The 10 most visited countries in the world. Ranking 2024
What is the most visited country in the world? Millions of people travel around the world to experience different cultures and create unforgettable memories.
But what are their favorite destinations? Every year, millions of tourists flock to the world's most iconic countries, attracted by the promise of breathtaking landscapes, priceless cultural riches and unforgettable culinary experiences.
But what are the places that manage to capture the imagination and desire for adventure of so many people? According to data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the world's 10 most-visited countries welcomed nearly half a billion travelers in 2023, nearly the entire population of South America.
Let's discover them together.
The 10 most visited countries in the world From the refined art and sublime gastronomy of France, through the ancient wonders and dream beaches of Greece, to the breathtaking natural landscapes and pulsating energy metropolises of the United States, each destination offers a universe of experiences.
We will explore the timeless elegance of Italy, the cultural and historical fusion of Turkey, the warm hospitality and natural treasures of Mexico, not forgetting the regal charm of the United Kingdom, the vibrancy and traditions of Spain, the innovation and historical richness of Germany and the enchanting scenic and cultural diversity of Austria.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the stories, landscapes and flavors that attract travelers from every corner of the planet every year, making these the 10 most loved and visited countries in the world.
Please note: the number of visitors per year refers to 2023.
10) Austria 26 million visitors per year Austria, located in the heart of Europe, is a destination that enchants with its scenic, cultural and historical.
From the majestic Alpine landscapes with their snow-capped peaks, ideal for winter sports lovers, to the lush vineyards of Lower Austria, perfect for wine and nature enthusiasts, this country offers unique experiences for every visitor.
Vienna, the capital, is a melting pot of art, music and architecture, where the charm of the Austro-Hungarian empire blends with a vibrant contemporary cultural scene.
Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace, fascinates with its UNESCO-listed historic center, while Innsbruck, with its enchanting Alpine scenery, offers a perfect fusion of outdoor adventures and cultural richness.
How can we not mention its gastronomy, which ranges from traditional dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel (Viennese schnitzel) and Sacher Torte, to innovative cuisine.
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Ranking 2024 9) Greece 28 million visitors Greece, with its extraordinary blend of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, is considered the cradle of Western civilization.
It is a treasure trove of archaeological sites such as the Acropolis of Athens, Delphi and ancient Olympia, which tell stories of gods, heroes and the rise of democracy.
But not only.
Its islands, from Santorini with its legendary sunsets and blue-domed white houses, to Crete, rich in mythology, history and idyllic beaches, offer a variety of experiences ranging from relaxing on the beach to exploring archaeological sites.
Greece is also famous for its cuisine, which delights the palate with fresh and authentic flavors, from meze to seafood to the inevitable ouzo.
8) Germany 29 million visitors Germany is a land of fascinating contrasts where history and modernity intertwine harmoniously.
From pulsating metropolises like Berlin, with its extraordinary arts scene and monuments that bear witness to both dark moments and historical triumphs, to Munich, famous for the Oktoberfest and its rich Bavarian tradition, Germany has much to discover.
The enchanted forests of the Black Forest and the romantic castles along the Rhine evoke fairy tales and legends, while the Mosel Valley wine region delights wine lovers.
Germany is also a history buff's paradise, with sites like the ancient Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Wall memorial bearing witness to pivotal moments that shaped not just the nation but the entire world.
Its cuisine, which varies from region to region, offers culinary delights such as pretzels, Kulmbacher Bratwurst and Sauerkraut, accompanied by world-famous craft beer.
7) United Kingdom 30 million visitors From the iconic London skyline, with Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower Bridge, to the evocative English countryside dotted with ancient castles and historic manors, there is always something new to discover in the United Kingdom.
Scotland enchants with its wild and mysterious Highlands, the legendary Loch Ness and cities like Edinburgh, famous for its international festival.
Wales offers breathtaking scenery, from the beaches of the Pembrokeshire peninsula to the Snowdonia mountains, and a proud cultural heritage.
Northern Ireland attracts with the Giant's Causeway, a natural wonder, and Titanic Belfast.
The culture linked to the pub, football, rock music and literature are just some of the elements that define the mood of life in the United Kingdom, capable of making it a place where tradition meets modernity in a unique way.
6) Mexico 38 million visitors For some time now, Mexico has been a destination capable of seducing visitors with its warmth and colours.
Land of ancient civilizations such as the Aztecs and the Maya, Mexican archaeological sites are extremely fascinating, such as Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán, where the majestic pyramids tell stories of a distant time.
Its colonial cities, such as San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, are splendid examples of architecture, with curved streets and colorful facades that tell the story of the country's colonial history.
Mexico's naturalistic offering varies from the crystal clear waters of its Caribbean beaches, such as those of Cancún and Tulum, to lush forests and breathtaking deserts.
The Mesoamerican barrier reef, the second largest in the world, is a paradise for scuba divers and of snorkeling.
Mexican cuisine, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a culinary adventure full of flavors, colors and textures, with iconic dishes such as tacos and enchiladas.
Mexican culture is vibrant and welcoming, characterized by Día de los Muertos, mariachi music, and the art of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
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Where is Italy? 5) Italy 50 million visitors Italy, with its priceless artistic, cultural and landscape heritage, represents an unparalleled travel experience.
Cradle of the Renaissance and witness to historical eras crucial to the history of the world, our country offers visitors an invaluable wealth of art and architecture.
