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International tourism: the most popular countries

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The most popular travel countries.

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• The World's Most Visited Countries

• France is the world's most visited country with 89 million tourists.
• In 2019, 1.5 billion tourist arrivals were recorded around the world.
• Tourism accounts for 12% of Spain's economy.

The World Tourism Organization recently reported that international tourism is continuing to grow and is "outpacing the global economy". In 2019, 1.5 billion tourist arrivals were recorded around the world, a 4% increase on 2018's figures. The Middle East is currently the fastest-growing region for international tourism, but European countries such as France, Spain and Italy remain the most visited. Find out the top 10 world's most visited countries below:

10. United Kingdom: 36 million tourists

In 2019, the United Kingdom welcomed 36 million tourists to its towns and cities. London is the country's most visited city, with approximately 12 million visitors each year. Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester are also popular city destinations. Tourism produces around USD 131 billion for the country and provides over two million jobs. American residents are the most frequent visitors, followed by those who live in France. Some of the UK's most popular tourist attractions include Big Ben, the Tower of London and Stonehenge .

9. Thailand: 38 million tourists

Thailand has been a popular tourist destination for decades thanks to its white-sand beaches, delicious cuisine and hot weather. Bangkok , Thailand's capital, frequently holds the top spot as the world's most visited city. It attracts around 22 million visitors each year. The 1,430 islands of Thailand draw in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, some of the islands are heralded as being some of the best in the world. Thailand's most popular spots include Railay Beach, Koh Phi Phi and The Grand Palace of Bangkok. 

8. Germany: 39 million tourists

Germany is famous for its beer, sausages and picturesque castles. The country welcomes around 39 million tourists each year, with approximately 13 million visiting Berlin, Germany's capital city. Tourism in Germany generates two million jobs for its residents and contributes over 4% towards the country's GDP. 

7. Mexico: 41 million tourists

Mexico , located in the southern part of North America, is rapidly becoming a favorite tourist destination. People from all over the world are visiting the vibrant country to enjoy the pristine beaches, explore the deep history and culture, and discover UNESCO World Heritage sites. Over the last decade, tourism has significantly contributed to Mexico's employment and economy. In 2019, the government announced a six-year strategy to boost tourism and improve conditions for workers within the industry. Some of the country's most visited destinations are Cancun, Mexico City, and Playa del Carmen. 

6. Turkey: 46 million tourists

Located on two continents, Turkey offers a unique blend of East and West. Edged by the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, Turkey has an abundance of stunning coastlines and charming resorts. Tourists also enjoy visiting Turkey's capital, Ankara as well as the resort-city of Antalya. It was reported that over 15 million vacationers visited Antalya in 2019. Antalya is popular thanks to its proximity to beaches and remnants of Turkey's rich history. Famous tourist attractions in Turkey include the Blue Mosque , Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sofia Museum. 

5. Italy: 62 million tourists

Italy has culture, history and cuisine in abundance, making it a very popular tourist destination for people all around the globe. Italy has a varied landscape that suits all traveler types; there are snow-covered peaks, sprawling vineyards and glittering coastlines. Not to mention the beautiful cities like Rome, Naples and Florence. There are 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites dotted throughout the country showcasing the best of Italian history. Some of Italy's best-loved attractions include the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

4. China: 63 million tourists

China , the third-largest country in the world, is in the world's top five tourist destinations because of its natural landscapes, expansive history and delicious cuisine. Tourism in China is a growing industry that is becoming a significant part of the country's economy. In 2018, tourism contributed 11.04% of China's overall GDP, which increased a further 1.2% in 2019. Famous attractions include The Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square . 

3. United States: 80 million tourists

Tourism is one of the United States ' biggest contributors to the country's GDP. The industry supports over 7 million jobs, and in 2017, tourism generated USD 1.6 trillion in economic output. Cities such as New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles experience high numbers of tourists all year round, with New York being the most visited city in the country. Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan and China are the top five countries that make up the majority of US tourism. 

2. Spain: 83 million tourists

Spain is the second most visited country in both the world and Europe. Tourism accounts for 12% of Spain's economy and provides 13% of jobs. The majority of tourists who visit the country come from Europe; it is the warm weather, pristine beaches and bustling cities that attract millions of vacationers. Some of Spain's most famous landmarks include La Sagrada Familia , Park Güell and Alhambra. 

1. France - 89 million tourists

Attracting over 89 million tourists each year, France is the world's most visited country. Paris, France's capital city, draws in around 17 million tourists a year; 7 million of those visit the Eiffel Tower. Tourism in France represents 9.7% of the overall GDP and provides 2.9 million jobs. The majority of France's visitors come from other European countries, with over 12 million coming from the United Kingdom. Disneyland, the Louvre and the Notre Dame Cathedral are some of France's most visited attractions. 

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#15 in Best Countries Overall

Italy is a south-central European country, whose boot-shaped borders extend into the Mediterranean Sea. The country’s historical cities, world-renowned cuisine and geographic beauty make it a popular destination for more than 40 million tourists each year. The nation is home to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, and houses two countries within its borders – the Vatican and San Marino.

GDP PC, PPP

GDP PER CAPITA, PPP

#17 in Best Countries Overall

A number of independent kingdoms united in 1492 to form the Kingdom of Spain, a cultural patchwork that continues to shape the modern nation’s dynamic identity. Spain comprises much of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal on the southwestern edge of Europe. It also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and two enclaves in North Africa.

#12 in Best Countries Overall

It is difficult to overstate the influence  France has on the world, both in the past and today. Located in Western Europe, France is one of the world’s oldest countries, and its reach extends around the globe through science, politics, economics and perhaps above all, culture. Starting in the Middle Ages, France evolved through kingdom, empire and finally, into a republic. It was one of the first nations to champion the rights of the individual.

#27 in Best Countries Overall

Located in southeastern Europe, Greece as an independent nation is young, existing since the 19th century. Its civilization, however, is one of history’s oldest and most influential, credited with creating the concept of democracy as well as the ancient Olympic Games, and laying Western foundations in science, the arts and philosophy.

#4 in Best Countries Overall

The Commonwealth of Australia occupies the Australian continent. The country also includes some islands, most notably Tasmania. Indigenous people occupied the land for at least 40,000 years before the first British settlements of the 18th century.

Switzerland

#1 in Best Countries Overall

Switzerland, officially called the Swiss Confederation, is a small country in Central Europe made up of 16,000 square miles of glacier-carved Alps, lakes and valleys. It is one of the world’s wealthiest countries, and has been well-known for centuries for its neutrality.

New Zealand

#8 in Best Countries Overall

British and Polynesian influences course through picturesque New Zealand, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean southeast of Australia . Early Maori settlers ceded sovereignty to British invaders with the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, and European settlers flooded in. Today, 70 percent of Kiwis, a common term for the people of New Zealand after a native flightless bird, are of European descent. A sense of pride has surged among the Maori, the country’s first settlers who now account for about 14 percent, as homeland grievances become more openly addressed.

#29 in Best Countries Overall

Thailand, which translates to “land of the free,” is the only Southeast Asian nation that did not encounter European colonization. Located just above the equator, the nation is wedged into the Indochina peninsula with neighbors Myanmar , Laos and Cambodia and has an arm that extends out to Malaysia .

#34 in Best Countries Overall

Egypt, with vast swaths of desert in its east and west and the rich Nile River Valley at its heart, is site to one of the world’s earliest and greatest civilizations. Its location at the northeast corner of Africa bordering the Mediterranean Sea has made it a cultural and trading center. But its location has also made it a prize to claim by empires and put it at the center of social and religious movements.

#6 in Best Countries Overall

Japan, one of the world’s most literate and technically advanced nations, is an East Asian country made up of four main islands. While most of Japan is covered by mountains and heavily wooded areas, the country’s roughly 126 million people lead a distinctly urban lifestyle. Long culturally influenced by its neighbors, today the country blends  its ancient traditions with aspects of Western life.

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Top 10 Most Visited Countries in the World

January 7, 2024

Here are the 10 most visited countries in the world, according to the last issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer – January 2023:

• France : 48.4 million visitors
• Mexico : 31.9 million visitors
• Spain : 31.2 million visitors
• Türkiye : 29.9 million visitors
• Italy : 26.9 million visitors
• United States : 22.1 million visitors
• Greece : 14.7 million visitors
• Austria : 12.7 million visitors
• Germany : 11.7 million visitors
• United Arab Emirates : 11.5 million visitors

Most of these countries saw an increase in tourist arrival compared to the previous year, the exceptions being Austria and Germany.

International tourism saw a strong recovery in 2022 and 2023, with Europe and the Americas leading the way.

Europe recorded 585 million international tourist arrivals in 2022 , reaching nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels (-21% over 2019), which makes it the world’s largest destination region and home to the most famous country in the world (more on that later) .

The Middle East enjoyed the strongest relative increase across regions in 2022 with arrivals climbing to 83% of pre-pandemic numbers (-17% versus 2019).

Africa and the Americas both recovered about 65% of its pre-pandemic visitors, while Asia and the Pacific reached only 23%, as a result of stronger pandemic-related restrictions.

By subregions, Western Europe (87%) and the Caribbean (84%) came closest to their pre-pandemic levels.

The recovery was uneven across regions, with Europe and the Middle East outperforming the other regions due to their more successful implementation of coordinated travel measures. The recovery is expected to consolidate in 2023 , with pent-up demand particularly in Asia and the Pacific, as destinations and markets open up.

International tourism was able to recover 63% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022, and recovered 84% of pre-pandemic levels in the period January-July 2023 (-16% versus 2019).

According to the World Tourism Organization’s publication “ World Tourism Barometer “, a total of 917 million international tourists travelled the world in 2022. And between January and July 2023, 700 million tourists travelled internationally , 43% more than in the same months of 2022.

While not yet achieving pre-pandemic levels, this is considered a notable recovery and one which bodes well for 2023 as it sets out to consolidate its comeback.

It’s time to grab your passport and explore the world again!

Below more data and details about the top 10 tourist countries in the world.

1. France: 48.4 Million Visitors

2. mexico: 31.9 million visitors, 3. spain: 31.2 million visitors, 4. türkiye: 29.9 million visitors, 5. italy: 26.9 million visitors, 6. united states: 22.1 million visitors, 7. greece: 14.7 million visitors, 8. austria: 12.7 million visitors, 9. germany: 11.7 million visitors, 10. united arab emirates: 11.5 million visitors.

France is the most visited country in the world with a record breaking of 48.4 million visitors!

Its capital, Paris, is the second most visited city in the world .

Patched up with idyllic villages and romantic cities, France wears its culture in both iconic landmarks and ordinary settings. Few have the audacity to gild everything in gold, but the country’s noble castles, villas and cathedrals pull off ostentatious decor with a nonchalance attributed to its long centuries of royal history.

As if to match, the village-square markets, café terraces, and the daily rituals of a coffee and croissant presents a genteel sort of luxury. Don’t overlook its outdoors either; the lyrical forests of Corsica and the warm waters of the French Riviera are well-sought retreats for city-dwellers.

France’s reputation as the most popular country in the world is not only due to its stunning architecture and picturesque scenery but also its exquisite cuisine. French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its unique flavors, techniques, and presentation, and travelers flock to France to indulge in the country’s culinary delights.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy cafes, France delicacies make it a top destination for foodies and travelers alike.

Attractions: Eiffel Tower , Palace of Versailles , French Riviera, Chamonix, Mont St-Michel, Paris Bridges .

Vivid and steamy Mexico can barely contain the life of its people. Maybe that’s why Mexico wins the 2nd place for the most visited countries in the world with almost 40 million visitors.

Fiesta loving in crowds and philosophical in the quiet, the local community is empathetic hosts with fierce pride in their country. It is this pride and expressive nature that allowed for architectural triumphs (in both Teotihuacan pyramids, Maya temples and colonial towns) as well as masterful art, home to the likes of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Underground artistic movements have also brought dance and street art to the fore.

Beyond the city’s endless cultural riches are also eye-catching jungles, volcanoes, deserts and coast. Mexico’s boundless nature offers adventures for both hikers and divers. Scale Oaxaca’s mountainous ridges or dive deep into the Caribbean to embrace all it has on platter.

Attractions: Tulum, Cabo Pulmo, Palenque Ruins, Teotihuacan, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Edzna, Oaxaca City.

Passion flares here, a country crafted for the good life. This is the beautiful Spain, the 3rd most popular country on earth !

Embark on an epic road trip looping from Barcelona to Madrid – glimpses of Spain’s enduring landscapes pass by like a photographer’s reel. Gather around the Gothic quarters of Barcelona and browse the experimental works of Gaudi before taking off for the mysterious Alhambra in Granada, or the flamenco halls of Seville.

There is also Bilbao and San Sebastian in the north, ready to satiate your hunger with delicious pinxtos and avant-garde architecture.

For nature that transforms every season, visit the hills of Picos de Europa and snow-capped Sierra Nevada, the sandy reaches of Menorca. From coast to mountains and dry in-land outposts you’ll sense that for all the history lurking in the corners, Spain lives in the moment.

Attractions: La Familia Sagrada, Park Guell, The Alhambra, El Retiro, Guggenheim Museum, Real Alcazar, Mallorca’s beaches.

Sultry Turkey smolders with desert heat and sun-beaten ruins, backed by the enticing thrum of bustling cities. Having been conquered by the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, Turkey treks its story from fervent Istanbul to the romantic Mediterranean coast.

On the way are magical landscapes that range from jutting rock formations to glittering lakes and olive groves, Kacker Mountains, Patara Beach, and Lake Egirdir only few of its lyrical ruralscapes. Explore these settings via canyoning, kayaking, paragliding, hiking and more adventurous means; they’re lessons in the physical and cultural, and make Turkey one of the most visited places in the world.

As if Turkey wasn’t alluring enough, its culinary specialties draw from both inland and coastal sources. Spiced kebabs, oil-cooked vegetables and sweet baklava barely skim the trove of local eats.

Eat hearty and smile plenty.

Attractions: Topkapi Palace, Suleymaniya Mosque, Aya Sofya, Bergama Acropolis, Caves of Heaven and Hell, Nemrut Dagi National Park.

The arts come to mind when we think of Italy, the 5th most visited country in this world; of the Byzantine architectures, Padua’s frescoes, Michelangelo’s David and the greatest of Da Vinci’s works.

Heritage sites are the norm and not minority, remnants of ancient Rome and subsequent empires left in form of ruins, archeological sites, churches and manors. Attention to aesthetics translates in to the everyday details too – Italy is home to some of the biggest fashion minds.

On the more natural spectrum is extraordinary geological diversity. From the turquoise coral-reefs to icy Alps, Italy flourishes in blues and greens. Where nature is abundant, culinary delights follow. Indulge in the powdery dough of pizzas and pastry, filling the stomach with oysters and ricotta and topping it off with heady wines.

Attractions: Roman Forum, Tuscany’s Vineyards, Ruins of Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, St. Peter’s Basilica, Duomo.

America has always been a popular travel destination due to its sprawl of metropolis and small town charms; last year, it welcomed a rounded-down number of 22.1 million inbound tourists. With travel patterns trending towards city hopping and road tripping, America’s endless highways are a siren’s call.

New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Boston are all cities of transience, ever-evolving urban spaces that broils over with mixed cultures and cuisines.

There is then musical Austin and free-spirited Portland, a San Francisco as dynamic as its coastal waves, and Miami which entertains with beaches and nightlife.

There is also the quiet heat of the Grand Canyon, the miles of lush rainforests and country lanes. And when you tune into the radio, the jazz, country, hip-hop, rock and pop keep you company through this mish-mash of sights.

Attractions: New York City, Yellowstone National Park, Arizona National Parks and Monuments , Grand Canyon, New Orleans, Miami beaches.

Greece is steeped with the footprints of ancient empires, a country whose gentle coastline gives away to grand cities and humble villages now become UNESCO sites.

This is a country of infinity smiles, one where hospitality swells from multi-storey restaurants and home-cooked tavas as if part of some divine agenda.

In the mainland is a swirl of mountainous shapes, one that carries on to its hundreds of islands, each offering its own flavor – from romantic Mykonos perched high above cobblestones, to Santorini’s seas of whitewashed cliffs.

The ruins are abundant here too; don’t skip out on Athens’ well-preserved Acropolis or the Temples of Phaistos and Knossos built during the Minoan period.

Every twist and turn in Greece is an invitation to connect with stories older than time itself.

Attractions : Acropolis of Athens, Poseidon Temple, Parthenon, Meteora Monasteries, Knossos Palace, Delphi National Archaeological Museum.

Austria, a country with a rich history and culture, and is the 8th most visited country in the world with 12.7 million visitors.

From lush Alpine landscapes and breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks to majestic Baroque architecture, Austria offers visitors a unique vacation experience.

Tantalize your taste buds by indulging in traditional Austrian delicacies from Wiener Schnitzel to Apfelstrudel. Explore Vienna’s historic old city filled with Baroque architecture and classical music, or take a romantic stroll along the Danube River.

Take the plunge in Salzburg and soak up the personality of the beautiful town, made famous by the movie ‘The Sound of Music’, or explore an enchanting Austrian lakeside village.

Attractions : Schönbrunn Palace, Hohensalzburg Castle, Salzburg Cathedral, Giant Ice Caves Hallstatt, St. Stephen’s Cathedral of Vienna, Belvedere Palace.

