Tourism has gradually recovered from the pandemic times in which there was a significant dip in International tourism. It has been reported that in the year 2022, Europe – which hosts many of the most visited countries in the world – had approximately 585 million tourist visits in 2022, approaching 78% of pre-pandemic numbers. As COVID restrictions decline, it is believed that the number will keep increasing.
Prior to COVID, airports were the busiest and tourism was thriving with travel enthusiasts going on trips to different destinations around the world. However, when COVID hit, travel was brought to a standstill, leading to problems in the tourism industry. In 2024, the tourism industry is gradually getting back to its glory days which begs the question, what is the 10 most visited countries in the world in 2024?
In this blog, I’ll provide details on the countries that attract the largest numbers including France which has always been known to be one of the top visited destinations worldwide, the United States, Turkey, Italy, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Germany, based on the United Nations World Travel Organization (UNWTO) Statistics of January 2023. I will also take it a little further by intimating you on iconic landmarks in our top 10 that attract visit from millions of tourists all over the world
Are you ready to dive in? (drum rolls). Let’s go!
What is the 10 most visited countries in the world?
10. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
With approximately 11.5 million travelers per UNTWO statistics, UAE comes 10th on our list. UAE, which has a population of 9 million, is home to iconic cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Popular tourist attractions include the World’s tallest buildings – Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Dubai Mall, the Museum of the Future, and Palm Jumeirah. UAE is renowned for its affluence vibrant culture, deserts, beautiful architecture, and beaches. If you’re a foodie like me, UAE also has special delicacies like Emirati cuisine, Middle Eastern delicacies like Hummus, Falafel, and Shawarma, and many others.
There is so much to discover in Dubai.
Mo Farah
UAE is also a global business and trade hub which attracts entrepreneurs and investors from different parts of the world. Thriving sectors include finance and banking, real estate and construction, logistics, technology, and innovation, among many others. It attracts millions of tourists every year and it is a must-visit destination if you ask me.
9. Germany
Germany, with approximately 11.7 million travelers, makes it to 9th on our list. The European country has a population of 83 million people. It is renowned for its vibrant culture, history, and dark loaves of bread lol. That’s right. Germany offers attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Europa Park, and the Cologne Cathedral. The locations draw lots of tourists to the country on an annual basis. If you visit Germany, you can take an evening to enjoy some classical music at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, check out the historical Neuschwanstein Castle, and hike in the Black Forest. Oh! Did I forget the infamous German beer? Don’t miss that one.
Always wanted to go to Germany… probably one of my top ten.
Craig Robinson
Germany also has some of the best educational institutions in the world which is an attraction for International students to study. These universities offer degrees taught in many languages aside from the native German language.
8. Australia
With International travelers visits of 12.7 million, Australia makes it to the 8th on this list. The South American country has a population of 26 million and is renowned for iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Great Barrier Reef, and Uluru. Visitors who love the aqua life are attracted to the popular Bondi Beach and Whitehaven Beach. The cities that tend to attract the most people include Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, each receiving up to 2 million visits.
I love Australia; it was a really, really nice experience for me. It’s such a beautiful place. The people are beautiful – like, really beautiful – and they are beautiful in terms of their personalities. It’s such a great plave to be. It’s like you are in a little bit of a dream world.
Shawn Mendes
In addition, Australia is home to delectable cuisines and wines. If you love the delight of wine tasting, you should visit regions like the Barossa Valley, Magaret River, and the Hunter Valley, where some of the world-renowned wines are made.
7. Greece
Greece received up to 14.7 million travelers per UNWTO statistics. With a total population of 10.3 million people, Greece hosts some of the best Islands in the world. Some of the popular destinations for tourists include Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos Islands – popular for their white buildings and breathtaking sunsets. Greece is also renowned for lively festivals, its culture, traditional music, and delectable cuisines.
It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.
Henry Miller
6. United States of America (USA)
Welcoming 22.1 million travelers, the infamous USA makes it to 6th on our list. It is one of the most populated countries in the world with a population of 341 million people. It hosts world-renowned iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Time Square, the Empire State Building, and California’s Disneyland Resort. The USA is popular for its Hollywood entertainment industry, diversity, innovation, and vibrant culture. From having an ecstatic evening at Times Square New York to taking a boat tour at Niagara Falls, USA certainly give their tourists a memorable experience.
From embracing the chaos of Manhattan to hiking in the High Sierras, partying in New Orleans to touring lobster shacks in Maine, searching for wildlife in Yosemite to riding the train from Seattle to San Francisco, there is truly something for every type of traveler. Beach bums, outdoor adventurers and culture fiends are all catered for in a destination that continues to reinvent itself.
CNN Travel
5. Italy
Attracting up to 26.9 million travelers, Italy is number 5 on our list. It has a population of 58 million. Italy attracts visitors across the globe for various reasons. Popular cities that attract lots of tourists include Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan.
