As far as GDP per capita goes, the countries with the most tourism-reliant economies tend to have higher GDPs. However, that does not necessarily mean they welcome the most tourists. The World Travel & Tourism Council recently released its data for 2021. Nevertheless, the latest numbers show that the tourism industry still has a ways to go. Even before the recent influenza pandemic struck France, it ranked first in the world in 2019.
France
Last year, France recorded the most number of foreign tourists per capita. Eighty-four million people visited the country, which was above the seventy-million mark set by the United States. Britain, which has more than 30 million visitors each year, is in eighth place with 31.2 million. UNESCO’s World Heritage site ranking helps to explain the popularity of France among foreign tourists. The country is home to more than 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Louvre.
Thailand
In terms of number of visitors, Thailand is the country with the most tourists. In the year 2019, over 167 million people visited the country, according to the official government figures. Whether domestic or international tourists, they have different spending power. The south of the country has golden beaches, while Chiang Mai is known for its cultural activities and breathtaking temples. The nearest seaside town to the capital, Bangkok, is Chon Buri. Visitors can experience a wide variety of regional delicacies and nature in this city.
Mexico
The country is the second-largest tourist market in Latin America, after Brazil. Tourism contributes largely to Mexico’s rising economy. In fact, in 2017, Mexico’s tourist sector nearly made up for the country’s economic loss. This result is attributed to its open border policy, which facilitated a speedier recovery. In 2018, Mexico welcomed 41.4 million international tourists and generated 22,510 billion dollars in tourist spending.
South Korea
With its superb transport infrastructure, South Korea offers travelers a chance to escape from the urban sprawl and experience a world of tranquility. From hiking in national parks to sailing to secluded islands, the country offers a variety of natural and cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or a relaxing seafood lunch, the South Korean people are eager to welcome you to their country. Whether you want to stay in a simple guesthouse or enjoy the scenic views of a rice field, there’s something for every traveler in South Korea.
China
The Chinese have long been a huge source of tourists, bringing in more than US$255 billion in tourism each year. As more countries open their borders to international travel, the country is increasingly attracted to foreign travelers. However, recent data suggests that China is experiencing a significant slump in tourism in the first quarter of 2022. According to data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, around 52 million Chinese travelers traveled during the New Year holiday and 251 million during the Spring Festival, a slight year-on-year decline. However, the slowdown may have been reversed by the summer holiday season.
United States
Each state has its own tourism industry, and the chart below shows which has the most tourists. The United States has the most tourists in every state, but some states attract more visitors than others. California has more tourists than any other state, and it has the Statue of Liberty. The Golden Gate Bridge and Disneyland are also popular tourist destinations. HotelsCombined.com has analyzed 87,000 hotel bookings in the US to determine which states have the most tourists.
Europe
Europe has the highest number of tourists of any region in the world. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the continent attracts more than half of all international visitors. It is home to 12 out of 20 of the world’s most popular countries, with Asia and the Pacific accounting for the rest of the list with five countries. Its popularity is likely to continue growing in the future. Whether it’s about the culture, history, or geography, Europe is a top travel destination.
Pacific
The Pacific has the most tourism potential per square kilometre of any region of the world. In 2017, international tourism in the Pacific grew by more than 83%, reaching a record 2.1 million tourists. This increase generated US$3.6 billion in revenue. Several Pacific destinations have experienced double-digit growth, including the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Samoa, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. Other Pacific destinations experienced moderate growth.