Germany may be remembered as the set of horrific tragedy, but it is also the birthplace of great thinkers, inventors and creatives who ushered in the modern era. From the contemporary architectures by Frank Gehry and Daniel Libeskind to lofty museums and automobile factories, you can track the country’s cultural footprints.

Cast your eyes beyond the Romanesque and Baroque build of Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg to see the swaying path into rural Germany. The valleys unfold into imposing forests and vast vineyards, reaching towards northern dunes and chilly Alps. Stretch your senses – eyes and tongue – to taste Germany’s regional diversity.

Attractions: Pergamon Museum, Schloss Neuschwanstein, Zwinger, Kolner Dom.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a rapidly growing touristic destination for its luxurious lifestyle, extravagant architecture and abundance of attractions.

With 11.5 million foreign tourist arrival, the UAE is the 10th most visited country in the world.

Its sun-soaked cities are full of majestic landmarks, buzzing shopping souks, pristine beaches, Wild Wadi waterparks and some of the world’s most luxurious hotel chains.

Whether you’re taking a timeout from city life or seeking unique cultural experiences, the UAE has somewhere that you can explore.

Put on your explorer spirit in Dubai and explore iconic attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Mosque and Bastakiya in its ancient districts. Take your journey even further to Abu Dhabi to explore Ferrari World, grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque or Louvre Abu Dhabi.

On your vacation, indulge yourself with glitzy shopping experiences at the Dubai Mall or the Abu Dhabi Mall, where you can find the latest trends from around the world.

And last but not least, get to know the Emirati culture through vibrant festivals and handicrafts markets.

Attractions : Burj Khalifa, Bastakiya, Ferrari World, Sheik Zayed Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Dubai Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall.

Related article : the most visited cities in the world.

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Most Visited Countries 2024

European countries, often rich in history, culture, beautiful beaches, and ocean views, attract the highest number of tourists.

France, leading in tourism for over 30 years, offers attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland Paris, drawing 38 million tourists to Paris alone in 2019.

Global travel and tourism, an $8.9 trillion industry in 2019, suffered a loss of $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Global travel and tourism was an $8.9 trillion (US$) business in 2019 . Moreover, though the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced that number to roughly a quarter of its previous value, all signs point to tourism continuing to grow, expand, and evolve. Every country on Earth has something to offer international visitors, from the pyramids in Egypt to the rainforests of Brazil or the sidewalk cafes of Paris —but which countries attract the most visitors of all? Most of the countries with the highest tourism rates are located in Europe , whose rich history, architecture, and cultural influence make it an appealing destination for many travelers. Countries positioned on or near a body of water are also very popular, particularly those that offer a relaxed, low-key atmosphere mixed with beautiful beaches and ocean views.

Top 10 Countries Most Popular with Tourists (by number of 2019 visitor arrivals)

The most popular tourist destination in the world for more than 30 years, France offers a myriad of attractions: the Eiffel tower, countless world-class restaurants, the Musée du Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Notre-Dame cathedral, the beaches of the Côte d'Azur, and of course, Disneyland Paris. Moreover, the lushly beautiful countryside is full of storybook villages, mountains, vineyards, and the occasional castle. One can even view prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux. Paris, France's capital, is the most visited city in Europe, receiving 38 million tourists in 2019.

Spain is another tourist destination overflowing with interesting attractions. Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia cathedral and other works in Barcelona , the Guggenheim museum, the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, Europe's largest aquarium (the lily-shaped L'Oceanogràfic), the beaches of Gran Canaria, and La Rambla in Barcelona. Spain is also home to El Teide, an ancient—but not entirely dormant—volcano, which visitors can hike around at the Parque Nacional del Teide on the Spanish island Tenerife.

England's capital city, London , attracts visitors with a wide range of sights including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum, which includes the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo . Beyond London, England offers the mysterious Stonehenge, the Beatles' birthplace in Liverpool , the quaint beauty of the Cotswolds, the sci-fi botanical gardens of the Eden Project, and more. Speaking of more, the UK also includes three additional subdivisions. First is Scotland, with the charming city of Edinburgh , moody Loch Ness and Inverness , the scenic highlands, and the historic St. Andrews golf course. Next comes charming Wales and its castles, scenery, and capital city of Cardiff . Finally, Northern Ireland boasts attractions including Belfast 's bubbling nightlife, the glens and coastline of Antrim, and one of Europe's most compelling natural wonders: the Giant's Causeway.

The Mediterranean nation Turkey balances captivating man-made attractions such as Hagia Sophia mosque and Topkapı Palace with archaeological wonders such as the Biblical city of Ephesus, the fairy city of Cappadocia, and the desolate fallen splendor of Mount Nemrut. It also has more than its share of natural wonders, including the famous beaches at Ölüdeniz and Patara, the mineral pools at Pamukkale, and the Mediterranean coastline itself.

The South Asian country of Thailand is also known as the "Land of Smiles", and offers both modern comforts and wild adventure. Thailand's capital, Bangkok , receives over 20 million visitors every year. Popular attractions include the Grand Palace in Bangkok; beaches including Railay, Long, and Monkey beach; the ancient city Ayutthaya and ornate Buddhist wat Coi Suthep, and national parks including Khao Yai (where wild elephants roam) and the otherworldly Khao Sok.

The impact of COVID-19 on travel and tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21 had a devastating effect on the travel and tourism industry. According to a report released by the World Travel & Tourism Council , the pandemic cost the industry an estimated US$ 4.5 trillion in 2020, which resulted in the loss of 62 million tourism-dependent jobs. Data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization backs this up. Consider the following table:

International tourist arrivals (in thousands of visitors):

Compared to 2019, tourism dropped by approximately 74% in 2020, with a total of a billion fewer travelers over the course of the year--making 2020 the worst year on record for tourism. The UNTWO's own estimates registered a loss of US$ 1.3 trillion in lost revenues and 100-120 million jobs either lost or at risk.

The impact has been particularly damaging in countries that rely heavily upon tourism as part of their GDP. Lost tourism in Macau , one of China 's special administrative regions, led to a 79.3% drop in year-on-year gambling revenues , which caused overall GDP for 2020 to fall 43.1% compared to the previous year.

While tourism has picked up slightly in 2021, they still fall far short of the pre-pandemic numbers. Late 2020 projections were hopeful that the industry would be back on track by late 2021, but the ongoing nature of the pandemic has thwarted that optimism. As of late 2021, most estimates do not expect the industry to rebound to 2019 (pre-COVID) levels until sometime in 2023 at the earliest.

• Visitor totals are displayed in 1000s. For example, South Africa 's displayed total of 3886.6 equals 3,886,600 visitors.

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World Tourism Ranking by Country 2024

Home » Blog » World Tourism Ranking by Country 2024

The world is slowly emerging from the shadows of the pandemic and so is the world tourism industry. The positive signs (data and stats) seen during the 2023 calendar year have brought high hopes for the travel season of 2024. Buckle up as we discuss the World Tourism Rankings by Country for 2024!

International tourism has recovered by 87% of pre-pandemic levels. UN Tourism predicts that international tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024.

Key Insights:

• After a strong rebound in 2023, global tourism is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2% in 2024.
• France takes the crown as the most visited country internationally, with over 100 million tourists in 2023.
• Spain ranks second with over 85.17 million international tourist arrivals in 2023.
• The Middle East region boasts the fastest recovery rate, reaching 22% above pre-pandemic numbers.

Table of contents

World tourism rankings by country 2024, results of 2023, projections for 2024, world tourists arrivals, recovery of international tourist arrivals, recovery of international tourist arrivals by region, world tourism rankings by country in terms of total arrivals 2023, in comparison to 2019, asia and the pacific, africa and the middle east, large best-performing destinations, world tourism rankings by country in terms of receipts, large best-performing destinations in terms of receipts, frequently asked questions.

According to Global and Regional Tourism Performance by UNTWO, The World Tourism Ranking by Country in 2024 is France as no.1 followed by Spain, the United States, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, and Austria.

World Tourism Analysis

According to UN Tourism, formerly known as UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), an estimated 1286 million international tourists (overnight visitors) were recorded around the world in 2023, an increase of 34% over 2022. This is the highest point after the pandemic period. Looking at the Global Tourism Statistics 2024 , let’s analyze a few key results of 2023 and projections for 2024.

• International tourism recovered 88% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 (-12% versus pre-pandemic year 2019) with an estimated 1286 billion arrivals (1.3 billion), up 34% from 2022.
• The Middle East recorded the best results, with arrivals 22% above pre-pandemic levels. Africa recovered 96% of 2019 numbers, Europe 96%, the Americas 90%, and Asia and the Pacific 65%
• International tourism receipts reached USD 1.4 trillion in 2023 based on preliminary estimates, about 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.
• Total export revenues from tourism (including passenger transport) are estimated at USD 1.6 trillion in 2023, almost 95% of the USD 1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.
• Tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) climbed to USD 3.3 trillion in 2023 according to provisional estimates, about 3% of global GDP, similar to 2019 values, driven by strong domestic and international travel.
• International tourism is expected to recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels.
• This projection is subject to several factors including the pace of recovery of Asia and the Pacific, economic circumstances such as inflation and its effect on transport and accommodation costs, as well as the evolution of geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
• The latest UNWTO Panel of Experts survey shows that 67% of tourism professionals expect better performance in 2024 than in 2023, while 28% expect similar performance and 6% suggest it could be worse.
• The UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index indicates slightly weaker prospects for January-April 2024 (score of 122) than for September-December 2023 (score of 126).

According to the provisional data provided by UNWTO (Jan. 2024), the number of international tourist arrivals reached around 1286 billion in the year 2023 . For context, the number was around 1,462 billion pre-pandemic .

While the tourist arrival was affected by 72% i.e. 1.1 billion in 2020, the sharp growth in the graph reflects that 2024 could meet the numbers of 2019 with the possibility of even exceeding it.

International tourism recovered 88% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. We were previously at 28% in 2020, 31% in 2021, and 66% in 2022.

With 122% the Middle East region has seen the most growth in terms of international tourist arrival in the year 2023.

Africa has 96%, Europe 94%, and America with 90% recovery shows a positive sign.

Meanwhile, Asia and the Pacific region reached 65% of pre-pandemic levels, with a gradual recovery since the start of 2023.

Explore our article “Most Visited Countries in the World 2024”

Best Performing Destinations Coming into 2024

According to the tourism data provided by UNWTO on Global and Regional Tourism Performance , France ranks no. 1 with the arrival of 100 million international tourists .

Note: If no data is shown, there is no data available for the country. This ranking by indicators does not always coincide with the official UNWTO rankings as it only ranks counties based on existing data for the selected year. As data will be updated regularly throughout the year the rankings therefore will change as well.

On the basis of change in international tourist arrivals after 2019, Turks & Caicos leads the chart with a +127% change. Following behind is Qatar with +90%, Saudi Arabia with +56%, Albania with +53%, and El Salvador with a +40% increase in their tourist arrivals in comparison to 2019.

Ethiopia ranks at no. 8 with +30% change being the only country from Africa region in the top 10. Tanzania ranks 12th with a +20% change while Morocco with a +11% change barely gets into the top 20 spots.

With the data provided by UNWTO, World Tourism Rankings By Country in terms of increase in international tourists is:

1. Turks & Caicos 2. Qatar 3. Saudi Arabia 4. Albania 5. El Salvador 6. Columbia 7. Andorra 8. Ethiopia 9. Curaçao 10. Dominican Rep.

Turks & Caicos is experiencing a resurgence in tourism due to the islands becoming a popular destination for cruise ships. Over 491,000 cruise passengers were recorded to have visited till the October month of  2023. [ Source ]

On the other hand, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have capitalized on their sports events and tournaments to draw a large number of international tourists. After the AFC Asian Cup Tournament, Qatar is now aiming to lure families, medical tourists, and business travelers with a line-up of conferences and exhibitions.

Best Performing World Tourism Countries Rankings Based on Regions

Albania tops the list by a +53% increase in their tourist number in comparison to 2019. Andorra follows with a +31% change.

Europe Tourism Rankings by Country

1. Albania 2. Andorra 3. Liechtenstein 4. Iceland 5. Serbia 6. Portugal 7. Montenegro 8. Denmark 9. Malta 10. Türkiye

Maldives and French Poyln. tops the list for the Asia Pacific region by a +10% increase in their tourist number in comparison to 2019. Fiji stands 3rd with a +3% increase while other countries gradually try to reach the same numbers as in 2019.

Asia Pacific Tourism Rankings by Country

1. Maldives 2. French Polun. 3. Fiji 4. N. Caledonia 5. Samoa 6. Nepal 7. India 8. Cook Islands 9. Sri Lanka 10. Japan

Turks & Caicos stands on top with a +127% increase in their tourist number in comparison to 2019. El Salvador follows with a +40% change.

Americas Tourism Rankings by Country

1. Turks & Caicos 2. El Salvador 3. Colombia 4. Curaçao 5. Dominican Rep. 6. US Virg. Islands 7. Guatemala 8. Honduras 9. Aruba 10. Barbados

Qatar ranks 1st with a +90% increase in their tourist number in comparison to 2019. Saudi Arabia follows with a +56% change.

Africa and Middle East Tourism Rankings by Country

1. Qatar 2. Saudi Arabia 3. Ethiopia 4. Tanzania 5. Oman 6. Morocco 7. Tunisia 8. Kenya 9. Mauritius 10. Syria

Based on countries recording 5 million arrivals or more in 2019 and their change in 2024, here’s a list of Best Performing Countries :

1. Saudi Arabia 2. Albania 3. Dominican Rep. 4. Portugal 5. Morocco 6. Denmark 7. Türkiye 8. Greece 9. Netherlands 10. Spain 11. Argentina 12. Belgium 13. Bulgaria 14. Tunisia 15. France

Best Performing Destinations in Terms of Receipts

Serbia leads the rankings with a +79% increase in their receipts from international tourists. Pakistan follows closely with +77%.

1. Serbia 2. Pakistan 3. Türkiye 4. Romania 5. Portugal 6. Mauritius 7. Morocco 8. Latvia 9. Tanzania 10. Mexico 11. Spain 12. Italy 13. Slovenia 14. Brazil 15. Greece 16. France 17. Cyprus 18. India 19. Samoa 20. Mongolia

Based on destinations earning USD 5 billion or more in receipts in 2019 and comparing it to 2023, Türkiye ranks 1st with +59% growth in their receipts. Portugal managed to get 2nd place with a +38% increase.

1. Türkiye 2. Portugal 3. Morocco 4. Mexico 5. Spain 6. Italy 7. Brazil 8. Greece 9. France 10. India 11. Japan 12. Germany 13. Israel 14. United States 15. Korea (ROK)

Explore this article “Best Tour Operator Software: Features and Pricing (2024)”

Following a strong rebound in 2023, world tourism is expected to recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels.

France has become the largest international tourist hosting country with 100 million international tourists. [Source: UNWTO Global and Regional Tourism Performance ]

Turks & Caicos with +12% ranks 1st in terms of best-performing country in comparison to their 2019 levels.

In terms of receipts, Türkiye ranks no. 1 with 59% more income than their 2019 levels.

According to Global and Regional Tourism Performance by UNTWO, France has the highest tourism rate in the world with 100 million arrivals in 2023 . Spain ranked second with over 85.17 million tourists visiting Spain in 2023.

According to Global and Regional Tourism Performance by UNTWO, Thailand is the most visited country in Asia with 28.15 million arrivals and USD 29.67 billion receipts heading into 2024.

France has been holding the title for the most tourist arrivals for a long time. Recent tourism data from UNWTO ranks France for the highest arrival again in 2023 with over 85.17 million international tourist arrivals.

According to the UNWTO Panel of Experts Survey (Jan 2024), tourism destinations seem to be heading toward a positive impact with i. 12% saying it’ll be much better ii. 55% say it’ll be better iii. 28% say it’ll be the same iv. 6% suggesting it’ll be worse and v. 0.4% result saying it’ll be much worse

According to the UNWTO Panel of Experts Survey (Jan 2024), 39% feel they’ve already achieved it, 30% hope to reach it in 2024 while 31% expect to reach the same level in 2025 or later.

According to the UNWTO Global and Regional Tourism Performance Report of 2023, the top 10 most traveled countries in the world are: 1. France [100 million] 2. Spain [85.17 million] 3. United States [66.48 million] 4. Italy [57.25 million] 5. Türkiye [55.16 million] 6. Mexico [42.15 million] 7. United Kingdom [37.22 million] 8. Germany [34.80 million] 9. Greece [32.74 million] 10. Austria [30.91 million]

According to Global and Regional Tourism Performance by UNTWO, the world tourism ranking is France in first place followed by Spain, the United States, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, and Austria.

Yam Bahadur Chhetri is a content writer and vivid contributor to the WordPress community and a WordPress enthusiast with an experience of 7+ years in the relative field. He also loves to develop WordPress Themes, Plugins, and custom WordPress development for clients.

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• Introduction
• Most Visited

Most Visited Countries

Travel Hotspots & Popular Destinations

Every year, millions of people across the globe pack their bags and set off to explore the diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, unique cuisines, and historic landmarks that the world's countries have to offer. Transnational tourism plays a monumental role in the global economy and significantly impacts the culture and environment of the countries it touches. Using data on international arrivals collected by the World Tourism Organization, we've compiled a list of the most visited countries across the globe and analyzed what makes these nations so attractive to travelers.

