourists are Italian, and 56% are from abroad.