The World's Most Visited Countries

Although tourism takes place in every country in the world, there are some countries that receive more visitors than others. Some of the factors that attract tourists to a country include weather, sites, culture, and history. The most visited country in the world is France, followed by Spain and the United States.

1. France - 86.9 Million Visitors

France receives more tourists than anywhere else in the world. In 2017, the country received 86.9 million international visitors. France is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. There is plenty to see outside of Paris as well, including the Loire Valley, the French Alps, and the French Riviera. Other interesting features in France include its beaches and ski resorts. There are also some small attractive villages scattered throughout the country that are rich in French history and culture.

2. Spain - 81.8 Million Visitors

In Spain, tourism is an economic relief as it adds up to 11% to the market. Spain receives the second highest number of visitors globally after France. In 2017, the number of international tourists was about 81.8 million. The number of visitors is even higher on summer breaks. The high number of visitors in Spain is attributed to its favorable weather conditions throughout the year. Spain also has beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant cities. Besides its pleasant climate, Spain also has prehistoric sites and cultural symbols in Barcelona and Madrid which attract visitors.

3. United States - 76.9 Million Visitors

The United States receives the third highest volume of tourists. In 2017, the number of international visitors in the US was about 76.9 million. Visitors travel to the US to explore its cities, landmarks, and national parks. Some of most visited cities include Boston, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Some of the most popular national parks include Yosemite and Yellowstone.

4. China - 60.7 Million Visitors

China is the world's fourth most visited travel destination. Perhaps the most popular destination in China is the Great Wall. The Forbidden City, in the Chinese capital of Beijing, is one of the world's most visited museums. Aside from its cultural attractions, China is also home to amazing nature and wildlife, including some of the world's only giant pandas.

Other Popular Countries

Other countries that receive a large number of visitors include Italy, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Turkey, Germany, and Thailand are also amazing tourist destinations. Every country on the list is home to attractive prehistoric sites and cities that visitors love to explore.