Key findings from the data include:

• France tops the list with a whopping 89.4 million arrivals, corroborating its reputation as a global hotspot for its rich history, cultural heritage, fine wines, and exquisite cuisine.
• Making an impressive appearance in the second place is Spain, boasting 83.7 million arrivals, thanks to its sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a rich festive tradition.
• The United States, with its diverse topography, iconic landmarks, and multicultural cities, follows closely, welcoming 79.3 million visitors.
• Interestingly, Asian countries like China, with 65.7 million, Turkey, with 51.2 million, and Thailand, with 39.8 million, emphasize the growing interest in Asian cultures, history, landscapes, and culinary delights.
• Countries with a strong historical and cultural background like Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom boast high arrival numbers, with 64.5 million, 39.6 million, and 39.4 million respectively, demonstrating the global appetite for cultural tourism.

As we travel the spectrum of countries, from the lavender fields of Provence in France to the bustling cityscape of New York in the United States to the Great Wall of China, it's clear that each nation offers a unique array of experiences and attractions that draw people from around the world.

10 Most Visited Countries

Topping the chart, with a massive number of 89.4 million arrivals, is France. This is a testimony to its enduring popularity amongst tourists, drawn to its diverse regional cultures, historical sites, museums, gastronomy, and the romantic allure of Paris.

Stepping up to the second spot is Spain, counting 83.7 million arrivals. Its combination of historical richness, sundrenched coasts, architectural beauty, flamenco music, and the running of the bulls are among the experiences that keep tourists pouring in.

The United States, a country of vast landscape diversity and iconic cities, seizes the third spot with 79.3 million international visitors. From the swarming streets of New York City to California’s golden coasts and Florida’s amusement parks, there is an endless list of attractions for tourists.

In the fourth spot, we see China, an Asian giant that had an impressive 65.7 million arrivals. With its ancient history, diverse culture, and remarkable landmarks like the Great Wall, it continues to enthrall explorers from around the globe.

Italy marks the fifth position with 64.5 million arrivals. Famed for its art, history, fashion, food, and wine, Italy effortlessly captivates the heart of its visitors.

At the sixth spot, we have Turkey with 51.2 million arrivals. It's a fascinating mix of Eastern and Western culture, joining together Istanbul's grand history and the turquoise coastlines of Antalya.

Heading to the Americas, Mexico lands on the seventh spot with 45.0 million arrivals. Its vibrant culture, mouth watering food, sun-beaten beaches, and famous Mayan and Aztec ruins are a strong pull for tourists.

Thailand welcomes the world at number eight, with 39.8 million arrivals, giving them a taste of Asia through its royal palaces, ancient ruins, ornate temples, and folk traditions, not to mention the famed beaches.

Germany ranks ninth with 39.6 million visitors, who are often drawn towards its picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and of course, Oktoberfest.

The final spot in our list goes to the United Kingdom, with 39.4 million arrivals. Its wealth of history, notable landmarks, and the royal charm of London, added to the cultural riches of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, make it a bucket list regular.

10 Most Visited Countries:

• France - 89.4M
• Spain - 83.7M
• United States - 79.3M
• China - 65.7M
• Italy - 64.5M
• Turkey - 51.2M
• Mexico - 45.0M
• Thailand - 39.8M
• Germany - 39.6M
• United Kingdom - 39.4M 

Full Data Set

To sort the data in the table, click on the column headers.

Frequently Asked Questions

International Tourism, Number of Arrivals - The World Bank

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Wild Junket

10 Most Visited Countries in the World 2024

Last Updated on July 19, 2024

Every year, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) compiles a report with international tourist arrivals for every country. This is the latest list of the most visited countries in the world, based on their recent report .

Here are the top 10 most visited countries according to UNWTO, listed from the most to the least visited. I’ve been to all 10 of the most visited countries and have included my tips on how to visit them.

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in France

Best places to stay in france:, best things to do in spain:, best places to stay in spain:, best things to do in the us:, best places to stay in the us:, best things to do in italy:, best places to stay in italy:, best things to do in turkey:, best places to stay in turkey:, best things to do in mexico:, best places to stay in mexico:, best things to do in uk:, best places to stay in uk:, best things to do in germany:, best places to stay in germany:, best things to do in greece:, best places to stay in greece:, best things to do in austria:, best places to stay in austria:, what do you think, most visited countries in the world, 1. france: 100 million visitors.

It’s no surprise that France has topped the charts over and over again to be the number one tourist destination in the world. With Paris being the most famous city in the world and the southern France coasts a hotspot for tourists from Europe every summer. There’s plenty here for the culture vultures: from the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris to the castles of Loire Valley and wineries in Bordeaux.

My favorite part of France is the Alsace region of France, with its villages of brightly-painted steep-roofed half-timbered houses. The region’s capital, Strasbourg, is a charming hodgepodge of fairy-tale cottages, cobblestoned alleys and gingerbread houses. And the region is home to famous French foods like flammekueche, cordon bleu, and Vol-au-vent.

• Paris Eiffel Tower Summit – See the City of Lights from the top floor of Paris’ icon
• Paris Night Tour – See a cabaret or do a romantic dinner cruise
• Wine Tasting in Bordeaux – Visit vineyards and taste wine at the famous wine region
• Explore Alsace region – See the picturesque, fairy-tale villages and castles
• Daytrip to Loire Valley – Experience some of Europe’s most beautiful gardens
• French Riviera Roadtrip – Drive the scenic coastal roads of the French Riviera
• Le Meurice – The most opulent 5-star landmark hotel in Paris
• InterContinental Bordeaux – Another regal hotel in Bordeaux with old-world charm
• Le 1615 Luxe et Spa –  A luxurious, charming historical hotel in the heart of Alsace
• Hotel Negresco – Elegant beachfront resort located in central Nice

2. Spain: 85.17 million visitors

With white-washed towns, traditional flamenco tablaos, and centuries-old cathedrals, Spain is easily one of the most visited countries in the world thanks to its historical treasures and culture heritage. In 2018, Spain experienced the biggest increase in international arrivals (amongst the 10 most visited countries) as compared to the previous year.

There’s so much more to Spain than just pretty beaches: visit impressive museums in the capital city of Madrid, admire eclectic architecture and art in vibrant Barcelona , feast on paella in Valencia and fall in love with traditional Granada. Check out our recommended 2-week Spain itinerary .

There are hundreds of reasons why we decided to live in Spain . But you’ll have to visit to find out for yourself!

• Sagrada Familia – Visit Barcelona’s most visited landmark
• Madrid Tapas Tour – Experience the Spanish tapas tradition and culinary culture
• Daytrip to Consuegra and Toledo – Follow the footsteps of Don Quijote to Spain’s two most charming villages
• Flamenco Show in Seville – Catch an authentic show in the home of flamenco
• Catamaran Cruise in Ibiza – Sail to an islet at sunset and enjoy Ibiza’s beauty
• W Barcelona – The most stylish and avant-garde hotel right on the beach
• The Principal Madrid – A contemporary hotel housed in a historical building, with best views in town
• Hotel Mercer Sevilla – A centrally-located stylish hotel in old town Sevilla
• Hacienda Na Xamena – A slick all-white clifftop hotel overlooking the coast of Ibiza

3. United States: 66.48 million visitors

Stretching from California in the West to New York in the East, the United States of America covers an area of 3.79 million square miles. That’s a whole lot of country to explore! It has been on the top of the most traveled countries list for years.

The U.S. is as diverse as it is huge: with expansive national parks and vibrant cities visited by foreign tourists, local visitors and business travelers alike. For first-time visitors, we recommend doing a road trip, just rent a car and plan your route beforehand! The beauty of America lies in its backcountry. Yosemite and Grand Canyon National Parks are some of the best national parks in USA .   Be sure to check out our route 66 itinerary, 2-week California itinerary and our Florida road trip .

Alberto and I met in Miami 22 years ago, so Miami definitely means something special to us. Swimming with manatees in Florida also ranks high as one of our favorite travel experiences of all time.

• Cruise Around Statue of Liberty – Get up close to America’s most famous monument
• Empire State Building – Head up to the highest open-air observatory in New York
• San Francisco Bay – Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and visit Alcatraz
• Daytrip to Yosemite and Sequoia – Visit two of California’s top national parks
• Los Angeles’ Hollywood Studio Tour – Get a behind-the-scenes look in Hollywood
• Authentic Luau in Hawaii – Experience an authentic farm-to-table luau
• Scenic Flight in Alaska – Fly to Denali and see the wilderness from above
• Swimming with Manatees – Snorkel with wild manatees in the Florida springs
• Four Seasons Resort Maui – The absolute best luxury resort to stay on Maui
• The Plaza – One of the world’s most well-known hotels is a must-visit in New York
• Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square – An iconic landmark in San Francisco
• Casa del Mar – An oceanfront classic hotel at Santa Monica, Los Angeles

4. Italy: 57.39 million visitors

Italy’s attractions are world famous: from the romantic canals of Venice to the charming fishing villages of Cinque Terre and the city of caves, Matera . It’s home to the most beautiful places in Europe. The country provides a diverse travel experience – you can drive from the Italian coast to rustic olive groves to dramatic mountains in one day.

Italy is one of our favorite countries in the world, and it’s obvious we’re not the only ones who have fallen for its charms. As far as tourism trends go, we predict that Italy’s tourism numbers will only keep rising. If you’re looking for Italy trip ideas, check out my Southern Italy itinerary and Cinque Terre travel guide .

We’ve been to Italy many times, the first time more than 15 years ago. And we just keep returning.

• Ancient Rome and Colosseum – Visit one of the world’s most impressive ancient sites
• Vatican City Tour – Get to know a one-of-its-kind holy site for Christians
• Amalfi Coast Roadtrip – Drive the scenic Amalfi Coast and see its stunning villages
• Wine Tasting in Tuscany – Immerse in the Tuscan countryside and try local produce
• Daytrip to Cinque Terre – Hike amidst the five cliff-edged villages
• Aldrovandi Villa Borghese – Rome’s classic five-star landmark hotel in the city centre
• Le Sirenuse – A postcard-perfect hotel poised on the hilltop town of Positano, Amalfi
• Castel Monastero – A restored medieval hamlet surrounded by Tuscan olive groves
• Grand Hotel Portovenere – A seafront landmark hotel in the Cinque Terre

5. Turkey: 55.16 million visitors

Turkey has dropped one place since last year to come in at #5 on this list of the most visited countries in the world. Extremely diverse and packed to the brim with epic tourist sights, Turkey truly makes an outstanding destination for all kinds of travelers.

Spanning across Europe and Asia, Turkey is famed for its distinctive cultures, age-old traditions and varied landscapes. Historically, Turkey was home to distinctive civilizations through the centuries, with impressive Roman ruins and Ottoman architecture to bear witness.

Today, it’s home to many outstanding historical sites and natural attractions: from the unique cotton travertines of Pamukkale to the whimsical valleys of Cappadocia . Its biggest city, Istanbul, is the crowd-puller, attracting travelers around the world with its blend of East-meets-West and old-meets-new. Read our list of cool things to do in Istanbul .

• Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise – Cross the river that straddles Europe and Asia
• Daytrip to Pamukkale – Stunning white travertines terraces and cotton castles
• Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia – Float over whimsical fairy chimneys
• Visit Ancient Ruins of Esphesus – Learn history at this historical site
• See Whirling Dervishes – Witness the trance-like spiritual Turkish dance
• Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul – Ottoman-style 5-star hotel with best views
• Yunak Evleri Cappadocia  – Spectacular boutique cave hotel in Cappadocia
• Richmond Esphesus Resort – Charming beachside resort close to Esphesus
• Venus Suite Hotel – Comfortable hotel with excellent location in Pamukkale

6. Mexico: 42.15 million visitors

Mexico remains at #6 on the most visited countries list. It’s easy to see why Mexico is on this list, considering you can just drive to Mexico from the United States. Check out our 2-week Mexico itinerary !

The number of visitors to Mexico alone is higher than the total number of visitors in the entire Caribbean (25.2 million). Most of these numbers come from the Yucatan Peninsula,  an extremely popular destination lined with gorgeous beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and lush tropical jungles. Explore ancient Mayan ruins, snorkel in the world’s second biggest reef, and stay at some beautiful Tulum resorts . Check out my long list of things to do in Yucatan .

Mexico City , home to 12 million people, is also an excellent place to visit for history and culture. Major towns like Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende are also extremely popular with culture vultures who are interested in the colonial history and Mexican traditions. Food lovers flock to Oaxaca, best known for having Mexico’s best foods.

• Day of the Dead in Mexico – Experience Mexico’s most colorful and unique celebration
• Mexico City Street Food Tour – Dig deep into the Mexican culinary world
• Visit Teotihuacan Pyramids – Explore the pyramid that dates back to 100 B.C.
• Daytrip to San Miguel de Allende – The most charming colonial city in Mexico
• Explore Underground Cenotes in Tulum – Swim in natural sinkholes
• Wander Guadalajara – One of Mexico’s major colonial cities
• Chichén Itzá – Visit another major Mayan ruin on the Yucatan Peninsula
• Las Alcobas DF – A contemporary hotel in Mexico City with an excellent location
• Viceroy Riviera Maya – One of the best beach resorts on the Yucatan Peninsula
• Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada – A colonial mansion turned charming heritage hotel
• Quinta Real Guadalajara – Another stunning colonial hotel filled with history

7. United Kingdom: 37.22 million visitors

Most people rarely venture beyond the cultural capital of London; the UK actually has quite a lot to offer on its shores, beyond the cities. There’s the old-world charm of England, the dramatic landscapes of Scotland and the lesser known coastline of Wales. The Scottish Highlands definitely make for a good road trip, while a weekend in Edinburgh can be just as fun. Hiking in the Lake District is also one of the best experiences in England .

We spent a year living in London and loved the international vibes that London has to offer. For those short of time, you can see quite a lot with just a weekend in London: check out this detailed 3-day London itinerary .

• London Eye – See England’s capital from above and be prepared to be blown away!
• River Thames Cruise – Take to the waters and see London’s main sights
• Explore Lake District National Park – Immerse in the English countryside
• See Loch Ness – Feast on the most dramatic landscapes of Scottish Highlands  
• Daytrip to Stonehenge – The most famous historical site in the country
• The Savoy – London’s most iconic landmark hotel poised on the banks of the Thames
• Laura Ashley Hotel the Belsfield – The most famous 5-star hotel in the Lake District
• Riverbed Lodges – A unique country lodge with wooden cabins and hot tubs
• Mercure Salisbury White Hart Hotel – Another Georgian landmark hotel with a history

8. Germany: 34.8 million visitors

Many of Germany’s major cities are tourist magnets especially in festive season – drawing in visitors with their Christmas markets, beer festivals and summer events. If you are planning to visit at Christmas, check out this list of the best Christmas markets in Germany .

Munich’s Oktoberfest itself accounts for a big percentage of the annual visitors, while Berlin and Frankfurt attract mainly European city lovers. If you rent a car in Germany , you’ll get to explore the Rhine River, Black Forest and more of its backcountry. Check out our list of best places to visit in Germany .

• Berlin Wall Bike Tour – Learn about Germany’s history on two wheels in the capital
• Munich Old Town – A charming city packed to the brim with historical buildings
• Daytrip to Neuschwanstein Castle – The iconic landmark that inspired Walt Disney
• Rhine Valley – A UNESCO site with lots of vineyards and picturesque villages
• Oktoberfest – The craziest time of the year to visit Germany!
• Hotel Adlon Kempinski – Legendary 5-star hotel with best reputation in Berlin
• Bayerischer Hof – A historic landmark hotel in Munich with a rooftop pool
• Burghotel auf Schönburg – Experience staying in a castle at this Rhine Valley hotel
• Wyndham Lahnstein Koblenz – A stunning hilltop hotel overlooking the Rhine Valley

9. Greece: 32.74 million visitors

Greece, with its stunning islands and rich history, attracts millions of visitors each year. The iconic Acropolis in Athens, the white-washed buildings of Santorini , and the lively beaches of Mykonos are just a few of the country’s many highlights.

There’s so much more to Greece than just its islands: explore the ancient ruins in Delphi, hike the Samaria Gorge in Crete, and experience the vibrant culture and nightlife in Thessaloniki. Greece is a destination that caters to history buffs, nature lovers, and beachgoers alike.

• Acropolis of Athens – Discover the ancient citadel overlooking the capital
• Sunset in Oia, Santorini – Witness the world-famous sunsets of Santorini
• Island Hopping – Explore the Cyclades islands and their unique charm
• Delphi – Visit the archaeological site and learn about its historical significance
• Samaria Gorge – Hike one of Europe’s longest gorges in Crete
• Hotel Grande Bretagne – A historic hotel in the heart of Athens with a rooftop view
• Katikies Hotel – A luxurious cliffside hotel in Oia, Santorini
• Mykonos Blu – An elegant beachfront resort in Mykonos
• Blue Palace – A beautiful resort overlooking the island of Spinalonga in Crete

10. Austria: 30.91 million visitors

Austria, known for its breathtaking alpine scenery and cultural cities, draws millions of visitors annually. The historic city of Vienna, with its grand palaces and classical music heritage, and the charming town of Salzburg, famous as the birthplace of Mozart, are major attractions.

