The World Tourism Organization collects a report with international tourist visitors for every country every year. Here is the latest list of the most visited countries based on their recent report.
Top 10 Most Visited Countries with Visitors Arrivals in 2022
- France – 90.0 million (89,322,000 Visitors)
- Spain – 82.7 million (82,773,000 Visitors)
- United States – 79.7 million (79,745,000 Visitors)
- China – 65.7 million (65,700,000 Visitors)
- Italy – 64.5 million (64,567,000 Visitors)
- Turkey – 51.2 million (45,768,000 Visitors)
- Mexico – 45.0 million (41,313,000 Visitors)
- Germany – 38.8 million (38,881,000 Visitors)
- Thailand – 38.1 million (38,178,000 Visitors)
- United Kingdom – 36.3 million (36,316,000 Visitors)
In the last 10 years, foreign tourist visits have increased by 7%, according to the World Tourism Organization’s annual highlights report. The majority of the 1,326 million people are in Europe (51%), followed by Asia and the Pacific (24%). The total economic benefit from tourism peaked at US$ 1,340 billion, split between the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe.
France- 89,322,000 Visitors
One of the first most visited countries in the world is France. In 2018 and 2019, tourism on a global scale reached yet another peak. In 2018, there were more than 1.4 billion recorded travels worldwide. Particular airplanes have made travel more convenient and common than before. You may board a plane and travel anywhere on Earth that you desire, typically in less than a day. Nevertheless, certain nations are noticeably more sought-after travel destinations than others. It might be due to the climate, culture, or tourist attractions that a certain nation gives its visitors. The ten most visited nations on Earth are listed in the following Top 10 rankings.
Last year, these nations collectively hosted 579 million tourists from throughout the world. It indicates only these ten nations account for 41% of all international tourist travel. It’s a pretty amazing number, isn’t it? Each of these nations received at least 35 million international travelers into their nation last year, and the most visited nation on Earth even approached the 100 million visitor milestone. The majority of the time, certain cities and the attractions found therein are what bring the most tourists to a nation. As a result, the ranking will include a list of the cities and landmarks in the most traveled nations.
90 million visitors
Most visited Locations: Paris, Ile-de-France, Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, French Riviera, Chamonix, Mont St-Michel, Paris Bridges.
Most visited attraction: Notre Dame de Paris ( Paris, Ile-de-France)
Spain
The country with the second highest number of tourists in Europe is Paine, which is mostly on the Iberian Peninsula. Spain welcomed 82.7 million tourists in 2018, up 1 million from the previous year.
47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, several Atlantic, and Mediterranean beaches, and numerous international festivals may all be found in Spain. Spain’s shoreline has frequently been compared to tropical islands.
The variety of cuisine in Spain, especially the Tortilla Espanola, Pisto, Paella, Paella, and other traditional foods, has made a journey there more worthwhile.
It is home to some of the most renowned football teams in the world. It’s estimated that thousands of people watch the Copa Del Rey championship each year.
~ 83 million visitors
Most visited city: Barcelona, Catalonia
Most visited attraction: La Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Catalonia)
United States of America
America has long been a well-liked travel destination due to the size of its large expansive cities and the allure of its little villages; to round the number down, 82 million tourists visited it in 2017. America’s endless highways are a siren’s call, especially given the trend in travel patterns toward city-hopping and road-tripping.
American cities which have a title of transience—New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Boston
Then there is the musical Austin, the free-spirited Portland, the dynamic San Francisco, and the beach and nightlife-filled Miami.
The Grand Canyon, miles of beautiful jungles, and country lanes are further attractions. As you see this jumble of images, jazz, country, hip-hop, rock, and pop music will keep you company on the radio.
Attractions include Miami beaches, New Orleans, Yellowstone National Park, Arizona National Parks and Monuments, Grand Canyon, and New York City.
~ 80 million visitors
Most visited city: New York City and New york
Most visited attraction: Times Square (New York City)
China
One of the most visited countries in the world is China. The number of tourists visiting China has increased dramatically since it began to welcome them, largely as a result of an upsurge in international trade and cross-cultural interactions.
With so many ancient cities, historical sites, and delectable cuisine, it is understandable why China has become one of the most popular tourist destinations. Thanks to social media, its famous sites, such as the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, have become more well-known.
