Top 30 Most Visited Countries by International Tourist Arrivals

International tourism has boomed over the past few decades with more people traveling than ever before. Some countries have benefited greatly from this tourism boom while others have stagnated. This data looks at the top 30 countries ranked by international tourist arrivals in 2000 compared to 2016.

It provides a snapshot of which destinations saw massive growth in visitors versus more modest gains. The numbers illustrate the rapid rise of Asia as a tourist hotspot, with many countries in the region seeing over 100% growth. Countries like Spain, Germany, and the UK also performed very well. Meanwhile, arrivals to places like Canada and Russia were mostly flat.

This table highlights the changing tourism landscape and shows which nations have become true global magnets for international travelers.

Rank	Country	Visitors (Millions) in 2000	Visitors (Millions) in 2016	2000-2016 growth
1	France	77.2	82.6	+6.99%
2	US	51.2	75.6	+47.66%
3	Spain	46.4	75.6	+62.93%
4	China*	31.2	59.3	+90.06%
5	Italy	41.2	52.4	+27.18%
6	UK	23.2	35.8	+54.31%
7	Germany	19.0	35.6	+87.37%
8	Mexico	20.6	35.0	+69.90%
9	Thailand	9.6	32.6	+239.58%
10	Turkey	9.6	31.3	+226.04%
11	Austria	18.0	28.1	+56.11%
12	Malaysia	10.2	26.8	+162.74%
13	Hong Kong	8.8	26.6	+202.27%
14	Greece	13.1	24.8	+89.31%
15	Russia	21.2	24.6	+16.04%
16	Japan	4.8	24.0	+400.00%
17	Canada	19.6	20.0	+2.04%
18	Saudi Arabia	6.6	18.0	+172.73%
19	Poland	17.4	17.5	+0.58%
20	South Korea	5.3	17.2	+224.53%
21	Netherlands	10.0	15.8	+58.00%
22	Macao	5.2	15.7	+201.92%
23	Hungary	3.0	15.3	+410.00%
24	United Arab Emirates	3.1	14.9	+380.64%
25	India	2.6	14.6	+461.54%
26	Croatia	5.3	13.8	+160.38%
27	Ukraine	6.4	13.3	+107.81%
28	Singapore	6.1	12.9	+111.48%
29	Czech Republic	4.8	11.9	+147.92%
30	Portugal	5.7	11.4	+100.00%

Table of Contents

FAQ’s

Why is France So Popular With Tourists?

France’s allure to tourists stems from a multitude of factors, each weaving a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. Here are some of the most captivating threads:

Cultural Tapestry: France boasts a rich tapestry of culture, evident in its world-renowned museums like the Louvre, historical landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles, and architectural wonders like the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Natural Splendor: From the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera to the majestic heights of the Alps, France’s natural beauty is breathtaking. Rolling vineyards, charming villages, and dramatic coastlines add to the visual feast.
Gastronomic Paradise: French cuisine is revered worldwide, and for good reason. Indulge in delectable pastries, sip on world-famous wines, and savor regional specialties – each bite a symphony of flavor.
Romantic Enchantment: France exudes a certain je ne sais quoi, an undeniable romantic charm. Quaint villages, charming cafes, and leisurely strolls along the Seine paint a picture of Parisian bliss.
Fashion Icon: The French are renowned for their impeccable style, and Paris is a global fashion capital. From haute couture to chic boutiques, France is a haven for shopaholics seeking the latest trends.
Accessibility and Ease: France’s excellent transportation infrastructure, with its high-speed TGV trains and便捷航空连接，使其成为欧洲旅行的便捷门户。此外，英语的使用越来越普遍，使游客更容易四处走动。

Most Visited Country For International Tourists

While France consistently ranks near the top of the most-visited countries, Spain currently holds the title in 2023, welcoming over 83 million international tourists. France follows closely behind at number two, with over 82 million visitors.

Here’s a closer look at the top 5 most visited countries in 2023: