Which Country Attracts Most Tourists?

There’s a traveller and explorer in each one of us, which explains why tourism is one of the biggest industries across the globe. Almost every country on the planet promotes tourism, as it is one of the key sources of revenue. However, some countries are way ahead of others in terms of the amount of revenue generated through tourism. To understand global preferences, here’s a quick look at some of the countries that attract the highest number of tourists.

Italy – The country attracted a total of 64.5 million tourists in 2019. People visit Italy to experience its historical monuments, picturesque cities, rich culture, delectable cuisine, fashion and art. The country is also home to a number of World Heritage Sites. Some of the most frequented tourist destinations in Italy include Venice, Tuscany, Rome, Verona, Florence, Milan, Naples, Brescia and Trento.

China – Although most people know China for its manufacturing and technology prowess, tourism is also growing at a fast pace in the country. In 2019, a total of 65.7 million tourists visited the country. China received max tourists from countries such as South Korea, Japan, US, Russia and Vietnam. China has abundant resources for tourism such as mountains, lakes, waterfalls, historical monuments, cultural landmarks and engineering marvels.

United States – The country offers the best of old and new and exotic and hi-tech, making it one of the most visited countries in the world. In 2019, United States had 79.3 million international tourist arrivals. Tourism industry in US provides jobs to several million people, making it one of the biggest employment generators. US offers a range of attractions to tourists such as beaches, historic buildings, amusement parks, gambling, outdoor recreation, museums, and festivals.

Spain – The total tourist footfall in Spain in 2019 was 83.7 million. Tourism is a major source of revenue for Spain, as it contributes around 11% of the country’s GDP. Tourism is the third largest economic contributor in Spain, next to industrial and financial sector. Spain gets maximum number of tourists from European countries such as UK, Germany, France, Italy and Netherlands. With mild climate throughout the year and a plethora of picturesque sandy beaches along the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean, Spain has a steady flow of tourists. Some of the most visited regions include Catalonia, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Andalusia and Valencia.

France – The country attracted more than 90 million tourists in 2019. Around 10% of France’s GDP is contributed by tourism and it helps create around 2.9 million jobs. Earnings through tourism is an important contributor to the country’s balance of payments. Some of the popular regions in France include Paris, Provence, French Riviera, French Alps, Loire Valley and Corsica. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame de Paris, Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, Palace of Versailles and Louvre Museum.