There are many hidden spots with regional flair and cultural history, even in the crowded capital city of Beijing. Our two-week itinerary in China included hiking Mount Emei, farming in Yangshuo, and scaling the tallest Buddha statue there is. The journey was amazing!
Best Things to Do in China:
- Beijing Forbidden City – most iconic site
- Peking Opera Show – best theater.
- Hike the Great Wall – part of the Great Wall, Jinshanling
- Xi’an Terracotta Army – terracotta warriors buried 2000 years ago
- Daytrip to Mount Huangshan – cable car for panoramic views
- Float on Li River in Yangshuo – traditional fishermen of Guilin
Best Locations to Stay in China:
- Shichahai Sandalwood Boutique Hotel Beijing
- Beijing Gubei Duajia Inn
- Wyndham Grand Xian South – a five-star hotel
- Alila Yangshuo – Stylish retreat
~ 63 million visitors
Most visited city: Beijing, and Beijing Municipality
Most visited attraction: Forbidden City (Beijing, Municipality of Beijing) (New York City)
Italy
One of the most visited countries in the world is Italy. The Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa are two of the most well-known landmarks in the world, and Italy is the third most visited country on the old continent of Europe. About 52.4 million people visited in 2016, 58.3 million did so in 2017, and 62.1 million will do so in 2021.
In addition to having a large number of castles, palaces, cathedrals, wines, and beaches, the country is well known for its influential art, architecture, and culture. The Vatican Museums, which are situated in Rome’s center, are another well-known attraction. Rome is the third most visited city in Europe, trailing only Paris and London. Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples are a few of the most popular destinations in Italy.
Furthermore, even though pizza and pasta are popular worldwide.
~ 62 million visitors
Most visited city: Venice, Veneto>
Most visited attraction: San Marco Square & Rialto Bridge (Venice, Veneto)
Turkey
One of the most visited countries in the world is Turkey, without a doubt, Istanbul is the ideal vacation spot for everyone which is the major city of Turkey. Before the Ottomans conquered it, Istanbul, the meeting point of western and eastern cultures, was known as Constantinople. It was established in 660 BCE.
No one traveling to Turkey will skip a trip to Istanbul. The city features a unique fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, delectable Middle Eastern food, agreeable weather, and a sizable population of friendly cats and dogs wandering freely around the city.
45.7 million tourists visited Turkey in 2018, up from 37.6 million in 2017. People who are particularly interested in history travel to many different locations, like the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, the Cappadocia rock valleys, the snow-white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, the ruins of the former Armenian capital Ani, and many others.
~ 46 million visitors
Most visited city: Istanbul, Istanbul Province
Most visited attraction: Grand Bazaar (Istanbul, Istanbul Province)
Mexico
On the list of most visited nations, Mexico is still ranked #7. Mexico’s inclusion on this list is understandable given that you can get there by car from the United States. Check out our two-week trip to Mexico!
More people visit Mexico than the entire Caribbean combined, only in that country alone (25.2 million). The Yucatan Peninsula, a very well-liked vacation spot with stunning beaches, historic Mayan ruins, and lush tropical jungles, accounts for the majority of these figures. See the extensive list of activities I’ve included for Yucatan.
The 12 million-person metropolis of Mexico City is a fantastic destination for those interested in history and culture. Major cities like Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende are very well-liked by culture vultures who are interested in Mexican traditions and colonial history. Oaxaca is popular among foodies because it is home to some of Mexico’s finest cuisine.
Best Things to Do in Mexico:
- Mexico City Street Food Tour
- Visit Teotihuacan Pyramids
- Daytrip to San Miguel de Allende
- Explore Underground Cenotes (Tulum)
- Wander Guadalajara
- Chichén Itzá
Best Locations to Stay in Mexico:
- Las Alcobas DF – Hotel in Mexico City
- Viceroy Riviera Maya – the best beach resort on the Yucatan Peninsula
- Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada – A colonial mansion heritage hotel
- Quinta Real Guadalajara – stunning colonial hotel
~ 42 million visitors
Most visited city: Cancun and Quintana Roo
Most visited attraction: Pyramid of the Sun (Teotihuacan, State of Mexico)
Germany
One of the most visited countries in the world is Germany and its main cities are tourist attractions in the festive season – drawing in visitors with their Christmas markets, beer festivals, and summer events. Check out this list of Germany’s top Christmas markets if you plan to travel over the holiday season.
