List of Top 10 Countries with the Most Tourist Arrivals
Top 10 Countries with the Most Tourist Arrivals: France is the most visited country in the world and first in Europe. Around 79.4 million international tourists visit this country each year. In the last three decades, France has become the most visited country in the world. The “City Of Love” is famous for its Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, natural sites, old cities with culture, authentic French cuisine, and historic green villages. France’s tourism industry contributes around 7.5 % to its total GDP.
In this article, we will discuss the list of top 10 countries with the most tourist arrivals, with the visitors count and the famous places in that country.
Table of Content
- Top 10 Countries with the Most Tourist Arrivals
- 1. Country with the Most Tourist Arrivals: France – 75 Million Visitors
- 2. Country with the Second Most Tourist Arrivals: Spain – 71 Million Visitors
- 3. Country with the Third Most Tourist Arrivals: United States – 51 Million Visitors
- 4. Country with the Fourth Most Tourist Arrivals: Turkey – 51 Million Visitors
- 5. Country with the Fifth Most Tourist Arrivals: Italy – 50 Million Visitors
- 6. Country with the Sixth Most Tourist Arrivals: Mexico – 39 Million Visitors
- 7. Country with the Seventh Most Tourist Arrivals: United Kingdom – 30 Million Visitors
- 8. Country with the Eighth Most Tourist Arrivals: Germany – 29 Million Visitors
- 9. Country with the Ninth Most Tourist Arrivals: Greece – 28 Million Visitors
- 10. Country with the Tenth Most Tourist Arrivals: Austria – 26 Million Visitors
Top 10 Countries with the Most Tourist Arrivals
The United Nations found that 963 million individuals stayed in a foreign country for at least one night. This report was released in May 2023. Here are the Countries with the Most Tourist Arrivals as mentioned below.
Country Name | Visitors Count | Famous Places | Contribution to GDP (%) |
---|---|---|---|
France | 75 million | Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum | 7.5 % |
Spain | 71 million | Sagrada Familia, Alhambra | 11.6 % |
United States | 51 million | Statue of Liberty, Grand Canyon | 2.9 % |
Turkey | 51 million | Hagia Sophia, Cappadocia | 7.3 % |
Italy | 50 million | Colosseum, Venice Canals | 10.2 % |
Mexico | 39 million | Chichen Itza, Tulum | 8.5 % |
United Kingdom | 30 million | Big Ben, Buckingham Palace | 9.5 % |
Germany | 29 million | Brandenburg Gate, Neuschwanstein | 8.8 % |
Greece | 28 million | Acropolis, Santorini | 18.2 % |
Austria | 26 million | Schönbrunn Palace, Mozart’s Birthplace | 7.5 % |
1. Country with the Most Tourist Arrivals: France – 75 Million Visitors
France is the world’s top tourist destination in the world. It ranks third in tourism income, France still attracts millions with its famous attractions. The Eiffel Tower welcomes 6.2 million visitors annually. It cementing its status as a premier destination in France.
Total Visitors | 75 million |
Most Visited City | Paris |
Famous Landmarks | Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum |
Top Activities | Sightseeing, Wine Tasting, Dining |
Main Source Countries | United States, China, Germany |
Tourism Revenue | 58 Eillion Euros |
Contribution to GDP | High – 7.5 % |
Major Highway | A1 (Autoroute du Nord) |
Famous Cuisine | French Cuisine (e.g., Croissants, Coq au Vin, Escargot) |
2. Country with the Second Most Tourist Arrivals: Spain – 71 Million Visitors
The main office of the World Tourism Organization is located in Madrid, Spain. Spain’s varied geography, attractive coastlines, rich history, and lively culture have made it a popular tourist spot worldwide.
Total Visitors | 71 million |
Most Visited City | Barcelona |
Famous Landmarks | Sagrada Familia, Alhambra |
Top Activities | Beachgoing, Flamenco Dancing, Tapas Sampling |
Main Source Countries | France, United Kingdom, Germany |
Tourism Revenue | 155,946 Million Euros |
Contribution to GDP | High – 11.6 % |
Major Highway | AP-7 (Autopista del Mediterráneo) |
Famous Cuisine | Spanish Cuisine (e.g., Paella, Tapas, Jamón Ibérico) |
3. Country with the Third Most Tourist Arrivals: United States – 51 Million Visitors
Tourism in the United States serves millions of visitors from around the world and within the country each year. People from other countries visit the U.S. to explore its natural beauty, cities, historical sites, and places for fun. Americans also like to visit similar places, along with spots for relaxation and vacations.
Total Visitors | 51 million |
Most Visited City | New York City |
Famous Landmarks | Statue of Liberty, Grand Canyon |
Top Activities | Sightseeing, Theme Parks, Shopping |
Main Source Countries | Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom |
Tourism Revenue | 18,840 Million USD |
Contribution to GDP | High – 2.9 % |
Major Highway | Interstate 95 |
Famous Cuisine | American Cuisine (e.g., Hamburgers, Hotdogs, BBQ Ribs) |
4. Country with the Fourth Most Tourist Arrivals: Turkey – 51 Million Visitors
Tourism in Turkey has been steadily increasing in the 21st century, driving economic growth. The Turkey Home project by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism actively promotes the country as a top destination. Turkey ranks among the top five tourist destinations globally.
Total Visitors | 50.5 million |
Most Visited City | Istanbul |
Famous Landmarks | Hagia Sophia, Cappadocia |
Top Activities | Exploring historical sites, Hot air balloon rides, Turkish baths |
Main Source Countries | Russia, Germany, United Kingdom |
Tourism Revenue | 54.3 Billion USD |
Contribution to GDP | High – 7.3 % |
Major Highway | E80 (D020) |
Famous Cuisine | Turkish Cuisine (e.g., Kebabs, Baklava, Turkish Delight) |
5. Country with the Fifth Most Tourist Arrivals: Italy – 50 Million Visitors
Italy is the fifth most visited country globally. In 2023, travel and tourism contributed EUR162.7 billion to Italy’s GDP, accounting for 10.1% of the total, and created 1,095,000 jobs directly, constituting 4.8% of total employment.
Total Visitors | 50 million |
Most Visited City | Rome |
Famous Landmarks | Colosseum, Venice Canals |
Top Activities | Sightseeing, Wine Tasting, Exploring Ancient Ruins |
Main Source Countries | United States, Germany, United Kingdom |
Tourism Revenue | 190 Billion Euros |
Contribution to GDP | High – 10.2 % |
Major Highway | A1 (Autostrada del Sole) |
Famous Cuisine | Italian Cuisine (e.g., Pizza, Pasta, Gelato) |
6. Country with the Sixth Most Tourist Arrivals: Mexico – 39 Million Visitors
Mexico is the most visited country globally and ranks 15th in income from tourism worldwide, the highest in Latin America. Most tourists to Mexico come from the United States and Canada, with Europe and Asia following. Mexico was ranked 6th globally for travel and tourism competitiveness in 2023, placing 3rd in the Americas.
Total Visitors | 39 million |
Most Visited City | Mexico City |
Famous Landmarks | Chichen Itza, Tulum |
Top Activities | Beach Relaxation, Archaeological Site Visits, Cuisine Exploration |
Main Source Countries | United States, Canada, Europe |
Tourism Revenue | 3 Billion USD |
Contribution to GDP | Moderate – 8.5 % |
Major Highway | Mexico Federal Highway 180 |
Famous Cuisine | Mexican Cuisine (e.g., Tacos, Enchiladas, Guacamole) |
7. Country with the Seventh Most Tourist Arrivals: United Kingdom – 30 Million Visitors
Tourism started to grow in the 17th century when rich Europeans traveled around Western Europe. During the industrial revolution, more people started to go on vacations because they had more money and better transportation. Heathrow Airport thought 6.7 million people would come in April 2023.
Total Visitors | 30 million |
Most Visited City | London |
Famous Landmarks | Big Ben, Buckingham Palace |
Top Activities | Sightseeing, Afternoon Tea, Museum Visits |
Main Source Countries | United States, France, Germany |
Tourism Revenue | £1,141.80 Million |
Contribution to GDP | High – 9.5 % |
Major Highway | M25 |
Famous Cuisine | British Cuisine (e.g., Fish and Chips, Roast Beef, Full English Breakfast) |
8. Country with the Eighth Most Tourist Arrivals: Germany – 29 Million Visitors
Traveling and tourism, both within the country and internationally, directly add over €105.3 billion to Germany’s economy. This industry supports 4.2 million jobs when considering both direct and indirect effects. Germany ranks eighth in terms of visitor numbers as of 2023. Famous places in Germany include Cologne Cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate, and Neuschwanstein Castle.
Total Visitors | 29 million |
Most Visited City | Berlin |
Famous Landmarks | Brandenburg Gate, Neuschwanstein Castle |
Top Activities | Sightseeing, Beer Tasting, Visiting Castles |
Main Source Countries | Netherlands, United States, Switzerland |
Tourism Revenue | 32 Billion USD |
Contribution to GDP | High – 8.8 % |
Major Highway | A7 (Autobahn 7) |
Famous Cuisine | German Cuisine (e.g., Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Pretzels) |
9. Country with the Ninth Most Tourist Arrivals: Greece – 28 Million Visitors
Tourism is important for Greece’s economy, contributing over 20% of its GDP in 2023. In 2023, Greece ranked 9th globally in tourist arrivals, hosting nearly 28 million visitors. The number of tourists in Greece rose to over 31 million in 2019 and around 28 million in 2023. Greece has seen a steady increase in tourist numbers since 2007, making it one of Europe’s top destinations. Most visitors to Greece in 2007 were from Europe, with the UK and Germany leading the way. Greece boasts 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, placing it 17th globally in terms of total sites.
Total Visitors | 28 million |
Most Visited City | Athens |
Famous Landmarks | Acropolis, Santorini |
Top Activities | Island Hopping, Exploring Ancient Ruins, Beach Relaxation |
Main Source Countries | Germany, United Kingdom, France |
Tourism Revenue (2022) | €19.6 Billion |
Contribution to GDP | Moderate – 18.2 % |
Major Highway | A1 (E75) |
Famous Cuisine | Greek Cuisine (e.g., Souvlaki, Moussaka, Greek Salad) |
10. Country with the Tenth Most Tourist Arrivals: Austria – 26 Million Visitors
Tourism supports Austria’s economy, contributing nearly 7.5 % to its GDP. With one guest bed for every six residents, Austria enjoys high tourism income per person among OECD nations. Tourist stays in Austria remain steady throughout the year, reaching peaks in February and July/August. Vienna attracts the most tourists year-round, while Salzburg ranks second in summer.
Total Visitors | 26 million |
Most Visited City | Vienna |
Famous Landmarks | Schönbrunn Palace, Mozart’s Birthplace |
Top Activities | Sightseeing, Skiing, Hiking |
Main Source Countries | Germany, United States, Italy |
Tourism Revenue | $25,924 Million |
Contribution to GDP | Moderate – 7.5 % |
Major Highway | A1 (West Autobahn) |
Famous Cuisine | Austrian Cuisine (e.g., Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel) |
Conclusion – Top 10 Countries with the Most Tourist Arrivals
In conclusion, tourism is a major industry in many countries around the world. It can provide jobs, generate revenue, and help to promote cultural understanding. The number of tourists visiting a country can be affected by a number of factors, including the country’s climate, attractions, and infrastructure. Some of the countries with the most tourist arrivals in 2022 include France, Spain, the United States, and Turkey. France is the most visited country in the world, with over 75 million international tourist arrivals. Spain is the second most visited country, with over 71.7 million international tourist arrivals. The United States is the third most visited country, with over 51 million international tourist arrivals. Turkey is the fourth most visited country, with over 50.5 million international tourist arrivals.
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FAQs on Top 10 Countries with the Most Tourist Arrivals
Which country has the most tourist arrivals in the world?
France has the most tourist arrivals in the world.
Which country is No 1 for tourism?
France is No 1 for tourism.
What is the rank of India in international tourist arrivals?
India has bigger domestic tourist population so it’s not dependent on foreign tourist much. This makes India the 22nd most visited nation in the world and 8th in Asia and Pacific.
Who is the father of tourism?
Thomas Cook is the father of tourism.
Which state in India is most visited by foreign tourists?
In 2022, the state with the highest number of foreign tourists in India was Gujarat, with over 1.7 million visits. In the same year, the number of foreign tourist arrivals in India was around 6.19 million.
Who is the father of Indian tourism?
Mohan Singh Oberoi is the father of Indian tourism.
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