Beyond its cities, Austria offers stunning natural landscapes. The Austrian Alps are perfect for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The picturesque village of Hallstatt and the serene beauty of Lake Wolfgang are also must-visit spots.

• Vienna State Opera – Enjoy a performance at one of the world’s most famous opera houses
• Schönbrunn Palace – Explore the former imperial summer residence in Vienna
• Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg – Follow the footsteps of the iconic musical
• Skiing in the Austrian Alps – Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding
• Hallstatt – Visit the fairy-tale village and its stunning lakeside views
• Hotel Sacher – A luxurious historic hotel in the heart of Vienna
• Schloss Fuschl – A castle hotel overlooking Lake Fuschl near Salzburg
• Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol – A stunning alpine resort in the Tyrolean Alps
• Heritage Hotel Hallstatt – A charming hotel located in the center of Hallstatt

This is an official list taken from UNWTO Tourism Highlights , an annual report the UNWTO compiles based on tourism numbers.

France has once again topped the charts this year, with Paris being the main crowd-puller I guess. I’m super thrilled to see Spain climbing up to the second spot. As you know, Spain is my second home. I lived in Spain for over 8 years.

So did this list surprise you? I’m not surprised that it’s dominated by European countries considering how they are home to some of the most famous historical sites and tourist attractions in the world. What do you think? Leave your comments below!

Read more of my articles below for some travel inspo:

• 10 Least Visited Countries in the World
• World’s Most Remote Islands
• Most Remote Places in the US
• Best Summer Destinations in Europe
• Best Wildlife Destinations in the World
• World’s Best Treks

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides . She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram .

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So happy to see that France is on top of the list! I absolutely love France and would love to live there again in the future

Yeh Spain draws in huge amounts of tourists from around Europe.

Love France and visit again in the future

Very happy with the list. Would love to explore all the locations too.

France is absolutely magical. As is Belgium & Switzerland. I can’t wait to visit Montréal, Havana, New Orleans, and Istanbul though!!

My favourites are; England, France, Switzerland and Turkey ?

Turkey is such an iconic country, Istanbul is my favourite city in Europe. Also Turkish Riviera is heaven on earth..

Pema Chhophel

By my favorite place are United States of America, Singapore and Bhutan

I like how United States was in third place :P

The US is always third place lmao

FRANCE THE MOST ROMANTIC COUNTRY PEOPLE SAY , HOPE I VISIT FRANCE ONE DAY IN THE FUTURE AND SPAIN ALSO.

I also spent a really good time at France during my last journey and came back with a lot of pleasant memories.

Thailand, yes, because it is affordable and has the most amazing tropical beaches, Buddhist temples, and nightlife. I’ve also visited Spain and I loved their food and culture. Not to miss Ibiza and Spain’s scenic beauty, architecture, country life. Nellie very accurately penned down list, and thanks for the additional information too.

Thanks for sharing this information However I am shocked Austria is not among of them

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The Best Destinations in the World: The Gold List 2022

There are three great lists annually in  Condé Nast Traveler,  all of which have changed due to the events of the last two years: the Readers’ Choice Awards , which you, our beloved audience, select; the Hot List , which compiles the new and notable of the previous year; and this one, which is ultimately about the places and experiences our editors carry in their hearts. This year, when we say  our editors,  we mean  CNT ’s entire global crew, working in locations from California to Beijing ; we’ve also expanded the parameters of the list to include not just the hotels and cruises you’ve seen in years past, but also the destinations we treasure. The Gold List is, more than ever, made by humans for other humans—something we need more than ever in this day and age. Here, our favorite destinations in the world.

Read the complete set of Gold List winners   here .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Puebla, Mexico

I love when I can feel familiar with a new place in 48 hours. In Puebla , Mexico’s historic, fourth-largest city, all the spots you want to hit are walking distance within its center, itself a tidy sprawl of bright pink and yellow villas and small plazas. That includes food markets for a crispy cemita (a schnitzel-­style sandwich with all the fixings); the gilded Capilla del Rosario and the city’s famed talavera, or ceramic houses; I stayed for close to an hour watching the row of artisans hand-paint and hand-fire their mugs, plates, and vases at Uriarte Talavera. Before the pandemic, tourism was just starting to happen here, and the city was in that sweet spot of supporting a new breed of traveler, like with the artisanal-inspired Cartesiano hotel, but without muting any of its essence for international business. I liked that I had to use my shoddy Spanish with barkeeps and store owners. And that sitting in those plazas meant a front-row seat to daily Poblano life: vendors selling sliced cucumber spices with cayenne, old-timers playing dominos. Puebla felt like a special somewhere on the verge of discovery in a country with pockets already turned over to the masses. My guess with all that’s happened this past year is that it still does. —Erin Florio

Rio de Janeiro

If you were to hook the city of Rio de Janeiro up to a cardiogram, the needle would swing off the page. The city thrums with live samba and bossa nova at all hours of the day; the bustling streets, bookended by the dramatic rise of granite monoliths on one end and the pounding waves of the Atlantic on the other, have a pulse all their own. It's easy to feel this when you're amid throngs of colorfully clad cariocas —I feel it most swaying to the live music at Pedra do Sal on Monday nights, or when, perched in the leafy hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa, I hear people in neighborhoods below lean out their windows to cheer when Flamengo scores a goal. It's a complicated city, with plenty of issues—insecurity, corruption, inequity, to name just a few—but there's a premium on joy and celebration that isn't reserved for Carnaval . There are few places in the world where you know you couldn't possibly be anywhere else, and whenever I hear the whole of Arpoador beach break into applause as the sun sets in summer, I'm reminded that Rio is one of them. —Megan Spurrell

Alentejo, Portugal

I call the road to the sea through Portugal’s Alentejo region the place where the beatniks read Pessoa; you can imagine Kerouac breezing through its small hotels, surf camps, and villages scattered with craft shops, markets, and bohemian bars. For me it’s a place of happiness. There are boutique hotels like São Lourenço do Barrocal and Dá Licença and olive groves, cork oaks, and infinite horizons. The road ends at Vicentine Coast National Park, a wild, protected coastline in southern Europe. A paradise for surfers , it has electrifying sunsets, but the icy waters stop it from ever getting too crowded. —David Moralejo

Svalbard, Norway

Arctic Svalbard —whose capital, Longyearbyen, is the world’s northernmost town—is like nowhere else I’ve been. On the one hand, it’s a deep-nature Scandi fantasy of snowmobiles, Northern Lights, ski-touring along glacial valleys, and surprisingly smart boutiques with stacked wine cellars. But there’s also a compelling strangeness to this international settlement, where no one is born and no one dies. There are the Soviet mining towns with their Lenin busts, whether abandoned or (even weirder) still working; the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which preempts a coming apocalypse; it’s advisable to leave Longyearbyen with a shotgun, in case of polar-bear attack. As much as a destination, it’s a journey into the heart of the climate crisis, with academics from across the world doing game-changing research here. I’m itching to go again—to escape but also to think and connect, which is what happens in all the best places. —Toby Skinner

My first trip to Goa as a college student was wrapped in dreams of homemade chorizo and reliving moments from the cult Bollywood coming-of-age film Dil Chahta Hai . Many trips and feni cocktails later, Goa remained a respite for my city-weary bones. The state straddles its multicultural past and present, trading up ’60s hippie markets for hipster boutiques while keeping its old-world Indian and Portuguese traditions intact. Simple fish-curry plates, aunties doing an impromptu jig to fado, old-timers squabbling over their favorite Goan soccer club, and the right freshness of bread coexist with edgy global menus, alt-music gigs, and all that is artisanal and arty. The ocean changes color from one season to the next, the multi-color sunsets never repeat, and like many travelers, I continue to return and find my salve in sunshine, sea, and susegad —the quintessential Goan idea of the slow, easy, and good life. —Diya Kohl

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Plettenberg Bay is South Africa's summer playground, and I, a Capetonian, would drive the 186-mile coastal path along the scenic Garden Route each year to join the fun. The bohemian seaside town sits atop a sheltered bay, where a jumble of hipster coffee shops, seafood restaurants, and kitsch boutiques tumble down onto fynbos-covered cliffs—where a slew of new hotels like The Robberg Beach Lodge sit beside grandes dames like The Plettenberg Hotel . Pretty young things like to celebrate the end of matric student exams, where hedonism sweeps across the bay, while dolphin and whale watches come during the languid, warm winter months. Venture just outside Plett to find the luxury Tsala Treetop Lodge , a manicured Gary Player golf course, indigenous Keurbooms River Nature Reserve, the Plett Polo Club on the Kurland Estate, and a host of animal sanctuaries to meet cheetahs, elephants, and monkeys. But above all, come for the glorious golden beaches. Central Beach—dotted with bars—surfy Lookout Beach, and the eerie, mist-covered sands of Robberg Nature Reserve. Search hard enough and you might stumble on a sand dollar—the symbol of Plettenberg Bay, thought to bring eternal luck. —Isabella Sullivan

When I can’t take another minute of winter, I head to Scottsdale. As, historically, do the day-drinking spring breakers and the far less rowdy snowbirds. Recently, though, the Valley of the Sun has come into its own, claiming its stunning desert setting and Southwest culture in new ways. If I’m bringing the kids, the 1929 Frank Lloyd Wright–designed grande dame The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (on the border of Scottsdale and Phoenix), is my place. It has sprawling grounds and seven pools, one with a legitimate waterslide, and just underwent a much-needed facelift. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort , terraced into the side of its namesake adobe-hued mountain, has my favorite spa in town. Its adults-only pool on weekends and easy access to sunrise hiking give me plenty of excuses to leave the kids at home. Solo or with family, I can always bank on sunshine, a great exhibit at Phoenix’s nearby Desert Botanical Garden, and excellent Sonoran-style Mexican food. —Rebecca Misner

Val Graziosa, Italy

I am a frequent traveler to Val Graziosa, a valley near the Pisan mountains and a part of Tuscany relatively unknown and terribly beautiful. Here there is Monte Pisano—“ che i Pisan veder Lucca non ponno, ” the poet Dante said, a small group of mountains that hides Lucca from Pisa and makes it impossible for the Pisan locals to see the city of Lucca. There are olive trees everywhere, producing the best olive oil on Earth in a splendid countryside. I love to walk around the surroundings of Montemagno—please read the book Maledetti Toscani, by Curzio Malaparte, and you will understand a lot about Italians from this region. I love to go to the grocery store in Patrizia for a glass of wine (the one and only épicerie of the village) and then to Certosa di Calci, a 14th-century monastery, and one of the many secret beauties in my crazy country of Italy. —Maddalena Fosati

Chiang Mai, Thailand

When I first went to Chiang Mai, I intended to stay a couple of nights and ended up staying more than a week; for me, that trip is a reminder of travel at its most impulsive and impetuous: the freedom to move on when you feel like it. There’s no beach pressure here, and inland Thailand always feels more interesting than the obvious hits of the beachfront. And, away from the beaches, there's the sense of a modern Thai city where young creatives are carving out a contemporary aesthetic, with the energy that a large student population gives a city. —Rick Jordan

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International tourism, number of arrivals - Country Ranking

Definition: International inbound tourists (overnight visitors) are the number of tourists who travel to a country other than that in which they have their usual residence, but outside their usual environment, for a period not exceeding 12 months and whose main purpose in visiting is other than an activity remunerated from within the country visited. When data on number of tourists are not available, the number of visitors, which includes tourists, same-day visitors, cruise passengers, and crew members, is shown instead. Sources and collection methods for arrivals differ across countries. In some cases data are from border statistics (police, immigration, and the like) and supplemented by border surveys. In other cases data are from tourism accommodation establishments. For some countries number of arrivals is limited to arrivals by air and for others to arrivals staying in hotels. Some countries include arrivals of nationals residing abroad while others do not. Caution should thus be used in comparing arrivals across countries. The data on inbound tourists refer to the number of arrivals, not to the number of people traveling. Thus a person who makes several trips to a country during a given period is counted each time as a new arrival.

Source: World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.

See also: Thematic map , Time series comparison

More rankings: Africa | Asia | Central America & the Caribbean | Europe | Middle East | North America | Oceania | South America | World |

Development Relevance: Tourism is officially recognized as a directly measurable activity, enabling more accurate analysis and more effective policy. Whereas previously the sector relied mostly on approximations from related areas of measurement (e.g. Balance of Payments statistics), tourism today possesses a range of instruments to track its productive activities and the activities of the consumers that drive them: visitors (both tourists and excursionists). An increasing number of countries have opened up and invested in tourism development, making tourism a key driver of socio-economic progress through export revenues, the creation of jobs and enterprises, and infrastructure development. As an internationally traded service, inbound tourism has become one of the world's major trade categories. For many developing countries it is one of the main sources of foreign exchange income and a major component of exports, creating much needed employment and development opportunities.

Limitations and Exceptions: Tourism can be either domestic or international. The data refers to international tourism, where the traveler's country of residence differs from the visiting country. International tourism consists of inbound (arrival) and outbound (departures) tourism. The data are from the World Tourism Organization (WTO), a United Nations agency. The data on inbound and outbound tourists refer to the number of arrivals and departures, not to the number of people traveling. Thus a person who makes several trips to a country during a given period is counted each time as a new arrival. The data on inbound tourism show the arrivals of nonresident tourists (overnight visitors) at national borders. When data on international tourists are unavailable or incomplete, the data show the arrivals of international visitors, which include tourists, same-day visitors, cruise passengers, and crew members. Sources and collection methods for arrivals differ across countries. In some cases data are from border statistics (police, immigration, and the like) and supplemented by border surveys. In other cases data are from tourism accommodation establishments. For some countries number of arrivals is limited to arrivals by air and for others to arrivals staying in hotels. Some countries include arrivals of nationals residing abroad while others do not. Caution should thus be used in comparing arrivals across countries.

Statistical Concept and Methodology: Statistical information on tourism is based mainly on data on arrivals and overnight stays along with balance of payments information. These data do not completely capture the economic phenomenon of tourism or provide the information needed for effective public policies and efficient business operations. Data are needed on the scale and significance of tourism. Information on the role of tourism in national economies is particularly deficient. Although the World Tourism Organization reports progress in harmonizing definitions and measurement, differences in national practices still prevent full comparability. Arrivals data measure the flows of international visitors to the country of reference: each arrival corresponds to one in inbound tourism trip. If a person visits several countries during the course of a single trip, his/her arrival in each country is recorded separately. In an accounting period, arrivals are not necessarily equal to the number of persons travelling (when a person visits the same country several times a year, each trip by the same person is counted as a separate arrival). Arrivals data should correspond to inbound visitors by including both tourists and same-day non-resident visitors. All other types of travelers (such as border, seasonal and other short-term workers, long-term students and others) should be excluded as they do not qualify as visitors. Data are obtained from different sources: administrative records (immigration, traffic counts, and other possible types of controls), border surveys or a mix of them. If data are obtained from accommodation surveys, the number of guests is used as estimate of arrival figures; consequently, in this case, breakdowns by regions, main purpose of the trip, modes of transport used or forms of organization of the trip are based on complementary visitor surveys.

Aggregation method: Gap-filled total

Periodicity: Annual

Note: This page was last updated on December 28, 2019

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The 25 best countries for tourists in 2019, ranked

• The World Economic Forum released its ranking of the best countries for tourists in 2019.
• The organization looked at factors including business environment, safety and security, tourist infrastructure, cultural resources, and price competitiveness.
• Spain , France , Germany , and Japan tied for the top spot.
• The US , the UK , Australia , and Canada all made the top 10. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

The World Economic Forum has ranked the best countries for tourists in 2019.

In its Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 , the organization analyzed data from international organizations and conducted a survey of executives, looking at five main factors in 140 countries:

• Business environment
• Safety and security
• Health and hygiene
• Human resources and labor market
• ICT (information and communications technology) readiness

The WEF also looked at a country's prioritization of tourism, international openness, tourist infrastructure, cultural and natural resources, and price competitiveness.

Read more : Forget Champagne and infinity pools: High-end travelers today want to make an impact on the places they visit, according to a luxury safari operator

Each country was given an overall score between 1 and 7; because the top score was shared by four countries equally, there is no No. 1 entry in the ranking below. 

Most of the countries that made the top 25 are in Europe, but Japan, the US, Australia, and Canada all made the top 10 too.

Here are the top 25 countries for tourists in 2019, ranked.