Starting from Rome, with its monuments such as the Colosseum and the Vatican City, witnesses of the greatness of the Roman Empire and the heart of Christianity, to Florence, where the works of Michelangelo and Botticelli continue to enchant the public, every city tells a unique story.
Italy is also the land of good living, with a cuisine that is synonymous with quality, celebrated throughout the world.
Dishes such as pizza, pasta and ice cream originate from Italy, but each region offers its own specialties, to be enjoyed with some of the best wines in the world.
The Italian landscape is also particularly vast, from the imposing Alps and lakes of the north, to the breathtaking coasts of Liguria, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily.
4) Turkey 51 million visitors Turkey is a living bridge between Europe and Asia, a country rich in contrasts and fusion of cultures, history and landscapes.
Its unique geographical position has given rise to a land with extraordinary natural and cultural diversity, making it one of the most fascinating in the eyes of tourists.
Istanbul, the city that spans two continents, is the beating heart of Turkey, with its majestic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, which bear witness to centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman history.
Cappadocia offers an almost Martian setting, with its unique rock formations, underground cities and famous hot air balloon rides offering breathtaking views at sunrise.
Turkey also boasts beautiful coastlines, such as Antalya and the Turkish Riviera, with crystal clear waters and ancient ruins just a stone's throw from the beaches.
The ruins of Ephesus and historic Troy speak to the country's ancient history, while Pamukkale enchants with its natural limestone terraces and thermal waters.
Turkish cuisine is another of its treasures, an irresistible invitation to enjoy dishes rich in flavors and aromas, such as kebab, baklava and çay, the traditional Turkish tea.
3) United States 51 million visitors From pulsating metropolises such as New York City, with its iconic skyscrapers and Central Park, to Los Angeles, famous for the Hollywood film industry and its sunny beaches, every city in the United States tells a story unique story.
The USA is also a nature lover's paradise, with breathtaking national parks such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, which offers spectacular views, and Yellowstone National Park, known for its geysers and wildlife.
The variety of landscapes ranges from the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest to the prairies of the Midwest, from the rocky mountains of Colorado to the swamps of Louisiana.
American culture, influenced by a mosaic of ethnicities, is celebrated through music, art, film and cuisine.
The country is the birthplace of musical genres such as jazz, blues, rock 'n' roll and hip-hop.
American cuisine, from barbecue to seafood, reflects the richness of its cultural diversity.
Visiting the United States also means exploring their history, from the struggle for independence to contemporary challenges, in symbolic places such as Washington DC, with its national monuments and museums.
Each state, with its peculiarities and traditions, contributes to the eclectic mosaic that is America, making each trip a unique and unforgettable adventure.
2) Spain 72 million visitors Spain, located on the Iberian Peninsula, is a country full of life, culture and colorful landscapes, with its historic cities, sun-kissed beaches, exquisite gastronomy and colorful festivals.
Madrid, the capital, is famous for its world-class museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofia, which house works by the likes of Picasso and Dalí.
Barcelona seduces with Antoni Gaudí's unique architecture, including the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Spain is also known for its regions with a well-defined identity, such as Andalusia, where you can explore historic cities such as Seville, with its grandiose cathedral, and Granada, with the fascinating Alhambra.
The Mediterranean coast offers idyllic beaches, while the Balearic Islands and the Canaries attract with their natural beauty and relaxation opportunities.
Spanish cuisine, with iconic dishes such as paella, gazpacho and tapas, reflects the diversity and richness of the country's culinary heritage.
1) France 80 million visitors France is the most visited country in the world.
What attracts visitors is, first of all, its priceless cultural and artistic heritage, which includes some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world, such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, as well as UNESCO world heritage sites scattered throughout the country.
The variety of France's natural landscapes is another of its strengths: from the beaches of the French Riviera to the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, from the green valleys of the Loire to the vineyards of Burgundy and Champagne, the country offers an incredible range of natural beauty and possibilities of outdoor activities.
French cuisine, recognized worldwide for its quality and refinement, attracts lovers of good food.
Iconic dishes such as foie gras, coq au vin and the numerous cheeses and fine wines are just part of the culinary offering that makes France a paradise for foodies.
Furthermore, France boasts an excellent tourist infrastructure that makes traveling and staying in the country convenient and accessible, unlike Italy.
The high-speed rail network, international airports and a vast choice of accommodation to suit all budgets make travel for tourists much easier.
Finally, world-renowned events such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Tour de France and the Fête de la Musique, along with France's reputation in fashion, design and art, contribute to its global appeal.
Most Visited Countries in the Rest of the World Most of the 10 most visited countries in the world are located in North America and Europe.
However, there are many other tourist-favorite countries in Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East that are becoming increasingly popular among international travelers.
Among these, Japan (24 million visitors), the United Arab Emirates (12 million), Morocco (10 million) and Argentina (7 million) stand out.
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Specifically: the Middle East led the recovery in relative terms being the only region to exceed pre-pandemic levels with arrivals 22% higher than 2019; Europe, the most visited area in the world, reached 94% of 2019 levels, supported by intra-regional demand and travel from the United States; Africa has recovered 96% of pre-pandemic visitors and the Americas have reached 90%; Asia and the Pacific have reached 65% of pre-pandemic levels following the reopening of many markets and destinations.
However, the results are mixed, with South Asia already recovering 87% of 2019 levels and Northeast Asia around 55%.
