Hotels are still most people's accommodation of choice when it comes to going on vacation. If only they knew...
Surprisingly, despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine comes in at number 30 on the list with 14.2 million arrivals. In the first six months of 2023 alone they collected over US$2 million from tourist taxes. These taxes are paid by hotel guests and contribute to the regional budget.
With 16.9 million arrivals, Hungary is predominately (98%) a tourist destination for Europeans, namely those from Austria, Germany, and Slovakia. Short stays are common in Hungary and tourists often arrive via car.
The bustling economy of the United Arab Emirates is thanks in part to its place as the leading tourist destination in the GCC. Dubai is expected to be one of the most visited cities in the world in 2024. With 16.7 million arrivals, Dubai has lots to offer tourists.
Slightly higher than Singapore, Indonesia received 15.5 million arrivals and is home to the world-renowned beaches of Bali. Other landmarks such as the ancient temples of Borobudur also entice tourists to visit.
Singapore comes in 28th place with 15.1 million arrivals. The country is home to a lot of English speakers which makes it much simpler for tourists to communicate with the locals when needed. Whether they're shopping or commuting from one landmark to another, visitors aren't as stressed about language barriers as they enjoy the concentrated blend of modern metropolis and tropical island.
The Czech Republic has a long tourism history and boasted 14.3 million arrivals. Its capital city, Prague, is one of the most visited cities in the world! Fun fact: the Czech Republic is one of the top countries for dental tourism.
Vietnam had 18 million arrivals and comes in at our number 21 spot. With its growing popularity, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is working on strategies it can implement to diversify the industry.
Hopping up to 22.1 million arrivals, Canada is next on our list. Supposedly home to some of the world's most attractive people, Canada also has prominent spots including, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver, Niagra Falls, Whistler, and many others.
Crossing the 20 million arrivals line, the Netherlands comes in at 20.1 million arrivals. Tourism in the Netherlands contributes 5.4% of the GDP and 9.6% of the country's employment, which is huge! Back in 2017, it was only bringing in 17 million foreign tourists, so the growth has been major in recent years.
South Korea boasts a whopping 17.5 million arrivals and its capital Seoul is a top must-see destination for tourists. Other points of interest in South Korea include the Seorak-san National Park, Busan, and Jeju Island, which has a warm climate. South Korea is also known for having some of the highest international tourist numbers worldwide.
As of 2021, the tourism sector in Croatia accounted for nearly 20% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). It received 17.4 million arrivals and is considered a Mediterranean hot spot for tourists.
Tied with Canada in terms of arrivals, Poland had 22.1 million. It joined the European Union in 2004 and has since seen an impressive increase in its tourism sector. The most visited city in Poland is Kraków.
Hong Kong had its Lunar New Year in early February received 1.25 million mainland Chinese visitors for the festiviities. In general, Hong Kong brought in 23.8 million arrivals.
Despite severe controversy in the country, Russia had 24.4 million arrivals. It has experienced a decline over the years in visitors but somehow it still manages to come in at number 16 on the list.
Malaysia finds its way onto the list with 26.1 million arrivals. In Malaysia, there have been several initiatives and efforts made by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture to improve its tourism growth. It is also considered a top honeymoon location for 2024.
With 32.2 million arrivals, Japan is a country where tourism is very important. Here you'll find 21 World Heritage Sites such as the Himeji Castle and monuments like those found in Nara and ancient Kyoto.
Bringing in 39.4 million arrivals, the United Kingdom ranks 10th on our list. Visitors from the USA tend to be the ones who visit the UK the most and are considered a very lucrative market.
Breaking the 30 million arrivals ceiling, Greece is our number 13 spot and boasts 31.3 million arrivals. In Greece alone, you'll find 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Portugal brings in millions of tourists every year. People love the cities which are both historic and beautiful, and never far from a natural wonder! Popular places in Portugal include Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, the Algarve, and the island of Madeira (amongst others). With 24.6 million arrivals, Portugal is clearly a popular place to visit.
Most tourists who visit Austria are drawn to its capital city Vienna. The second most popular destination is the city of Salzburg which receives most of its tourists in the summer months. Austria has 31.9 million arrivals.
According to surveys, 75% of respondents say that they visit Germany for culture. The country had 39.6 million arrivals. Its capital and largest city is Berlin and it attracts tourists interested in history from all over the world.
Just missing the 40 million arrivals mark, Thailand comes in with 39.8 million arrivals. Bangkok secured the top position in Mastercard's Global Destination Cities Index which beat the likes of London and even Paris.
Mexico's main tourist destinations include Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Mexico City. Mexico shot through the 40 million mark and boats an incredible 45 million arrivals.
China's recent visa-free travel policy has improved its tourism numbers significantly. China brought in 65.7 million arrivals and tourists are predominately from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, which are all covered by the waiver.
Placing number 1 on our list is France! Here, you'll find 45 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its diverse terrain makes different activities possible. From ski resorts to wine tasting and fine dining to culture, you'll find it all in France.
Sources: (Insider Monkey) (Travel Pulse)
See also: Overrated tourist spots you should avoid
Spain is the second most visited country and had 83.7 million arrivals. Despite struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, Spain has received consistent rankings in the biannual Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index by the World Economic Forum in previous years.
According to sources, tourists spend the most money in the United States compared to any other country. It is speculated that longer stays in the US are to thank. Boasting 79.3 million arrivals, the United States' tourism sector is constantly growing.
Italy had 64.5 million arrivals. Tourism in Italy contributes to over 5% of GDP and employs more than 6% of the workforce.
Turkey has rich historical sites and scenic coastal towns along the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. The country received 51.2 million arrivals, making it number 6 on our list.
In India, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya opened in early 2024 and has set India in motion for a huge upswing in visitors interested in religious travel. The expected annual visitation rates for the Ram Mandir are set to surpass the likes of the Taj Mehal and Mecca.
Curious to see which countries took the top spots? Click through now to explore.
The top 30 most-visited countries in the world
See what makes these countries so appealing!
TRAVEL Global tourism
Travel and tourism make the world go around and drive economies everywhere. But where are the top most visited places that you must try? In this list, you'll find the top 30 places and information on the number of arrivals each has in a year alongside facts about the locations. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready to explore the globe! Some may surprise you while others you might've guessed would top the charts. Whether you're seeking historical landmarks, stunning landscapes, or vibrant cultures, these destinations offer something for every traveler.
Curious to see which countries took the top spots? Click through now to explore.