T25. Greece

• Travel tips for Greece:
• Forget Mykonos and Santorini. I found a little-known island in Greece that's twice as beautiful and half the price.
• A secluded cove on the beach in Crete is the perfect spot to surf the waves
• A local in Greece gave me a tip to visiting the country, and it's the opposite of everything you've been told

T25. Belgium

Travel tips for Belgium:

• A restaurant in Belgium is at the bottom of a pool
• Belgium has opened the world's first beer pipeline that pumps 1,000 gallons per hour every day

T23. Luxembourg

Travel tips for Luxembourg:

• Here's what it's like to visit Luxembourg — which is the richest country on the planet and smaller than Rhode Island
• Luxembourg just became the first country to offer free public transportation, but the policy might not work as planned

T23. Sweden

Travel tips for Sweden:

• You can now sleep in a floating hotel in Sweden that offers incredible views of the Northern Lights
• This glass cabin in Sweden takes you closer to nature
• We tried all the unique menu items at Swedish McDonald's — including the McVegan
• Stockholm's subway stations make you feel like you're in actual caves

T23. Denmark

Travel tips for Denmark:

• 10 places to visit in Denmark that aren't Copenhagen
• Here's what life is like in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, one of the world's smallest capital cities
• Denmark's 150-foot spiral observation deck is an architectural masterpiece, but the photos show it's not for the faint of heart

T23. Norway

Travel tips for Norway:

• I took my family of 6 on a trip to Norway, one of the most expensive countries in the world, for under $7,000
• This picturesque Norwegian town has so many more books than residents that roadside libraries and bookshelves line the streets
• Stunning photos show what life is like in the northernmost town in the world, where it's dark 4 months of the year and you're told to carry a rifle because of polar bears
• An island of tiny homes in Norway is available to rent for $3,500 a week. People call it a 'slice of heaven.'

T19. Mexico

Travel tips for Mexico:

• There are 1.5 million Americans living in Mexico — here are 8 things Americans wished they'd known before they moved
• 10 ways Cinco de Mayo is celebrated differently in the US and Mexico

T19. New Zealand

• Travel tips for New Zealand:
• You can now rent a replica of the Apollo 11 spaceship that landed on the moon for $61 a night on Airbnb
• The 3 best places to travel every month of 2019

T17. Singapore

Travel tips for Singapore:

• I visited Singapore, the outlandishly wealthy setting of 'Crazy Rich Asians,' and was surprised by how much fun you can have even without billions
• 50 mouthwatering photos of street food in Singapore
• The world's best airport just unveiled a $1.25 billion glass dome mall with a rainforest, waterfalls, and bejeweled clouds
• What it's like living as a billionaire in Singapore, the most expensive city in the world, where wealthy residents are worth a combined $1 trillion and limited land makes owning a house the ultimate 'status symbol'

T17. South Korea

Travel tips for South Korea:

• What it's really like inside a South Korean 'prison' hotel, where guests pay to spend up to 48-hours locked in a jail cell without their phones
• 10 things to do in South Korea, from a raccoon café to a fresh seafood market
• The world's busiest air route is between Seoul and the 'South Korean Hawaii'

T17. Netherlands

Travel tips for the Netherlands:

• Dutch farmers are installing fences around tulip fields to stop Instagrammers from trampling the flowers for selfies
• 24 of the most underrated things to do in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam is giving tourists the chance to 'marry' a local for the day and explore the city on 'honeymoon'

T17. Hong Kong

Travel tips for Hong Kong:

• I stayed at Hong Kong's first 'capsule hotel' to see what it's like to live in micro — and the experience was a nightmare
• Inside the most expensive neighborhood in the world's most expensive city — a billionaire enclave where Alibaba founder Jack Ma may have bought a $191 million mansion
• What it's like living in Hong Kong as a billionaire, where the ultra-rich live in high-security mansions and spend $16 billion a year betting on horse racing

Travel tips for China:

• After riding China's superfast bullet train that could go from New York to Chicago in 4.5 hours, it's clear how far behind the US really is
• One photo shows that China is already in a cashless future
• I visited the tallest and longest glass bridge in the world — which spans China's 'Grand Canyon'

T13. Portugal

Travel tips for Portugal:

• 12 tips to make the most of your trip to Portugal
• I visited the Portuguese castle called 'Disneyland for adults,' and it's a magical, real-life fairy-tale setting you can't miss
• 2 photos show how different it is visiting Portugal in the high season vs. the low season

T11. Austria

Travel tips for Austria:

• The 10 most livable cities in the world — and why Vienna made it to the number one spot this year
• The 6 best things to do in Vienna and Austria
• A Michelin-starred restaurant in Austria cooks one of their fish dishes with melted beeswax

T11. Switzerland

Travel tips for Switzerland:

• I bathed in cheese in the Swiss mountains — here's what the experience was like
• Soak in a transforming hot tub that overlooks the Swiss Alps
• 22 photos that show what it's like to eat at the lavish Swiss restaurant voted the world's best by private jet fliers

Travel tips for Canada:

• 15 photos that will make you wish you lived in Canada
• The ultimate guide to seeing Montreal in a day
• Travel company exposes you to the vast Canadian wilderness during helicopter tours

Travel tips for Italy:

• We visited the Vespa headquarters in Italy to see how the world-famous scooters are made
• Venice is cutting back on cruise ships. Disappointing photos show what the Italian port city looks like in real life, from extreme overcrowding and devastating floods to cruise ship accidents
• Inside the exclusive Italian resort that plays host to Google Camp, the secretive and star-studded annual conference that draws billionaires, CEOs, and celebrities
• Positano — the colorful, Instagram-famous town on Italy's Amalfi Coast — is almost comically beautiful, but be prepared to deal with hordes of tourists and sky-high prices

T9. Australia

Travel tips for Australia:

• An Australian city is spending $279,000 on a public toilet for Instagrammers flocking to a blue boat shed
• Australia is the most popular destination in the world for migrating millionaires
• 12 places to visit in Australia that aren't Sydney

6. United Kingdom

Travel tips for the United Kingdom:

• 16 places you should visit in the United Kingdom that aren't London
• Here's what 6 abandoned UK castles looked like in their prime
• 10 differences and similarities between American and British daily routines

5. United States

Travel tips for the United States:

• 10 surprising US tourist destinations worth a visit this year
• 27 underrated US destinations everyone should visit in their lifetime
• The best road trips from 10 major US cities
• Glamping has come to NYC. I took an 8-minute ferry ride to an island in New York Harbor where people pay up to $1,200 a night to sleep in luxe tents and cabins — here's what it looks like.

Travel tips for Japan:

• Japan eats 10,000 tons of this poisonous puffer fish delicacy
• We tried 15 unique menu items at McDonald's in Japan — here's what they were like
• 13 of the best and most underrated things to do in Japan

T4. Germany

Travel tips for Germany:

• 32 things everyone should do in Germany
• The 52 most incredible places to visit

Travel tips for France:

• Inside France's Élysée Palace, the French presidential residence that's larger than the White House and the Palace of Versailles
• Take a look inside the luxury French farmhouse where the Obama family is currently vacationing that costs $62,000 per week
• 13 foods you shouldn't leave Paris without trying

Travel tips for Spain:

• You can now sleep inside a lighthouse turned into a luxury hotel on a remote Spanish island
• 14 foods you need to try if you visit Spain
• 10 things in Spain to put on your bucket list

• Main content

Atlas & Boots

The UK's most popular outdoor travel blog

10 most visited countries in the world

We profile some usual suspects plus one or two surprises in the top 10 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 last available pre-pandemic figures, France and Italy are two of the most visited countries in the world. Together with the rest of the top 10, they make up a whopping 41% of global tourist arrivals (i.e. overnight visitors). Here’s the complete list of the most visited countries in the world.

The below figures come from the 2020 edition of the UNWTO’s International Tourism Highlights report.

1. France           

Arrivals: 89.4 million (2018) Change: 2.9% (year on year)

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 89.4 million of them a year.

Arrivals: 83.5 million (2019) Change : 0.8%

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: 79.3 million (2019) Change : -0.6%

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 .

Arrivals: 65.7 million (2019) Change : 4.5%

China is a behemoth on the world stage in size, population and economic strength. 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.

Arrivals: 64.5 million (2019) Change : 4.8%

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 .

6. Turkey           

Arrivals: 51.2 million (2019) Change : 11.9%

It’s interesting that Turkey 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. In fact, a day and a half after we left , there was a bombing in the glorious city of Istanbul.

Currently, Turkey 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 Turkey .

Arrivals: 45 million (2019) Change : 9.0%

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 45 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.

8. Thailand

Arrivals: 39.8 million (2019) Change : 4.3%

Thailand – love it or hate it, it 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.

9. Germany       

Arrivals: 39.6 million Change : 1.8%

Germany was named by Lonely Planet as one of the best countries to visit in 2019, this being the 100-year 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, Brandenburger 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. United Kingdom

Arrivals: 39.4 million (2019) Change : 1.9%

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.

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World tourism rankings by country: top 20 countries.

In this piece, we will take a look at world tourism rankings by country. If you want to skip our analysis of the tourism industry and recent trends, head on over to World Tourism Rankings by Country: Top 5 Countries .

Tourism is one of the key determinants of global economic health. And it's an industry that has grown alongside advances in air transportation that have enabled people to travel to far flung destinations while traveling at speeds of hundreds of kilometers per hour.

This industry is also among the few that were left completely devastated in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Estimates from the United Nations' World Tourism Organization (WTO) show that international travel shrunk by an absolutely stunning 72% in 2020 as lockdowns and stay at home orders led to the closure of hospitality establishments and restrictions on the number of people that could be crammed inside an enclosed space such as an airplane. The impact of the pandemic was so severe that even by the end of 2022, the industry had recovered to 65% of previous levels despite more than a year of near normalcy.

Yet, tourism is one of the biggest industries in the world. For instance, according to research from Industry Arc, the global travel and tourism industry is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% between 2021 and 2026 to be worth an estimated $8.9 trillion by the end of the forecast period. Another report from Allied Markets Research estimates that the business travel market was worth $696 billion in 2020 and will grow at a CAGR of 13.2% to sit at $2 trillion by 2028.

At the same time, business and leisure travel are not the only constituents industries of tourism. Two additional markets are adventure tourism and luxury travel. Estimates suggest that the former was worth $282 billion in 2021 and after growing at a CAGR of 15.1% is estimated to be worth $1 trillion in 2030. As far as luxury tourism is concerned, it was quite lucrative, being worth $1.28 trillion in 2022, and should have a CAGR of 7.6% to be worth $2.32 trillion in 2030.

Building on this, the next logical question to ask is which countries are the most popular for tourists and which are the most visited overall as well as in continents such as Europe and Asia. Well, on this front, data from the World Tourism Organization once again answer all our questions. Its World Tourism Barometer report for December 2020 (the latest version that is publicly available) shows that France was the most visited tourist destination in the world and in Europe in 2019. Broadening our approach to see which are the top ten most visited tourist countries in the world, we find out that after France, the list is dominated by Spain, the U.S., China, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, Thailand, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Astute readers will note that this also makes China as the most visited tourist destination in Asia. In terms of numbers, 83.5 million people visited Spain in 2019 - the second most popular tourist destination in Europe while China attracted 65.7 million people.

At this point, you might be wondering which is the most popular and most visited city in the world. Well, and perhaps unsurprisingly, just as France is the world's and Europe's most popular tourist destination, the most visited city in the world is its capital, Paris. This bit of information comes courtesy of Euromonitor International, which adds that in addition to Paris, some other popular cities for tourists are Dubai, Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome, and London. Crucially, Euromonitor's stats are for 2022, while the WTO's data shared above is from 2019, and these facts when taken together indicate that trends in the tourism industry tend to stay similar over the years - a crucial conclusion as you'll find out below.

China's role as the most popular tourist destination in Asia and a leading global economy merits a deeper look at what's in store for the country's tourist fortunes. China kick started 2023 by removing nearly all restrictions on travel and tourism, and after initially faltering, the pent up tourism demand roared back to life. Data compiled by McKinsey shows that visits to one of its most popular cities Shanghai nearly doubled to ten million visitors from the pre coronavirus 2019 peak. At the same time, China also has some of the biggest outbound tourism travelers in the world, and McKinsey estimates that pend up demand from these visitors as well carries with it a strong chance of injecting fresh vigor into the global tourism industry.

Finally, it's relevant to conclude our analysis of the global tourism industry by taking a look at what's happening on the ground. On this front, the management of Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE ) outlined during its first quarter of 2023 earnings call conference :

And I’m pleased to have started the year with strong performance. We posted our highest ever quarter for lodging gross bookings and free cash flow and our best first quarter for revenue. Throughout the quarter, we saw strong consumer demand with acceleration in international and big city travel and more of Asia reopening. The reemergence of major international cities has meant increased hotel demand, offset in part by flattening demand in vacation rentals as travel demand mix to urban destinations over extended beach and mountain trips. Similarly, air has continued to mix towards international travel and away from COVID era concentration in domestic. By and large, prices have held up quite well after several years of inflation. We’ve seen lodging ADRs hold fairly steady across geos. Air ticket prices, however, continued to increase as strong demand continues to outstrip capacity. The only area where we have seen any meaningful decline in average daily rate is in the car rental space where larger inventories have allowed rental companies to drive more volume at the expense of price. Overall, we are pleased to see broad travel demand remain strong in what appears to be a more structural post pandemic environment of people prioritizing travel above most other categories of spend. This has held up despite inflation and recession worries and even, more recently, bank system concerns. While economists continue to debate potential recession outcomes and clearly many unknowns are still out there, consumers have so far shaken it off and continue to travel.

With these details in mind, let's take a look at the world tourism rankings according to countries.

Pixabay/Public domain

Our Methodology

To compile our global tourism ranking by country, we used data from the 2020 version of the United Nations' World Tourism Barometer report. While it lists out international tourism receipts for 2019, this is actually helpful since 2019 was the last economically stable year for the global tourism industry which is still recovering. For our world tourism rankings, we have used international tourism receipts which is the amount spent by international visitors in a country. On a side note, both countries and special territories are included, since the spending is quite substantial.

World Tourism Rankings by Country

20. portuguese republic.

International Tourism Receipts: $20.6 billion

The Portuguese Republic is a Southwestern European country. It has a $257 billion economy and is famous for its Gothic architecture and diverse cuisine.

19. Republic of Korea

International Tourism Receipts: $21.6 billion 

The Republic of Korea, commonly known as South Korea is a technologically developed Asian country. South Korea is quite popular with visitors from China - with thousands flocking to the country each year.

18. United Arab Emirates

International Tourism Receipts: $21.8 billion 

The United Arab Emirates is not a surprising industry in our list of world tourism rankings. After all, its economic hub Dubai is one of the most highly visited cities in Asia.

17. Republic of Austria

International Tourism Receipts: $22.9 billion 

The Republic of Austria is a Central European landlocked country. Some of its most popular tourist destinations include its capital Vienna, known for the Schönbrunn Palace.

16. United Mexican States

International Tourism Receipts: $24.6 billion 

The United Mexican States, or Mexico, is a North American country. It is well known for historical tourism, being the birthplace of the Mayan civilization as well as beautiful beaches.

International Tourism Receipts: $28.0 billion 

Canada is a prosperous North American nation. Canada is best known for its Niagra Falls, which has been a popular tourist destination for more than a hundred years.

14. Hong Kong SAR

International Tourism Receipts: $29.0 billion 

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic temples, and of course, Disneyland.

13. Republic of Türkiye

International Tourism Receipts: $29.8 billion

The Republic of Türkiye is an Asian and European nation. Its Istanbul International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world.

12. Republic of India

International Tourism Receipts: $30.7 billion

The Republic of India is one of the biggest countries in the world and is full of iconic tourist destinations such as the Taj Mahal, the Ganges River, and more.

11. People's Republic of China

International Tourism Receipts: $35.8 billion

The People's Republic of China is the most populous nation in the world. It has a centuries old culture lending it iconic destinations such as the Great Wall of China.

10. Macao SAR

International Tourism Receipts: $40.1 billion

Macao is another special territory of China. It is best known for its vibrant casino and gaming industry.

9. Federal Republic of Germany

International Tourism Receipts: $41.6 billion

The Federal Republic of Germany is Europe's largest economy It is known for its beer festivals and winter markets, that is quite a spectacle.

8. Commonwealth of Australia

International Tourism Receipts: $45.7 billion

The Commonwealth of Australia is a prosperous Oceanic country. It is known for having the world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef.

International Tourism Receipts: $46.1 billion

Like China, Japan is also a historic country full of ancient temples and a historic culture.

6. Italian Republic

International Tourism Receipts: $49.6 billion

Another unsurprising entry on our list is Italy. Known for its Roman culture and art galleries, it is one of the best destinations for cultural tourism.

Click to continue reading and see World Tourism Rankings by Country: Top 5 Countries .

Suggested Articles:

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Disclosure: None.  World Tourism Rankings by Country is originally published on Insider Monkey.

World’s 30 Best Travel Destinations, Ranked

Best places to visit in the world.

The ultimate ranking of travel destinations aims to solve a serious problem: so many places to visit, so little time.

But even in a world with a trillion destinations, some manage to stand out and rise to the top. From the sleek skyscrapers of Dubai to the emerald-green waters of the Bora Bora lagoon, you’re sure to find at least one vacation that piques your interest (and likely several!).

These are the 30 best places to visit in the world. Which ones have you already been to? And which ones stoke your wanderlust most?

30. Argentine Patagonia

In this region of the Andes, you’ll find glaciers, evergreen trees, deep blue lakes and clear skies everywhere you look. For a trip full of adventure and discovery, there are few better destinations on the planet.

No trip is complete without a visit to the craggy Mount Fitz Roy, the historic (and mysterious) Cave of the Hands, the Punta Tombo wildlife preserve, the Peninsula Valdes marine wildlife refuge and the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier. Be sure to bring your camera and your sense of wonder.

