We profile some usual suspects plus one or two surprises in the top 12 most visited countries in the world
Have you dreamed of a romantic kiss atop the Eiffel Tower? Perhaps you’ve thrown a wish into the Trevi Fountain or stopped and stared at the Sistine Chapel. If so, you’re certainly not alone.
According to the latest tourism data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an estimated 1.1 billion international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) were recorded from January to September 2024 – roughly 11% more than in the same period of 2023.
The data is crunched into the UN Tourism Tracker to reveal the world’s most visited countries of the year. These destinations are the most popular for good reason; they generally offer everything from beach holidays and winter sun to enthralling history and vibrant culture.
With options for both short getaways and longer trips, Loveholidays is currently running a sale on several of these destinations for UK holidaymakers. The site features a user-friendly and flexible platform for booking and comparing a wide range of accommodations, flights and holiday packages.
12 most visited countries in the world
The below figures come from the 2024 edition of the UNWTO’s World Tourism Barometer report. Here’s the complete list of the 12 most visited countries in the world.
1. France
Arrivals: 100 million
It’s fair to say that there has been a long-standing rivalry between the French and the British, partly because we Brits think we’re better than them (deep down, we know we’re not).
In both joie de vivre and savoire faire, in culture, couture and cuisine, our Gallic cousins outclass us consistently – and why wouldn’t they? Their impeccable taste coupled with a natural hauteur lends them an inimitable sophistication. It’s this je ne se quois perhaps that keeps tourists coming to this land of romance – a whopping 100 million of them a year.
2. Spain
Arrivals: 85.2 million
Good food, good wine, amazing architecture and the ebullient nature of the natives are just some of the reasons why people flock to Spain (and subsequently get exhausted by the Spaniards… did we mention they’re ebullient?).
Spain is a popular destination not only for all the above but also as a place of worship. Camino de Santiago, a network of paths leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, is popular not only with pilgrims but also with hikers, cyclists and organised tour groups.
3. USA
Arrivals: 66.5 million
Despite the lowest increase in tourist arrivals year on year, the US holds strong as the third most visited country in the world. It has more famous cities than arguably any other country in the world – New York, LA, San Francisco, Miami and Chicago being just some of them.
There’s plenty for culture vultures (New Orleans, Austin, Boston) and nature lovers too: Yosemite, Grand Prismatic Spring and Grand Canyon are just a few of the many national parks full of weird and wonderful things.
4. Italy
Arrivals: 57.2 million
Ah, Rome, the place where legends are born, legacies shorn and gelato grants entry to heaven.
And that’s just the beginning. There’s charming Verona, iconic Venice and the heart-stoppingly stunning Dolomites. If you have to be unoriginal, be unoriginal in Italy.
5. Türkiye
Arrivals: 55.2 million
Interestingly, Türkiye has had the biggest year-on-year increase on the list: 11.9% to be specific. This might be a sign that its fortunes are continuing to improve.
During our visit back in 2016, we were told of slowing trade caused by local conflict. Currently, Türkiye is almost entirely trouble-free and the hope is that it continues to stay safe and open. If you’re considering a holiday to the Anatolian Peninsula, it’s worth double-checking the things you need to visit Türkiye.
6. Mexico
Arrivals: 42.2 million
In past years, Mexico has jostled with Thailand and Russia for a place on the list of the world’s most visited countries. This year, it sits comfortably mid-list with over 42 million tourist arrivals.
Home to Frida Kahlo, the dazzling Day of the Dead celebrations and a Wonder of the World in the form of Chichen Itza, Mexico is only set to grow in popularity.
7. United Kingdom
Arrivals: 37.2 million
And so we come to our homeland of Britain, a green and pleasant land full of sedate sights like Stonehenge set to a backdrop of gloomy skies and seemingly endless drizzle. Still, there’s plenty here to draw tourists.
World-class museums, dramatic forts and castles, charming countryside villages and a cheese-rolling competition have all helped the UK sneak into the top 10 most visited countries in the world.
8. China
Arrivals: 35.3 million
Kia recently visited China, a behemoth on the world stage in size, population and economic strength. However, the country has still not bounced back to pre-pandemic numbers even though it has resumed issuing all types of visas, including tourist visas, and has reinstated visa-free policies.
The world’s oldest continuous civilisation offers gleaming monuments to progress countered by rich threads of antiquity. Mist-shrouded mountains, sleepy water towns, archaeological wonders and world-class cuisine are just a few of the myriad reasons why over 60 million tourists flock to this country each year.
9. Germany
Arrivals: 34.8 million
Germany was named by Lonely Planet as one of the best countries to visit in 2019, during the 100th anniversary of Bauhaus, a school of design that still today influences art, architecture, graphic design, interior design, industrial design and typography.
Beyond Bauhaus, there is plenty to do and see. The Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall are just some of the world-famous sights in the capital city. Further afield, the stunning Black Forest and its collection of fairytale castles are a major draw for international tourists.
10. Greece
Arrivals: 32.7million
Greece remains a dream destination for many travellers, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture that appeal to European holidaymakers looking for sun, sea and cocktails as well as visitors from further afield keen to immerse themselves in Greece’s ancient history.
Its iconic islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos and Crete, boast stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, rugged landscapes and picturesque white-washed villages. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins like the Acropolis in Athens or wandering through narrow cobblestone streets, Greece never fails to charm its millions of annual visitors.
11. Austria
Arrivals: 30.9 million
From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the serene beauty of its glacial lakes, Austria offers breathtaking landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it’s hiking in summer or skiing in winter, the country’s diverse terrain caters to all types of adventurers.
Austria’s charming small towns – such as Hallstatt and Innsbruck – are steeped in history, with picturesque architecture and a relaxed pace of life that visitors love.
For those seeking more cosmopolitan experiences, Vienna, Geneva and Salzburg boast world-class museums, classical music performances and opulent palaces, providing a deep dive into Europe’s history and artistic legacy.
12. Thailand
Arrivals: 28.2 million
Love it or hate it, Thailand repeatedly appears on the list of the world’s most visited countries. A mainstay of the backpacker route through southeast Asia, Thailand benefits from strong tourist infrastructure, lashes of natural beauty and of course exquisite cuisine.
The iconic Maya Bay on Ko Phi Phi – made famous by the 2000 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio – has experienced a sustained explosion in tourism. In 2018, it was announced that the beach would be closed indefinitely to allow it to recover from tourist damage, a cautionary tale perhaps for the countries hoping to one day join this list.
If you’re visiting Thailand, we recommend using SiamTickets to arrange your travels around the country.
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