A big percentage of the annual visitors come to Munich specifically for Oktoberfest, while Berlin and Frankfurt mostly draw tourists who enjoy European cities. You may tour the Black Forest, the Rhine River, and more of Germany’s countryside
Best Things to Do in Germany:
- Berlin Wall Bike Tour
- Munich Old Town – A charming city with historical buildings
- Daytrip to Neuschwanstein Castle – The iconic landmark inspired by Walt Disney
- Rhine Valley – A UNESCO site of vineyards and picturesque villages
- Oktoberfest – The craziest time to visit Germany!
Best Locations to Stay in Germany:
- Hotel Adlon Kempinski – 5-star hotel (Berlin)
- Bayerischer Hof – A historic landmark hotel (Munich)
- Burghotel auf Schönburg – Rhine Valley hotel
- Wyndham Lahnstein Koblenz – Stunning hilltop hotel (Rhine Valley)
~ 39 million visitors
Most visited city: Berlin
Most visited attraction: Brandenburg Gate (Berlin)
Thailand
Thailand is recognized as one of the most visited countries in the world. This country has always had a significant impact on the tourism industry and is still one of the nations with the highest number of visitors.
Thailand, which has some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, is a popular destination for backpackers and tourists who are looking for cheap food, beautiful beaches, and fun nightlife.
Thailand is more than just beaches, though; its temples and palaces are relics of the country’s past and present. Additionally, Thai cuisine is well-known worldwide. Rent a car and drive up north; Chiang Mai offers a variety of activities, including white water rafting, hiking to remote temples, and jungle trekking.
Best Things to Do in Thailand:
- Bangkok Floating Market
- 4×4 Island Safari on Koh Samui – adventurous island
- Snorkel/dive at Koh Tao – The best scuba diving (Thailand)
- Hike and Bike in Chiang Mai – Get active in northern (Thailand)
- Visit Hmong Tribes
Best Locations to Stay in Thailand:
- Banyan Tree Bangkok
- Six Senses Samui
- Naroua Villas Koh Tao
- Veranda Chiangmai
~ 38 million visitors
Most visited city: Bangkok, Central Thailand
Most visited attraction: Grand Palace ( Bangkok, Central Thailand)
United Kingdom
One of the most visited countries in the world is the United Kingdom. The majority of people hardly ever travel outside of the UK’s cultural center of London; outside of the cities, the country has a lot to offer. There is the historic allure of England, the striking scenery of Scotland, and the lesser-known Welsh shoreline. While one of the best things to do in England is hiking in the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands make for a good road trip.
In 2018 and 2019, tourism on a global scale reached yet another peak. In 2018, there were more than 1.4 billion recorded travels worldwide. Particular airplanes have made travel more convenient and common than before. You may just board a plane and travel anywhere on Earth that you desire, typically in less than a day. Nevertheless, some nations are noticeably more sought-after travel destinations than others. This might be due to the climate, culture, or tourist attractions that a certain nation offers to its visitors. The ten most visited nations on Earth are listed in the following Top 10 rankings.
Last year, these nations collectively hosted 579 million tourists from throughout the world. This indicates that only these ten nations account for 41% of all international tourist travel. It’s a pretty amazing number, isn’t it? Each of these nations received at least 35 million international travelers into their nation last year, and the most visited nation on Earth even approached the 100 million visitor milestone. The majority of the time, certain cities and the attractions found therein are what bring the most tourists to a nation. As a result, the ranking will include a list of the cities and landmarks in the most traveled nations.
Best Specialties to Do in the UK:
- London Eye
- River Thames Cruise
- Explore Lake District National Park
- See Loch Ness
- Daytrip to Stonehenge
Best Locations to Stay in the UK:
- The Savoy
- Laura Ashley Hotel The Belsfield
- Riverbed Lodges
- Mercure Salisbury White Hart Hotel
~ 36 million visitors
Most visited city: London, England
Most visited attraction: Buckingham Palace ( London, England)