* Rankings are based on U.S. News & World Report's " World's Best Places to Visit ," traveler ratings as well as our own editorial input.

What to Know Before You Go to Argentine Patagonia

Where to stay: Cyan Soho Neuquen Hotel

Hot tip: Since springtime occurs in the southern hemisphere in October and November, those months are your best bet when planning a trip.

Fun fact: The largest dinosaur fossils ever unearthed were found in Argentine Patagonia. They belong to the largest-known titanosaur, believed to have weighed about 83 tons. 

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.

29. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Set in the Sorrentina Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast has long been renowned for its natural beauty and idyllic coastal towns. During the golden age of Hollywood, it was a preferred vacation spot for glamorous movie stars.

Days here are spent eating Italian food, drinking wine and walking around colorful cobblestone streets. You can also expect to drink copious amounts of wine as you look out into the Mediterranean Sea.

The best way to see the coast is to rent a car and then drive to different towns each day.

What to Know Before You Go to the Amalfi Coast

Where to stay: Hotel Marina Riviera

Hot tip:  If you're planning on using a beach chair to work on your tan, make sure you wake up early, as they are usually first come, first served.

Fun fact:  The Amalfi Coast is featured in Sofia Loren's 1995 Film, "Scandal in Sorrento."

28. Cancun, Mexico

For years, Cancun has been the preferred getaway for East Coast Americans (particularly Floridians) who want an international getaway that's still close to home. But despite the droves of tourists, the area has managed to keep the charm that attracted people in the first place.

The city is known mostly for its luxury hotels, wild nightlife and warm beaches. Definitely indulge in all of these — as well as the Mexican food! — but also consider other activities like visiting Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes and snorkeling. One thing is certain: You won't run out of things to do in Cancun .

What to Know Before You Go to Cancun

Where to stay: Hyatt Zilara Cancun

Hot tip:  While you're in Cancun, make a plan to visit one of Grupo Xcaret's six eco-tourism parks, with the best ones being Xcaret and Xelha. The Mexican-owned company is credited with starting the eco-tourism trend in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the parks offer incredible and varied local experiences.

Fun fact:  The Yucatan Peninsula, where Cancun is located, was the cultural, political and economic center of the Mayan civilization. Many locals have Mayan ancestry and Mayan continues to be widely spoken in the area.

27. San Francisco, California

Everyone should visit San Francisco at least once in their lives. Though tech companies grab all the headlines these days, it remains down-to-earth, diverse and packed with things to do.

Where to start? No matter your style, you’ll want to check out the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, see the sunbathing sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf, take a tour of the historic prison Alcatraz and relax in one of the city’s many parks, especially Dolores Park for its epic people-watching on the weekends. 

For dinner, treat your tastebuds and make a reservation at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in the Bay Area .

What to Know Before You Go to San Francisco

Where to stay: The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

Hot tip: Want similarly beautiful landscapes and rich cultural attractions, but at lower prices and with (slightly) fewer crowds? Head to Oakland just across the Bay Bridge, named one of the most exciting places on earth to travel by National Geographic. 

Fun fact: The fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco by a Japanese resident. Random!

26. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world . The power with which water storms down cliffs on the border between the United States and Canada has captivated the imagination of humans for centuries. 

This natural wonder is comprised of three awe-inspiring falls. One of the best ways to experience them is on a boat tour.

What to Know Before You Go to Niagara Falls

Where to stay: Sheraton Niagara Falls

Hot tip: There is some debate about which side of the falls is better, but the general verdict is that the Canadian side offers better views. This is because you can (ironically) get a better view of the American Falls as well as get up close to Horseshoe Falls. 

Fun fact:  Established in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the U.S.

25. Yellowstone National Park

Located mostly in Wyoming as well as Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone is America’s first national park and remains one of the most popular in the country, welcoming more than around 3.3 million people in 2022. With unpredictable geysers, rainbow-colored hot springs, craggy peaks, shimmering lakes and tons of wildlife — from elk to boars to bison — it’s easy to see why so many people flock here. 

The park makes for an awesome family trip and is well-suited to budget travelers since it offers so many campsites ( over 2,000! ). 

What to Know Before You Go to Yellowstone

Where to stay: Stage Coach Inn

Hot tip: You’ll never fully beat the crowds at this wildly popular park, but April, May, September and November are your best bets for finding some solitude.  

Fun fact: Yellowstone is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined.  

24. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

As the largest reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of marine species. This makes it a paradise for scuba diving or snorkeling. 

The reef system is truly gigantic, with over 600 islands and about 2,900 individual reefs. This is one of Australia's greatest prides, but it's also a planetary national treasure. Seeing it with your own two eyes is an experience that is incredible beyond words.

What to Know Before You Go to the Great Barrier Reef

Where to stay: Crystalbrook Flynn

Hot tip: Though going underwater to see the reef is a must, we also recommend booking a helicopter tour to experience the magic of it from above.

Fun fact:  Made of corals, which are animals that live in collectives, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on the planet.

23. Santorini, Greece

With its picturesque blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings and colorful beaches, the island of Santorini is a photographer’s paradise. If you want to snap photos to post to Instagram and make everyone back home jealous, this is the place to go. 

Also make sure to experience some of Santorini’s archaeologically significant sites, like Ancient Akrotiri (an ancient city preserved by volcanic ash) and Ancient Thera (where humans lived as early as the 9th century BC). And don’t forget to visit the smaller islands that surround it, including Thirassia, Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. 

What to Know Before You Go to Santorini

Where to stay: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini

Hot tip: To optimize your vacation, visit in September and October or April and May — when the weather is still warm, but there aren’t as many other tourists milling around.

Fun fact: While it’s difficult to prove, locals like to say there’s more wine than water on this island where it hardly rains (and vino abounds).

22. Florence, Italy

For art and history buffs (and anyone who appreciates delicious Italian food), Florence is a must-visit city. 

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, it’s home to some of the most iconic artworks by the world’s premier artists throughout history — Michaelangelo, Brunelleschi and Donatello, just to name a few. In addition to art museums and architectural wonders, Florence is also home to chic shops, quaint cafes and spectacular gardens. 

What to Know Before You Go to Florence

Where to stay:  NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa

Hot tip: Keep Florence in mind if you want to spend your honeymoon in Europe without spending a fortune, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Fun fact: The city’s famed “El Duomo” cathedral took over 140 years to build .

21. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite, one of the most-visited national parks in America with more than 4 million annual guests, encompasses 750,000 acres of wilderness just waiting to be explored.

It’s home to scenic waterfalls, like the 317-foot Vernal Fall and the 617-foot Bridalveil Fall, as well as iconic rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome, two popular spots for the world’s best rock climbers to test their mettle.

Not surprisingly, the wildlife here also impresses. Dozens of species of butterflies, marmots, bobcats and mule deer are just some of the animals that call Yosemite home. And keep your eyes peeled for black bears; some 300 to 500 roam the park . 

What to Know Before You Go to Yosemite

Where to stay:  The Ahwahnee

Hot tip: Summer can get really busy here, so if you want to camp, be sure to book a spot early. Want to beat Yosemite’s notoriously bad traffic? Ditch the car and take advantage of the park’s extensive free bus system.

Fun fact: This is one of the only places in the country where you can catch a moonbow — like a rainbow, but created by the light of the moon instead of the sun. 

20. St. Lucia

Whether you’re visiting on a cruise ship or just relaxing at an all-inclusive resort or boutique hotel, stunning St. Lucia is a clear winner. This Caribbean island offers diverse terrain for vacationers, from its pristine beaches to its lush rainforests to its volcanic peaks, the Pitons, that loom over the landscape. 

Adrenaline-junkies love hiking, climbing and zip-lining, while newlyweds (and soon-to-be-married couples) enjoy the romantic mix of fine dining, adults-only resorts and exotic activities. 

What to Know Before You Go to St. Lucia

Where to stay: Rabot Hotel From Hotel Chocolat

Hot tip: Visit when temperatures are moderate, which is typically in May and June.

Fun fact: St. Lucia is the only country named after a woman: Christian martyr Saint Lucia of Syracuse.

19. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Everything is bigger and better in Dubai, home to one of the world’s largest shopping malls, tallest towers, largest man-made marinas — and the list goes on. 

This Las Vegas-like urban center in the United Arab Emirates has an eclectic mix of activities for visitors to enjoy, including beaches, waterparks, tons of shopping and even an indoor ski resort. Outside the skyscraper-filled city, the vast desert awaits, best enjoyed via quad-biking or sandboarding.

What to Know Before You Go to Dubai

Where to stay:  Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai

Hot tip: Though you’re likely to pay a pretty penny for a trip to Dubai no matter when you visit, you can save a little cash by visiting during the scalding-hot summer months and by booking your hotel room two to three months in advance.

Fun fact: Dubai’s man-made Palm Islands were constructed using enough imported sand to fill up 2.5 Empire State Buildings . 

18. Machu Picchu, Peru

Many travelers describe their visit to Machu Picchu as life-changing. Why? It’s an archaeological wonder, the remains of an ancient Incan city dating back more than 600 years. No wonder this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most-visited attraction in all of Peru. 

Be sure to visit significant sites like Funerary Rock, where it’s believed Incan nobility were mummified, and Temple of the Condor, a rock temple sculpted to look like the impressive bird in its name.  

What to Know Before You Go to Machu Picchu

Where to stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Hot tip: If you’re planning a trip, be sure to get your ticket in advance, as only 2,500 people can visit Machu Picchu each day. (And a lot of people have this destination on their bucket list.)

Fun fact: The site contains more than 100 separate flights of stairs . 

17. Sydney, Australia

With its iconic Opera House and lively Bondi Beach, Sydney is the perfect spot to vacation if you’re looking for a blend of culture, arts, nightlife and relaxation. 

Spend the day on the water at Darling Harbour, then head to the Royal Botanic garden for even more fresh air. Want to travel like a local? Get a ticket to a rugby match and order a Tim Tam, a popular chocolate-covered cookie that pairs well with coffee. 

What to Know Before You Go to Sydney

Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Hot tip: You can make your trip more affordable by visiting during Sydney’s shoulder seasons, which are typically September through November and March through May.

Fun fact: In 2007, Bondi Beach was the site of the largest ever swimsuit photoshoot ; 1,010 bikini-clad women participated, enough to earn it a spot in the Guinness World Records book.

16. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is truly massive (277 river miles long and up to 18 miles wide!), which helps explain why so many people feel the urge to see it in person. 

In 2022, 4.7 million people visited, making the Grand Canyon the second-most popular national park in the country (behind Great Smoky Mountain Nationals Park). Established in 1919, the park offers activities for all ability levels, whether you want to do an intense hike down into the canyon and sleep under the stars (with a backcountry permit, of course) or simply want to saunter along the South Rim Trail, an easy walking path with views that wow.

What to Know Before You Go to the Grand Canyon

Where to stay:  The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

Hot tip: If you’ve wanted to visit the Grand Canyon for a while now, this is the year to do it. The park is celebrating its 100th birthday with musical performances, lectures, screenings and other special events.

Fun fact: The most remote community in the continental U.S. can be found in the Grand Canyon. At the base of the canyon, Supai Village — part of the Havasupi Indian Reservation — has a population of 208. It’s inaccessible by road, and mail is delivered by pack mule. Want to see it for yourself? The village houses a collection of campsites , accessible via a hiking trail.

15. Bali, Indonesia

In recent years, Bali has become a popular expat destination, where groups of "digital nomads" work and play. 

But the island hasn't lost its original charm to this added tourism and continues to be an incredible destination. Divide your time between swimming in the beach, hiking active volcanoes, visiting temples and enjoying views of tiered rice terraces.

What to Know Before You Go to Bali

Where to stay: Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach

Hot tip:  Though shoulder season (January to April and October to November) means fewer crowds and cheaper prices, it also means rain. Tons of it. We'd recommend avoiding the rainy season if possible.

Fun fact: On the Saka New Year, Balinese people celebrate Nyepi. This Hindu celebration is a day of silence when everything on the island shuts down and no noise is allowed.

14. New York, New York

As the saying goes, New York City is “the city that never sleeps” — and you won’t want to either when you visit, lest you run out of time to take it all in. 

Be sure to check out newer attractions, like the High Line (an elevated park) and Hudson Yards (a mega-mall along the Hudson River), but also make time for some New York City classics, like catching a Broadway show or standing under the lights of Times Square. 

Foodies will have a hard time choosing where to eat (the city is home to almost 100 Michelin stars !), which is why an extended trip is always a good idea.

What to Know Before You Go to New York City

Where to stay: The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel

Hot tip: Yes, January and February get cold here, but this is also the best time to lock in relatively reasonable hotel rates. You can spend your time eating in the city’s restaurants, exploring its fabulous museums and catching its world-class theater shows without needing to spend much time in the chilly outdoors. 

Fun fact: There’s a birth in New York City about every 4.4 minutes — and a death every 9.1 minutes. 

13. Banff National Park, Canada

Some of the world’s most stunning mountain scenery and vistas are located in Banff, the tiny Canadian town located at 4,537 feet above sea level inside the national park by the same name. Banff is the highest town in Canada, and Banff National Park was Canada’s first, established in 1885.

Shred some powder at Banff’s three ski resorts in the winter, then come back in the summer for activities like hiking, biking, fishing and scrambling (scaling steep terrain using nothing but your hands).

What to Know Before You Go to Banff

Where to stay: Fairmont Banff Springs

Hot tip: June to August and December to March are the best times to visit if you want to take advantage of summer and winter activities. 

Fun fact: Banff National Park has more than 1,000 glaciers.

12. Maldives

You can look at picture after picture, but you still really need to visit the Maldives to believe its beauty. If rich sunsets, flour-like beaches and vibrant blue waters are your style, this is the destination for you. 

Though it’s somewhat difficult to get to this small island nation southwest of Sri Lanka, that also means it’s incredibly private and secluded, which makes it the perfect spot for a honeymoon or romantic beach getaway. 

And don’t worry about getting bored, either — explore the water by snorkeling or scuba diving, relax in the spa or wander around the bustling Male’ Fish Market.

What to Know Before You Go to Maldives

Where to stay: Velassaru Maldives

Hot tip: May to October is the island-nation’s rainy season — but that also means it’s the best time to go for fewer crowds and better rates.

Fun fact: In 1153 AD, the nation’s people converted to Islam. Today, the Maldives remains the most heavily Muslim country on earth.

11. Barcelona, Spain

Soccer, architecture, shopping, nightlife, world-class food and wine, arts and culture — is there anything Barcelona doesn’t have? If there is, we honestly can't think what it would be. 

This cosmopolitan Spanish city is home to some awe-inspiring architecture, including several buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi, so be sure to book tours of his whimsical creations like Park Guell and the yet-to-be-finished Church of the Sacred Family (La Sagrada Familia). 

For nightlife and shopping, Las Ramblas is always bustling; for an enriching arts experience, follow the progression of famed artist Pablo Picasso at Museo Picasso.

What to Know Before You Go to Barcelona

Where to stay:  Hotel Bagues

Hot tip: It can get really humid here, so it's best to plan your trip in May and June before things really heat up.

Fun fact: In preparation for its 1992 hosting of the Olympics, the city flew in sand from as far away as Egypt to make Barceloneta Beach a place where people would want to go. Though largely man-made, the beach remains a wonderful spot for seaside R&R. 

10. Glacier National Park, Montana

The crown jewel of beautiful Montana, Glacier National Park is every outdoors traveler's dream.

Of course, the most defining natural feature of the park are its glaciers, which provide spectacular views as well as a number of pristine lakes. There are hundreds of trails that will take you up peaks, down through valleys and across some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever see.

What to Know Before You Go to Glacier National Park

Where to stay: Firebrand Hotel

Hot tip:  Plan to spend a day or two in the nearby town of Whitefish. This gateway to Glacier National Park is one of the best small towns in America and a destination in its own right. 

Fun fact: During your visit, you're very likely to run into mountain goats, which are the official symbols of the park.

9. Tokyo, Japan

The Japanese capital is one of the most exciting cities on the entire planet. It is notoriously fast-paced, with neon lights illuminating the multitudes that are constantly rushing to their next destination. 

But Tokyo is also a city of temples, of taking time to picnic under the cherry blossoms and of making sure you enjoy the abundance of delicious food that can be found on basically every corner.

What to Know Before You Go to Tokyo

Where to stay: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Hot tip: Visit between the months of March and April or September and November for more comfortable temperatures. Of course, spring is when the city's cherry blossoms are famously in full bloom.

Fun fact: Tokyo happens to be the largest metropolitan area in the world, with more than 40 million people calling the greater metro area home.

8. Phuket, Thailand

If you’re looking for a vacation destination that feels luxurious but won’t break the bank, start searching for flights to Phuket now. 

This island in southern Thailand, which is just an hour flight from Bangkok, is surrounded by the Andaman Sea, so white sandy beaches abound. If a stunning sunset is what you’re after, head to Promthep Cape, the southernmost point on the island and a popular spot for photo-ops. For views of the island and beyond, climb to the top of the massive alabaster statue called Big Buddha.

You can even learn something during your vacation by visiting the Soi Dog Foundation, an innovative animal shelter that’s fighting the meat trade and taking care of the thousands of stray cats and dogs in the area.