One of the great joys of traveling through Italy is discovering firsthand that it is, indeed, a dream destination.
Debra Levinson
Italy is known for its history, amazing architecture of the likes of Rome, and delectable cuisines, especially pizza, pasta, and wine. Have you heard of the infamous Gelato? They refer to traditional Italian frozen dessert, which is similar to ice cream however, it is unique in its texture and flavour. Iconic landmarks in Italy include the Colosseum, Pantheon, the Pompeii Ruins, and the Milan Cathedral
4. Turkey
UNWTO statistics report that Turkey received 29.9 million travelers which makes Turkey number 4 on our list. Turkey has a population of 86 million people and hosts iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace Museum. A fascinating fact about Turkey is that it occupies two continents – Asia and Europe.
Turkey was fantastic, Turkey was, like, mystical and such a special place. Just unique, something that’s really hard to describe, such beauty, those mountains, and the stone is kind of, eroded? Special erosion which makes what you see just something that seems, it’s been made for a movie, it’s like something out of fantasy, except it’s real.
Violante Placido
Also, there are many activities tourists can get involved in including taking a hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia, taking a cruise on the Black Sea, taking a dip with the Turkish bath experience, and skiing in the snowy mountains of Uludag. Turkey also has amazing cuisine. I mean the country’s name is literally “Turkey” so why not? Lol. Some amazing culinary delights include baklava, spices kebabs and oil-cooked vegetables.
3. Spain
Okay! We’re down to the top 3 on our list. I’m sure you can’t wait to see what country takes the first place but in the meantime, let’s talk about our number 3 – Spain. According to the UNWTO statistics, Spain received 31.2 million travelers. Spain has a population of 47 million people and is home to beautiful attractions like Sagrada Familia (Barcelona) and the Prado Museum in Madrid. Spain’s passion for football, picturesque beaches, vibrant festivals, and delectable cuisine attract tourists each year, making it one of the top tourist attractions in the world.
Spain is a beautiful country with rich architecture and a huge cultural heritage. Arguably it has it all: mountains, a stunning coastline, and urban life, plus agriculture, mining, and industry.
Norman Foster
2. Mexico
Number 2 on our list is Mexico with up to 38million travelers per statistics. Mexico has a large population of 129 million people. Popular tourist destinations in Mexico include the infamous Mexico City, Cancún, Cabo San Lucas, and the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza. Other tourist attractions include enjoying the summer on beaches at Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel. Mexico is full of fun activities for travelers and each attraction promises to make for a memorable travel experience.
Let’s also not leave out one important part: Mexican food. Urrgh! It’s such a delight. Talk about street tacos, spicy mole sauces, and fresh seafood.
Mexican food is one of the best culinary experiences that people can have.
Karla Souza
1. France
Top of the pile is France. France boasts a diverse and friendly population of 67 million people. France is home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral, attracting millions of travelers annually. In summary, everyone loves France. According to an American author
I had come to the conculsion that I must really be French, only no one had ever informaed me of this fact. I love the people, the food, the lay of the land, the civilized atmosphere, and the generous pace of life
Julia Child
Per UNWTO statistics, France received 48.4 million travelers making it the most visited country in the world. France is renowned for its art, culture, and rich history. Popular fun activities include visiting Paris for a climb up the Eiffel Tower and enjoying the city’s breathtaking view, satisfying your palates with French cuisine from the quaint cafes, or paying a visit to the Louvre Museum.
Too long, didn’t read (TL;DR)? Below are the 10 most visited countries in the world in a listed format:
- France – 48.4 million
- Mexico – 31.9 million
- Spain – 31.2 million
- Turkey – 29.9 million
- Italy – 26.9 million
- USA – 22.1 million
- Greece – 14.7 million
- Australia – 12.7 million
- Germany – 11.7 million
- UAE – 11.5 million
LEAST VISITED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
Nauru is the least visited country in the world. Being a small island in the Pacific Ocean, it receives only a few visitors every year. Aside from Nauru, another location in the Pacific Ocean that doesn’t receive many visitors is the Marshall Islands. It’s safe to say these remote locations are not particularly attractive to tourists due to their secluded location and complicated visa process.
MOST VISITED CITY IN THE WORLD
Ideally, anyone would think the answer to this would be Paris but here’s the shocker. It’s not. Per UNWTO statistics, Hong Kong, China was the most visited city in the world in 2023. Hong Kong offers visitors a memorable travel experience with lively street markets, cultural heritage, and traditional festivals.
To sum it all up, the 10 most visited countries including France, Spain, the United States, and Italy offer all travelers amazing experiences. If you’re a travel fanatic, you should consider adding some -if not all – of these countries to your bucket list.
Want to learn more about more travel destinations? Here’s a list of 20 Must-Visit places in 2024. Don’t forget to leave a comment if you have any contributions. Safe travels.
