In this article, we will be taking a look at the 25 most visited countries in the world.
It is almost impossible to talk about travel now without discussing the ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic on the industry. International travel was suspended globally as authorities and government raced to get ahead of the spread of the virus. From 2020 to the start of 2022, international travel was mostly limited to only critical travel, having a devastating impact on not just leisure travel but business travel as well. Even in 2021, when there were moments, especially in summer, of the burden on healthcare increasing, international tourism was still largely restricted, or allowed with several caveats including negative tests, proof of vaccinations and registration on various apps. Tourism has accounted for around 10% of the global GDP, employing more than 320 million across the world. In 2019, more than 1.5 billion people took foreign trips which then saw a decline of 72% after the pandemic.
Photo by Cris Tagupa on Unsplash
In 2022, thanks to the invention of the Covid-19 vaccine, most of the world was able to resume to a somewhat normal life, as infection and serious illness deaths decreased. The summer of 2022 can be considered the first time since 2019 that travel resumed, and it did so with the release of pent-up demand of the last two years. While major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NASDAQ:DAL), American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) and United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL), saw major losses in 2020 and 2021, they posted record growth in revenue in 2022 along with soaring profits as prices went sky-high responding to demand. The price per passenger increased to record levels even in economy, while business class flights became much more expensive as well. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) and American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) returned to profitability in Q2 2022 thanks to soaring demand.
The economy of many countries is boosted by tourism and is an important sector, but for some, the dependence on tourism is much higher. For example, the United States, which is one of the most visited countries in the world, has a heavily diversified economy and tourism only makes up 3.3% of the nation’s total exports.
Now that tourism is recovering, major airlines aren’t the only one reaping the rewards. Many of the biggest hotels in the world are now filled to capacity with travelers such as Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H), Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) and Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR), with each of these hotel chains earning billions in revenue and renting out hundreds of thousands of rooms across thousands of properties.
To determine the most visited countries in the world, we took a look at the number of people visiting each nation along with the receipts from inbound tourism, with data courtesy of The World Tourism Organization, an agency of the United Nations. We assigned 70% weightage to the former criterion and 30% to the latter. Unsurprisingly, Europe dominates the list. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the countries benefiting the most from tourism revival, starting with number 25:
25. Belgium
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 3.2
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 0.4
The European nation is well-known for its chocolates and diamonds, while perhaps the best place to visit in Belgium is Bruges, whose city center is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO, a place where you will be transported to the past.
24. Belarus
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 3.4
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 3.8
Belarus’s involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine has earned it significant condemnation from many countries and will most likely result in tourism in the country suffering.
23. Ukraine
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 3.7
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 1
Unfortunately, Ukraine, which has so much to offer, will definitely drop off this list next year thanks to the Russia-Ukraine war which has absolutely devastated the country.
22. Morocco
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 3.7
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 3.8
Morocco is home to a strong tourist industry and it is one of the most visited places in Africa.
21. Albania
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 5
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 2.3
Albania is home to archeological and cultural heritage, attracting millions of people every year.
20. Saudi Arabia
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 3.5
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 15.3
A lot of visitors to Saudi Arabia visit the country to perform Hajj or Umrah, which are holy activities performed by Muslims.
19. Dominican Republic
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 4.4
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 5.7
Dominican Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
18. Switzerland
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 4.3
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 11
The only reason perhaps that Switzerland isn’t ranked as high in the list of the most visited countries in the world is because it is incredibly expensive, but the amazing views of lakes, valleys and mountains, not to mention amazing ski resorts, make it a must-visit country.
17. Bulgaria
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 6.3
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 2.5
Tourism is a major contributor to Bulgaria’s economy and in 2017, nearly 12 million people visited the country.
16. Netherlands
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 5.3
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 9.4
There is so much more to the country, from the canals and beauty of Amsterdam to the mostly car-free village of Giethoorn to the historic neighborhood of Zaanse Schans.