What to Know Before You Go to Phuket

Where to stay: InterContinental Phuket Resort

Hot tip: Visit between November and April for the best weather — and ideal conditions for beach activities like swimming and boating. 

Fun fact: The island is not pronounced in the rather colorful way it appears to be. The correct way to say it is “poo-ket” or “poo-get.”

7. Rome, Italy

Though Rome’s historic significance cannot be overstated, don’t assume that this Italian city is stuck in the past. On the contrary, you’ll find posh storefronts and luxurious hotels not far from iconic structures like the Pantheon (built in 120 AD) and the Colosseum (built in 80 AD).

And then, of course, there’s the city’s art. Stroll through Rome, and you’ll stumble upon some of the greatest treasures the world has ever seen — an astonishing collection of frescoes, paintings, ceilings and fountains created by icons like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael and Bernini.

After all that exploration, take advantage of ample opportunities to eat and drink, including at several Michelin-starred restaurants. City staples include suppli (deep-fried balls of risotto, mozzarella and ragu meat sauce) and cacio e pepe (a deceptively simple mix of al-dente pasta, pecorino romano and fresh black pepper). 

What to Know Before You Go to Rome

Where to stay: Radisson Blu Ghr Hotel

Hot tip: Tourists congregate here in the summer when temperatures are also sweltering. Go instead between October and April, when there are thinner crowds, better rates and cooler temps. Just make sure to bring a light jacket.

Fun fact: Each year, travelers throw about $1.7 million worth of coins into the Trevi Fountain. The money is donated to Caritas, a Catholic nonprofit that supports charities focused on health, disaster relief, poverty and migration.

6. London, England

English writer Samual Johnson once said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” 

From live performances of Shakespeare to truly world-class (and free!) museums like the National Gallery, London will enrich your mind and enliven your senses. Of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at Buckingham Palace to see the famous stone-faced guards outside and the 19 lavish State Rooms inside (though, unfortunately, you can’t see the queen’s private quarters). Another must-see landmark is the Tower of London, the historic castle on the north side of the River Thames.

What to Know Before You Go to London

Where to stay: Vintry & Mercer

Hot tip: Many U.S. cities now offer direct flights to London, so set a price alert and act fast when you see fares drop.

Fun fact: London’s pubs are worth a visit for their names alone; fanciful monikers include The Case is Altered, The Pyrotechnists Arms, John the Unicorn and The Job Centre. 

5. Tahiti, French Polynesia

Flavorful French cuisine, top-notch resorts, warm waters — need we say more? Though Tahiti can be pricey, travelers say it’s so worth it. 

The largest of the 118 French Polynesian islands, Tahiti is split into two main regions (connected by a land bridge). Tahiti Nui, the larger region, is home to the island’s capital Papeete and surfing hotspot Papenoo Beach, while Tahiti Iti, the smaller region, offers more seclusion and the bright white sands of La Plage de Maui.

What to Know Before You Go to Tahiti

Where to stay: Hilton Hotel Tahiti

Hot tip: Visit between May and October, Tahiti’s winter, when there are less humidity and rain. 

Fun fact: Overcrowding is not a concern here; Hawaii gets more visitors in 10 days than all of French Polynesia does in a year.

4. Maui, Hawaii

If you’re short on time or you just can’t decide which Hawaiian island to visit, Maui is right in the sweet spot: not too big, not too small, but just right.

There are five regions to explore on Maui, including the popular West Maui and South Maui, home to some of the island’s best-known attractions and beaches (Wailea Beach is in South Maui, for example). But don’t overlook East Maui, where you can travel along the Road to Hana, or the Upcountry, where you can explore the world’s largest dormant volcano, Haleakala. 

What to Know Before You Go to Maui

Where to stay:  Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Hot tip: This is Hawaii we’re talking about, so your trip will be on the pricey side. Be sure to budget for add-ons if you need them (think gym access and WiFi at your hotel), and do some research on insurance before you head to the car-rental counter.

Fun fact: How’s this for a selling point? Maui has more beach than any other Hawaiian island — 60 miles of it, with red, white and black sand.

3. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Don’t write off the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora just because of its size. Though it’s a little more than 2 miles wide and just 6 miles long, Bora Bora packs in an abundance of natural beauty. To start, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the island’s turquoise lagoon surrounded by lush jungle.

If you’re looking for more than relaxation on your trip, consider hiking or booking a 4X4 tour of Mount Otemanu, part of an extinct volcano that rises 2,400 feet above the lagoon. You can also snorkel among the coral reef of Coral Gardens, where you might catch a glimpse of reef sharks, eels and stingrays.

Because of its remoteness, flying into Bora Bora Airport will be quite a journey, no matter where you're departing from. But you'll forget everything as soon as you see this Polynesian paradise that is beautiful beyond words.

What to Know Before You Go to Bora Bora

Where to stay: Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Hot tip: Though Bora Bora can be wildly expensive to visit, you can cut costs by visiting between December and March (though you should avoid the Christmas holiday) and by bringing your own alcohol and sunscreen with you.

Fun fact: Bora Bora is one of the countries that no longer exists . The Kingdom of Bora Bora was an independent state until it was forcefully overtaken and annexed by France in 1888.

2. Paris, France

Paris has it all — incredible cuisine, legendary landmarks and centuries of history. Those are just some of the reasons it’s the second-best place to visit in the world.

Though you’ll want to spend your time hitting up popular tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Musee d’Orsay, you should also carve out time to explore other parts of Paris — the city’s 20 diverse neighborhoods, called arrondissements, for instance. Standouts include the 2nd arrondissement, which touts covered passages and some of the city’s hippest restaurants, and the romantic 18th arrondissement, with charming squares, cafes and bars, set apart from the city’s more tourist-packed areas.

What to Know Before You Go to Paris

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal

Hot tip: Yes, summer in Paris is busy, but the weather is also ideal — average highs are in the 70s.

Fun fact: Built for the 1889 World Fair, the Eiffel Tower was originally meant to be temporary , and was almost torn down in 1909. Luckily, local officials saw its value as a radiotelegraph station, preserving the future tourist icon for generations to come. 

1. South Island, New Zealand

South Island, the larger but less populated of the two islands that make up New Zealand, earn this top-spot honor for its gorgeous scenery, adrenelin-pumping experiences and affordability.

The 33.5-mile hike on Milford Sound, which is limited to 90 people at a time, is considered one of the world’s best treks, with stops at Lake Te Anau, suspension bridges, a mountain pass and the tallest waterfall in the country, Sutherland Falls.

For a heart-pumping experience, you can jump out of a helicopter while flying over the Harris Mountains with skis on your feet. Still not satisfied? Roam Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area, and explore the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, two of the most accessible glaciers in the world.

What to Know Before You Go to New Zealand

Where to stay: QT Queenstown

Hot tip: Book your trip for the fall, when South Island is temperate, not overcrowded and offers great rates. Bonus: This is also when the island is at its most stunning.

Fun fact: New Zealand natives, called Kiwis, are among the most hospitable you’ll ever meet. The local saying “He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata” translates , appropriately, to “What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people.”

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These are the 10 most visited countries in the world

ITALY, GREECE, THE UNITED STATES… WHAT ARE THE MOST VISITED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD?

According to the World Tourism Organization (or UNWTO), in 2023, countries around the world counted a total of around 1.3 billion international tourist arrivals. Travelers in search of a change of scenery set foot on five continents, from France to Mexico to Turkey.

France, the most visited country in the world

France has topped the chart of the most visited countries in the world for more than 30 years now. This country has something to charm every type of traveller: breathtaking natural sites , cities with culture and cuisine for all tastes, and quaint historic villages.

Although Paris remains the leading tourist city in France, international visitors are particularly fond of medium-sized cities by the sea or in the mountains. Some of the top destinations in France include Chamonix, a winter sports resort with lively streets in winter and summer alike, the old Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence and the capital of the Grand-Est, Strasbourg, for its stunning Christmas market, one of the most enchanting in Europe .

With the Olympic Games and the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, France is set to welcome over 100 million tourists in 2024.

The top 10 most visited countries in the world in 2022

• France – 87 million visitors
• Spain – 82 million visitors
• United States – 77 million visitors
• China – 61 million visitors
• Italy – 58 million visitors
• Mexico – 39 million visitors
• United Kingdom – 38 million visitors
• Turkey – 38 million visitors
• Germany – 38 million visitors
• Thailand – 35 million visitors

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• Nature Travel

15 of the World's Most Naturally Beautiful Countries

These nations boast breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

What is the most beautiful country in the world? When it comes to the earth's diverse destinations, beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. From the red rock formations of the American West to the Maldives' pristine white-sand beaches, there are myriad incredible places to visit around the globe. To help you plan your next scenic adventure, we've narrowed it down to the 15 countries with the most spectacular natural landscapes. Prepare to be wowed by majestic mountains, lush rain forests, awe-inspiring waterfalls, breathtaking coastlines, and stunning wildlife.

From massive waterfalls to black-sand beaches , this island country is bursting with beauty. Depending on the time of year you visit , you can experience unique natural phenomena. During the winter months, you can spot the spectacular northern lights dancing over frozen waterfalls and icy landscapes. Come summer, you can hike and then soak in hot springs under the midnight sun.

Between the snowy French Alps, glamorous French Riviera, rolling vineyard- and lavender-covered hills of Provence, and rocky coast of Brittany, is it any surprise France is often considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world? Plus, those natural wonders provide us with French wine, cheese, and more, so what's not to love?

Made up of thousands of islands, Indonesia has everything from green terraced rice fields to beautiful beaches, dense rain forests, and more. The island of Bali is popular among travelers seeking vistas of intricate temples against a backdrop of crashing ocean waves or rolling hills with a volcano in the distance.

United States

From sea to shining sea, the United States offers endless picturesque landscapes. With the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys , the magnificent Grand Canyon, the snowcapped peaks of Alaska , and the postcard-worthy California coastline , it would take years to fully explore the country's most beautiful places.

When you think of the perfect beach paradise, what images come to mind? We're guessing sparkling aquamarine waters and sugar-white beaches like those in the Maldives. On one of these remote islands, you can gaze at the Indian Ocean from your thatched-roof overwater bungalow or dive under the surface to explore the vibrant coral reefs and abundant sea life.

Italy is a dream destination. One visit and you'll be so enchanted by its natural beauty, delicious food, incredible architecture, and friendly people that you'll be ready to plan your next trip. It's hard to choose between the vineyard-covered Tuscan hills, the wanderlust-worthy Amalfi Coast, and the soaring peaks of the Dolomites , so we recommend visiting them all.

Switzerland

The breathtaking alpine landscapes of Switzerland — with sparkling lakes and charming villages — make this a must-visit destination, particularly for outdoorsy types who love to hike and ski. In the winter, the country resembles a living snow globe, while summertime reveals green mountains and fragrant wildflowers.

Bamboo forests, relaxing hot springs, iconic Mount Fuji , and tropical beaches — you'll find all this and more on a trip to Japan . Plan your getaway during the spring cherry blossom season to see the country's famous blooms for yourself.

Everyone knows Costa Rica has incredible biodiversity, so nature lovers frequently put it at the top of their travel list. Pretty beaches, the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest , volcanoes, waterfalls, and tons of wildlife are just a few of the reasons why this is one of the world's most naturally beautiful countries.

Eight of the world's 10 tallest mountains, including Mount Everest , are in Nepal. The Himalayas are a draw for adventurers hoping to test their climbing skills and endurance. Other visitors can choose to admire these impressive mountains from a distance. Of course, there's plenty more to see here, including wildlife like rhinos and tigers.

Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Leisure

The Amazon rain forest and Andes Mountains — home to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain — are reason enough to visit Peru, so the delicious ceviche and pisco are bonuses. For something completely different, head to Huacachina — a village set amid the only natural desert oasis in South America.

United Kingdom

London , Edinburgh, and Manchester might overshadow the United Kingdom's abundant natural beauty, but it's well worth venturing outside the major cities. From the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to the basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway and the dreamy Scottish Highlands , there's plenty to explore in the U.K.

South Africa

South Africa offers a truly impressive array of landscapes, with something for everyone. The diverse terrain features everything from vineyards and Kruger National Park to the mountainous coastline. Explore the natural wonders on a safari for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Another popular safari travel destination, Tanzania is home to the Big Five: elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. The popular Kilimanjaro National Park is home to the iconic eponymous volcano, while Serengeti National Park teems with wildlife, including millions of wildebeest who migrate there every year. Tanzania also has a beautiful coastline and stunning islands like Zanzibar.

New Zealand

Outdoor adventure opportunities abound in New Zealand , where you can cruise around Milford Sound's fjords, ski on the North or South island, check out geothermal phenomena like geysers and mud pools, and admire the country's ancient glaciers.

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Behind China's growing appeal to international travelers

* China ranks eighth among the top 10 countries for travel and tourism.

* China is welcoming more tourists with new visa policies.

* Many visitors have changed their perspective on China after their visits of the country.

CHANGSHA/SHANGHAI, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Jin Yeong-deg, a 72-year-old man from the Republic of Korea, opened his Korean payment app Kakao Pay and showed the QR code to the cashier. Within seconds, the scan was complete, and he successfully purchased his items.

This would be a very ordinary transaction in the Korean cities of Seoul or Busan, but it actually took place in Zhangjiajie, a tourist city in central China's Hunan Province.

"Traveling in Zhangjiajie is very convenient," said Jin. "I didn't expect to be able to use mobile payments here just like a local."

This was Jin's second visit to the breathtaking landscape of Zhangjiajie -- home to the real prototype of the floating mountains in the Avatar -- and he saw significant changes since his first trip in 2004.

According to the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 of the World Economic Forum, China ranks eighth among the top 10 countries for travel and tourism.

Tourists from the Republic of Korea visit the Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park in Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province, May 30, 2024. (Photo by Deng Daoli/Xinhua)

TRAVEL MADE EASY

According to a recent survey conducted by Beijing Foreign Studies University, among 714 foreign tourists from 103 countries, 86 percent of those who have visited China believe the payment experience has become more convenient. The vast majority of these tourists used mobile payment methods.

By the end of 2023, China's mobile payment penetration rate had reached 86 percent, the highest in the world. Foreigners can now easily bind their overseas bank cards with Alipay or Tenpay, China's two major payment apps, thanks to simplified mobile payments.

In the first half of this year, foreign card transactions using mobile payment platforms surged 6.65 times from the previous year to nearly 37.4 million, according to data from Chinese online payment clearing house NetsUnion Clearing Corporation.

The apps also enable convenient transportation for foreign tourists.

Spanish couple Miguel and Irena Rodriguez Jimenez used Alipay to take the subway in Shanghai and book ride-hailing services.

"Some warm-hearted locals helped us download the app and register," said the wife. "It was a bit complicated at first, but now we can use it adeptly."

A police officer answers questions about visa-free entry permits for foreign passengers at the border check section of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

GATE OPENING WIDER

China is welcoming more tourists with new visa policies.

On Monday, China expanded its 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 37 entry ports. Foreign nationals from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada and Britain, are eligible for the policy for short-term travel and business visits.

The country is also piloting visa-free travel for ordinary passport holders from more than a dozen countries, including France, Spain, Australia and Poland, allowing them to enter China visa-free for up to 15 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit.

Data from the National Immigration Administration showed that the number of foreigners visiting China in the first half of this year exceeded 14.6 million, an increase of 152.7 percent compared with the same period last year. Of these, more than 8.5 million, or 52 percent, entered visa-free, a 190 percent increase year on year.

Eva Gajewska is the manager of a travel agency in Warsaw, Poland. Since the visa-free policy started, she has received lots of phone calls asking about tours to China.

"In the past, a visitor usually spent about 100 U.S. dollars for the visa to China, and had to wait for seven days," she said, hailing the new policy a "long-awaited" move. The company is now designing new routes to offer their clients more choices for their China trips.

Edward Iglesias, a 61-year-old Australian tourist, embarked on a 17-day tour of China, starting from Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Having applied for his visa before the policy change, he felt the new policy would definitely make things easier for travelers.

With simplified entry procedures, Iglesias plans to recommend China as a tourist destination to his friends, praising its "nice people and beautiful scenery." He expressed a desire to return when the weather is cooler, "maybe in autumn or spring."

Foreign tourists pose for a photo in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, or Qiniandian, at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Many visitors have changed their perspective on China after their visits of the country.

Colombian tourist German Raigosa was visiting China with his family for the first time. "It's surprising to see the public transportation, and how clean the cities are compared to other cities like New York," said the 71-year-old father.

"I didn't know that Chinese people are so nice," added his 29-year-old daughter, Susana Raigosa. "I was surprised at how little I knew about these cities."

Arnr Herrmann from New Zealand returned to Shanghai 28 years after his first visit. "Back then, I only remember seeing the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower as the landmark," said the leader of a 60-student group. This time, he marveled at China's development and the juxtaposition of both historical and modern buildings in the metropolis.

"We are impressed by the cleanliness of all the places," said Samuel Juara from Mexico via WeChat, which he downloaded for his trip to China. "The respect from all the people and their willingness to help, the amount of electric cars and beautiful buildings, the electronic advances and communicating measures ... are very impressive."

This photo taken on May 28, 2024 shows a payment service center for foreign tourists of the Bank of China at the Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport in Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Yujie)

New measures are being implemented across China to better serve international travelers in tourism cities. For instance, the Bank of China's Zhangjiajie branch has upgraded the airport's self-service currency exchange machines. These machines now accept over 20 currencies, including Australian dollars, up from six previously.

Chinese customs authorities have made declarations easier for foreign passengers by using mobile phone apps. "Foreign tourists can now complete their arrival process and pass through customs in just 30 minutes," said Liu Jinbo, director of Zhangjiajie Customs. He added that the average clearance time for inbound passengers is expected to drop further to under 10 minutes by the end of September.

"You will know how beautiful China is only after you visit the country," said Shin Young-yun, a team leader with Korean travel agency Modetour.

"China is a very safe and lovely country, which I have recommended to my compatriots. I know many of them who have visited once would like to go there again," he added. "Hopefully in the future more Koreans, more foreigners, can visit and see the real China." 

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Top 10 African countries with the highest number of Christians in 2024

Christianity's position in Africa continues to evolve, responding to the continent's changing social, political, and economic landscapes. The conversation surrounding the Christian institution in several African countries is immensely layered with some fully endorsing the practice, some fully opposed, and others caught in the middle. Needless to say, Christianity in Africa has become one of the largest institutions on the continent.

• Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 African countries with the highest number of Christians in 2024.
• This list is courtesy of WorldPopulationReview, as seen in Statista.
• Ethiopia ranks number 1 on the list.

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Christianity was introduced to Africa in the first century AD, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is among the world's oldest Christian congregations.

Since its introduction, there have been polarizing views on Christianity, with some seeing no reason to abandon their original religions, while some have fully embraced the Christian faith.

Those belonging to the latter have ensured that the religion has grown tremendously on the continent, introducing it to their families, immediate communities, and immediate environments such as schools and workplaces.

DON'T MISS THIS: Top 10 most important port cities in Africa

Additionally, highly influential religious leaders have spread the Christian doctrine across Africa and even beyond via their platforms, some of which have millions of followers.

Christianity in Africa has become a force, having an influence that affects the socio-economic and political events in some countries. Even governments typically employ the use and views of religious leaders to tighten their grip on their public vote of confidence.

This raises the question of which countries on the continent have the most Christian influence. Religion across Africa is highly significant, but some countries have more Muslims than Christians and vice versa, and some countries have more traditionalists.

With that said, here are the 10 African countries with the highest number of Christians in 2024 as seen in Statista, according to WorldPopulationReview , Pew Research Center , World Atlas, CIA, and Nation Master ,

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Strengthening global clean energy infrastructure through supply chain optimization, top 10 african universities with the best teaching skills, namibian authorities deny visa extension for ugandan king, delphos advises pearl dairy farms on usd 35 million debt financing for expansion across east africa, list: kenya's ruto keeps former ministers in new cabinet reshuffle, egypt resorts to gas import as natural gas output plummets, 10 african countries with the highest number of internet users in 2024, nigeria's private sector gives conditions for payment of ₦70k minimum wage.

Ugandan government to ban the corrupt from public service

ECOWAS Court dismisses case against Ghana over 2005 Jammeh/Gambia killings

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Africa's richest man, dangote, explains why he has no residential property abroad.

US Watchdog Says Paycheck Advances Subject to Lending Law

FILE PHOTO: U.S. dollar notes and a paycheck sits on a counter in Oakland, California, U.S. March 18, 2020. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo

(Reuters) -Increasingly popular "earned wage" advances on worker paychecks are consumer loans subject to existing federal laws, the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) said on Thursday, moving to set federal guard rails for a fast-growing market.

In a proposed interpretive guidance, the agency said many paycheck advances were subject to the Truth in Lending Act, meaning the companies who provide millions of such loans a year must give workers clear disclosures about finance charges, among other requirements.

Many such workers are borrowing at high interest rates and incurring sometimes mischaracterized fees, according to the CFPB. In a statement, CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said his agency's actions would help wage earners "know what they are getting."

Greater transparency should also spur competition and help reduce costs, according to Chopra.

States such as Nevada and Wisconsin now license paycheck advance products, specifying that they are not loans. Prior to the announcement, CFPB officials said they expected companies to comply with federal law nonetheless.

A growing number of providers offer paycheck advances. Digital bank Chime said in May it would allow customers to access up to $500 of their wages interest-free before payday with no mandatory fees.

In a statement released overnight, American Fintech Council CEO Phil Goldfeder said he was "deeply disappointed" with the CFPB proposal. "Simply put, EWA is not a loan nor an 'advance' and should not be regulated as such."

According to a CFPB report also released on Thursday, workers using paycheck advances take out an average of 27 such loans a year and employer-sponsored advances typically carry annual percentage rates of more than 100%.

The agency said the number of such transactions nearly doubled between 2021 and 2022, when more than 7 million workers borrowed about $22 billion.

Thursday's CFPB proposal involved an "interpretive rule" rather than new regulations, which are subject to a lengthy approval process and can be struck down in court. Republican lawmakers have expressed frustration with the CFPB's use of such guidance instead of formal rulemaking.

A senior CFPB official told reporters prior to Thursday's announcement that before being finalized the interpretive rule was subject to a public notice-and-comment period due to close next month.

(Reporting by Douglas Gillison; Editing by Sandra Maler, Elaine Hardcastle)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Tags: United States , financial regulation

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What we know about CrowdStrike’s update fail that’s causing global outages and travel chaos

A faulty software update issued by security giant CrowdStrike has resulted in a massive overnight outage that’s affected Windows computers around the world , disrupting businesses, airports, train stations, banks, broadcasters and the healthcare sector.

CrowdStrike said the outage was not caused by a cyberattack, but was the result of a “defect” in a software update for its flagship security product, Falcon Sensor. The defect caused any Windows computers that Falcon is installed on to crash without fully loading.

“The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed,” said CrowdStrike in a statement on Friday . Some businesses and organizations are beginning to recover, but many expect the outages to drag on into the weekend or next week given the complexity of the fix. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz told NBC News that it may take “some time for some systems that just automatically won’t recover.” In a later tweet , Kurtz apologized for the disruption.

Here’s everything you need to know about the outages.

What happened?

Late Thursday into Friday, reports began to emerge of IT problems wherein Windows computers were getting stuck with the infamous “blue screen of death” — a bright blue error screen with a message that displays when Windows encounters a critical failure, crashes or cannot load.

The outages were first noticed in Australia early on Friday, and reports quickly came in from the rest of Asia and Europe as the regions began their day, as well as the United States.

Within a short time, CrowdStrike confirmed that a software update for Falcon had malfunctioned and was causing Windows computers that had the software installed to crash. Falcon lets CrowdStrike remotely analyze and check for malicious threats and malware on installed computers.

At around the same time, Microsoft reported a significant outage at one of its most used Azure cloud regions covering much of the central United States. A spokesperson for Microsoft told TechCrunch that its outage was unrelated to CrowdStrike’s incident .

Around Friday noon (Eastern time), Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella posted on X saying the company is aware of the CrowdStrike botched update and is “working closely with CrowdStrike and across the industry to provide customers technical guidance and support to safely bring their systems back online.”

What is CrowdStrike and what does Falcon Sensor do?

CrowdStrike, founded in 2011, has quickly grown into a cybersecurity giant. Today the company provides software and services to 29,000 corporate customers, including around half of Fortune 500 companies, 43 out of 50 U.S. states and eight out of the top 10 tech firms, according to its website .

The company’s cybersecurity software, Falcon, is used by enterprises to manage security on millions of computers around the world. These businesses include large corporations, hospitals, transportation hubs and government departments. Most consumer devices do not run Falcon and are unaffected by this outage.

One of the company’s biggest recent claims to fame was when it caught a group of Russian government hackers breaking into the Democratic National Committee ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. CrowdStrike is also known for using memorable animal-themed names for the hacking groups it tracks based on their nationality, such as: Fancy Bear , believed to be part of Russia’s General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate, or GRU; Cozy Bear , believed to be part of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, or SVR; Gothic Panda , believed to be a Chinese government group; and Charming Kitten , believed to be an Iranian state-backed group. The company even makes action figures to represent these groups, which it sells as swag .

CrowdStrike is so big it’s one of the sponsors of the Mercedes F1 team , and this year even aired a Super Bowl ad — a first for a cybersecurity company. 

Who are the outages affecting?

Practically anyone who during their everyday life interacts with a computer system running software from CrowdStrike is affected, even if the computer isn’t theirs. 

These devices include the cash registers at grocery stores, departure boards at airports and train stations, school computers, your work-issued laptops and desktops, airport check-in systems, airlines’ own ticketing and scheduling platforms, healthcare networks and many more. Because CrowdStrike’s software is so ubiquitous, the outages are causing chaos around the world in a variety of ways. A single affected Windows computer in a fleet of systems could be enough to disrupt the network. 

TechCrunch reporters around the world are seeing and experiencing outages, including at points of travel, doctors’ offices and online. Early on Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration put in effect a ground stop, effectively grounding flights across the United States, citing the disruption. It looks like so far the national Amtrak rail network is functioning as normal. 

What is the U.S. government doing so far?

Given that the problem stems from a company, there isn’t much that the U.S. federal government can do. According to a pool report, President Biden was briefed on the CrowdStrike outage, and “his team is in touch with CrowdStrike and impacted entities.” That’s in large part because the federal government is a customer of CrowdStrike and also affected.

Several federal agencies are affected by the incident, including the Department of Education , and Social Security Administration, which said Friday that it closed its offices as a result of the outage.

The pool report said Biden’s team is “engaged across the interagency to get sector by sector updates throughout the day and is standing by to provide assistance as needed.” 

In a separate tweet, Homeland Security said it was working with its U.S. cybersecurity agency CISA, CrowdStrike and Microsoft — as well as its federal, state, local and critical infrastructure partners — to “fully assess and address system outages.”

There will no doubt be questions for CrowdStrike (and to some extent Microsoft, whose unrelated outage also caused disruption overnight for its customers) from government and congressional investigators. 

For now, the immediate focus will be on the recovery of affected systems.

How do affected customers fix their Windows computers?

The major problem here is that CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor software malfunctioned, causing Windows machines to crash, and there’s no easy way to fix that. 

So far, CrowdStrike has issued a patch, and it has also detailed a workaround that could help affected systems function normally until it has a permanent solution. One option is for users to “reboot the [affected computer] to give it an opportunity to download the reverted channel file,” referring to the fixed file.

In a message to users , CrowdStrike detailed a few steps customers can take, one of which requires physical access to an affected system to remove the defective file. CrowdStrike says users should boot the computer into Safe Mode or Windows Recovery Environment, navigate to the CrowdStrike directory, and delete the faulty file “C-00000291*.sys.”

The wider problem with having to fix the file manually could be a major headache for companies and organizations with large numbers of computers, or Windows-powered servers in datacenters or locations that might be in another region, or an entirely different country.

CISA warns that malicious actors are ‘taking advantage’ of the outage

In a statement on Friday, CISA attributed the outages to the faulty CrowdStrike update and that the issue was not due to a cyberattack. CISA said that it was “working closely with CrowdStrike and federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners, as well as critical infrastructure and international partners to assess impacts and support remediation efforts.”

CISA did note, however, that it has “observed threat actors taking advantage of this incident for phishing and other malicious activity.” The cybersecurity agency did not provide more specifics, but warned organizations to stay vigilant.

Malicious actors can and will exploit confusion and chaos to carry out cyberattacks on their own. Rachel Tobac, a social engineering expert and founder of cybersecurity firm SocialProof Security, said in a series of posts on X to “verify people are who they say they are before taking sensitive actions.”

“Criminals will attempt to use this IT outage to pretend to be IT to you or you to IT to steal access, passwords, codes, etc.,” Tobac said.

What do we know about misinformation so far?

It’s easy to understand why some might have thought that this outage was a cyberattack. Sudden outages, blue screens at airports, office computers filled with error messages, and chaos and confusion. As you might expect, a fair amount of misinformation is already flying around , even as social media sites incorrectly flag trending topics like “cyberattack.”

Remember to check official sources of news and information, and if something seems too good to be true, it might just well be.

TechCrunch will keep this report updated throughout the day.

TechCrunch’s Ram Iyer contributed reporting.

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What We Know About the Global Microsoft Outage

Airlines to banks to retailers were affected in many countries. Businesses are struggling to recover.

• Share full article

By Eshe Nelson and Danielle Kaye

Eshe Nelson reported from London and Danielle Kaye from New York.

Across the world, critical businesses and services including airlines, hospitals, train networks and TV stations, were disrupted on Friday by a global tech outage affecting Microsoft users.

In many countries, flights were grounded, workers could not get access to their systems and, in some cases, customers could not make card payments in stores. While some of the problems were resolved within hours, many businesses, websites and airlines continued to struggle to recover.

What happened?

A series of outages rippled across the globe as information displays, login systems and broadcasting networks went dark.

The problem affecting the majority of services was caused by a flawed update by CrowdStrike , an American cybersecurity firm, whose systems are intended to protect users from hackers. Microsoft said on Friday that it was aware of an issue affecting machines running “CrowdStrike Falcon.”

But Microsoft had also said there was an earlier outage affecting U.S. users of Azure, its cloud service system. Some users may have been affected by both. Even as CrowdStrike sent out a fix, some systems were still affected by midday in the United States as businesses needed to make manual updates to their systems to resolve the issue.

George Kurtz, the president and chief executive of CrowdStrike, said on Friday morning that it could take some time for some systems to recover.

How a Software Update Crashed Computers Around the World

Here’s a visual explanation for how a faulty software update crippled machines.

What was affected?

It is more apt to ask what was not affected. Everything from airlines to banks to health care systems in many countries was hit.

In Australia, passengers were stuck in long lines at Sydney airport as information screens went blank, and programming was disrupted at the national broadcaster. Airports in Britain, Germany and Taiwan had long delays at check-ins and flights were delayed or canceled. At an airport in South Korea, handwritten boarding passes were being slowly handed out.

How the airline cancellations rippled around the world (and across time zones)

Share of canceled flights at 25 airports on Friday

50% of flights

Ai r po r t

Bengalu r u K empeg o wda

Dhaka Shahjalal

Minneapolis-Saint P aul

Stuttga r t

Melbou r ne

Be r lin B r anden b urg

London City

Amsterdam Schiphol

Chicago O'Hare

Raleigh−Durham

B r adl e y

Cha r lotte

Reagan National

Philadelphia

1:20 a.m. ET

Flights continued to be disrupted at some U.S. airports into the morning because of the cascading effect of flight delays and cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that ground stops and delays would be “intermittent” at some airports as airlines grapple with residual technology issues.

The outage affected emergency 911 lines in multiple states, the U.S. Emergency Alert System said on social media — but most if not all of the emergency system problems appeared to be resolving themselves by midmorning.

A few hospitals in Germany said they would cancel elective procedures; and in Britain, some doctors in the National Health Service were unable to gain access to systems. Kaiser Permanente, a medical system that provides care to 12.6 million members in the United States, said all of its hospitals’ systems were affected, and it activated backup systems to keep caring for patients.

At some banks, including JPMorgan Chase, there were delays in processing trades because bankers could not log into their work systems. TD Bank, the 10th largest in the United States, said customers complained that they could not access their online accounts.

But the problems were not uniform. London’s Heathrow Airport said that its flights were still operating. The London Stock Exchange said that it could not publish news updates but the exchange, where trades take place, was working as normal. The auction system at the Norwegian central bank was briefly interrupted, but other major central banks, the European Central Bank and Bank of England, said there was no effect on their systems.

In some cases, issues were resolved relatively quickly. In Ukraine, Sense Bank and the mobile operator Vodafone reported brief problems with their services. At Dubai International Airport, two airlines switched to alternative systems, allowing operations to resume.

Major grocery chains in the United States appeared largely unaffected, with most stores operating as usual. But the world’s biggest logistics companies, including United Parcel Service and FedEx, did report disruptions, causing delivery delays in some regions. A spokesman for UPS said the company’s computer systems in the United States and Europe were affected.

Who’s to blame?

Mr. Kurtz said CrowdStrike took responsibility for the software bug, sent in a system update, that caused the outage. He said in a post on X that Mac and Linux users were not affected.

The incident was not a cyberattack, Mr. Kurtz said, adding that customers remain “fully protected.” But Mr. Kurtz warned on NBC’s “Today” show that the fix could take some time to put in place.

“We understand the gravity of the situation and are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and disruption,” Mr. Kurtz said. Microsoft offered suggestions to users to help resolve the issue, including restoring backup systems.

While CrowdStrike is at fault for the software bug, J.J. Guy, chief executive of cybersecurity company Sevco, said poor resiliency of Microsoft’s operating system is to blame for extent of the damage.

“Bugs happen all the time and are unavoidable, the result of business complexity and technology,” Mr. Guy said. “But this became a catastrophic incident because of the remediation procedures. The resiliency of the operating system was not sufficient to mitigate the risk of that.”

Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment on its operating system. The company’s chief executive, Satya Nadella, said in a post on X that Microsoft is working with CrowdStrike to offer customers technical guidance and bring systems back online.

Eshe Nelson is a reporter based in London, covering economics and business news for The New York Times. More about Eshe Nelson

Danielle Kaye is a business reporter and a 2024 David Carr Fellow, a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Danielle Kaye