15. Hungary
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 5.3
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 9.4
Budapest is one of the most popular cities in the world among tourists.
14. Poland
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 9.7
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 9.1
Poland is home to a bustling capital Warsaw and historic architecture of Gdansk and Krakow.
13. United Kingdom
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 6.2
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 33.1
London is easily one of the most visited cities in the world, but other areas including Manchester in England and Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands are also extremely popular among tourists.
12. Portugal
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 9.6
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 11.9
Balmy temperatures are one of the main attractions of Portugal, while beaches and historic architecture add to the fun of visiting the nation.
11. Croatia
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 10.6
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 10.8
Tourism is one of the biggest industries in Croatia, with Dubrovnik considered to be one of its most popular destinations.
10. Austria
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 12.7
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 9.9
Austria’s capital Vienna is among the most visited cities in the world but subjectively, the best place in Austria has to be Hallstatt, an absolutely stunning town.
9. Germany
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 11.7
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 22.2
While the numbers for visitors to Germany have declined because of the pandemic, it has always been a major player in tourism, with tourists mainly visiting the country to learn and observe the German culture, countryside and rural areas, multitude of outdoor activities available and of course, some of the main cities including Munich and Berlin.
8. United Arab Emirates
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 11.5
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 34.4
Most people who visit the United Arab Emirates go to the city of Dubai, which is home to glitz and glamour, and is an excellent place to visit if your fantasies, and your wealth, are unlimited.
7. Greece
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 14.7
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 12.4
Athens, the capital of Greece, is home to the Acropolis, an ancient citadel dating to fifth century BC. Greece is also home to excellent weather and is home to several major islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, which attract millions of visitors each year.
6. Italy
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 26.9
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 25.2
Italy is one of several European countries among the most visited countries in the world. Some of the major cities in Italy which attract tourists include Florence and Rome,, while Venice, which is built on a group of 118 islands, is well-known for its canals and gondola rides.
5. Turkiye
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 29.9
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 26.6
Turkiye’s economy has been in shambles over the past couple of years, with its currency depreciating significantly while inflation has raged unchecked. Tourism in the country is centered in Istanbul, which is home to several historical sites and feats of architecture, while seaside resorts in some cities have also proven to be an attractive proposition to tourists.
4. United States of America
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 22.1
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 70.2
From some of the most amazing national parks in the world, to Times Square in New York, to casinos and shows in Las Vegas, to beaches in San Francisco and so much more, the U.S. has something for everyone.
3. Mexico
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 31.9
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 19.8
Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world. The Castle of Chichen Itza, located in Yucatan State, has been considered among the Seven New Wonders of the World.
2. Spain
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 31.2
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 34.5
Tourism accounts for more than 10% of Spain’s GDP, with the vast majority of its visitors coming from the United Kingdom, Germany and France. The Sagrada Familia is one of the country’s most famous attractions, located in Barcelona, while Alhambra in Granada attracts tons of visitors as well. The Mediterranean climate in Spain is another reason why so many Europeans flock to the country in a bid to escape cold, gray weather.
1. France
Total arrivals in the country in 2021 (in millions): 48.4
Total tourism receipts in 2021 (in billions): 40.8
Topping the list of the 25 most visited countries in the world is France, which is the only country with well over 40 million visitors. Paris is one of the most visited cities in the country, offering many fascinating attractions including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and of course, the Louvre Museum, among others. However, the South of France is a fascinating place to visit too, including beautiful weather, coastal roads, lavender fields, traditional landscapes, beautiful villages and stunning vineyards.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily enewsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also check out our articles on 11 Best Travel Stocks To Buy and 20 Countries That Produce the Most Wheat.
Suggested articles:
- 10 Biggest Energy Drink Companies in the World
- 12 Countries That Produce the Best Coffee
- Top 15 3D Companies in the World
Disclosure: None. 25 most visited countries in the world is originally published at Insider Monkey.
