Tourism is a secret money maker; and the most visited countries in the world are the biggest beneficiaries from this phenomenon. These are the biggest countries by tourism- the largest tourism related economies and the most popular nations in the world.
Of course, people do not just visit countries- they need something to draw them there. Sometimes it is gifts from nature in the form of waterfalls and mountains, while other times it is relics of ancient civilizations passed down from generations past.
Another important factor that should not be overlooked is marketing. Some countries have done a wonderful job of promoting even the most mediocre attractions; thus drawing in people from all over the world.
Top 50 Most Visited Countries In The World
1. France
France is an exciting place to visit; it has a different culture entirely from what most people are used to. The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of this country, and as it is probably the most recognized monument in the world, it is no surprise that this is the most visited country in the world.
France’s capital Paris is also known as the City Of Lovers; couples come into the city to bask in each other’s love. They hold hands while strolling around the streets, and take pictures at random.
The cuisine in France is also famous; the restaurants, the food, and the wine are second to non in the world. Even the pace of eating in France is a lot slower in France; the French take their time to savor what is in their mouths; rather than rush off to do something else.
2. United States
The United States is a country everybody wants to visit, not for the culture- there is non- but for the stature of the country. This is the dominant political, economic, and military force in the world, and naturally the most popular country in the world.
The US is one of the fashion capitals of the world- people come in to see the latest fads before they become the next trends. They also come in to see Hollywood where all the best movies in the world are made.
Top tourist attractions to the US include; the Statue Of Liberty, Yellow Stone National Park, Mount Rushmore, And Goldengate Bridge.
3. Spain
Spain is a cultural superpower; one of the countries whose language and culture is most visible in the world. It is therefore no surprise that Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world.
Spain has everything it needs to be one of the world’s major tourist centers; mild weather conditions, beautiful beaches, pristine monuments, and beautiful women.
Some of the major tourist attractions in Spain include the Royal Palace of Madrid, Cordoba, and the magnificent La Sagradia Familia.
4. Italy
Italy has always been one of the world’s biggest places for tourism; even in ancient times people travelled from great distances to see the coliseum in Roma. Italy (or more accurately Rome) was the capital of the known world; and so merchants, state officials, and other important people of travelled to Rome, taking back stories of grand architecture when they went home.
Italy has a similarly mild weather, and the food and wine are comparable to the French. But what Italy has above all other countries is ancient relics- and not in ruins. Rome is called the Eternal City because that is exactly what it is.
Some tourist attractions to Rome include The Colosseum, The Roman forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Trevi Fountain.
5. China
China is even more ancient, and more eternal than most of Europe; and now that it has been opened up as a country, there is a rush to explore this great country.
China has widely variable weather, but if you are prepared there is no reason to be caught off guard. China also has a greatly variable topography; and it is one of the reasons why people love to visit.
People come into China from all over the world to climb its mountains; China has some of the tallest mountains in the world. Other tourist attractions in China include the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army.
6. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is still in many ways an Empire; which makes it unique among all the countries of the world. It is a cultural superpower; its language, dress, and way of doing things are the most dominant in the world.
It is therefore not surprising that this is one of the places most sought after by tourists, they too often return home with grand tales about what they saw and experienced in the UK.
Some of the biggest tourist attractions to the UK include; the tower of London, Warwick Castle, Durham Cathedral, and Stonehenge.
7. Russia
Russia has the biggest museum in the world, but that is not even why the country is a famous tourist destination. This is a country with great historical and cultural significance; it is famous for its language and way of life which spread throughout eastern Europe, especially when Russia was an Empire.
Some of the biggest tourist attractions in Russia include; St. Petersburg, St. Basil’s Basilica, Moscow’s Kremlin, and Suzdal.
8. Mexico
Mexico is an exciting place to visit; it is the only warm country in North America; and has much to offer in term of ancient relics, wonders of nature, and biodiversity.
Mexico naturally receives a great deal of international visitors; some of the most popular tourist attractions to the country include; Cancún and the Mayan Riviera, Guadalajara, and Playa del Carmen.
9. Canada
Canada is much less ancient than Mexico, but no less impressive. This is a country in North America; the coldest on the continent. Canada is a huge land area; and the most interesting thing is the people. They are very warm and friendly.
In Canada there are many beautiful sights to see; especially the Niagara Falls, Stanley Park, and Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
10. Germany
Germany is perhaps the most efficient country in the world. It is therefore no surprise that Germany is one country that most people in the world want to visit at least once in their lives.
Some of the top tourist attractions in Germany include; Cologne Cathedral, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Museum Island.
Germany has some of the finest airports and hotels in the world; these also leave a lasting impression on the minds of visitors.
The following is a more extensive list of the 50 most visited countries in the world.
| Position | Country | Location |
| 1 | France | Europe |
| 2 | United States | Americas |
| 3 | Spain | Europe |
| 4 | Italy | Europe |
| 5 | China | Asia |
| 6 | United Kingdom | Europe |
| 7 | Russia | Europe |
| 8 | Mexico | Americas |
| 9 | Canada | Americas |
| 10 | Germany | Europe |
| 11 | Austria | Europe |
| 12 | Poland | Europe |
| 13 | Hungary | Europe |
| 14 | Greece | Europe |
| 15 | Morocco | Africa |
| 16 | South Africa | Africa |
| 17 | Tunisia | Africa |
| 18 | Algeria | Africa |
| 19 | Mozambique | Africa |
| 20 | Zimbabwe | Africa |
| 21 | Kenya | Africa |
| 22 | Uganda | Africa |
| 23 | Saudi Arabia | Asia |
| 24 | United Arab Emirates | Asia |
| 25 | Egypt | Africa |
| 26 | Iran | Asia |
| 27 | Jordan | Asia |
| 28 | Israel | Asia |
| 29 | Brazil | Americas |
| 30 | Argentina | Americas |
| 31 | Colombia | Americas |
| 32 | Chile | Americas |
| 33 | Peru | Americas |
| 34 | Hong Kong | Asia |
| 35 | India | Asia |
| 36 | Thailand | Asia |
| 37 | South Korea | Asia |
| 38 | Japan | Asia |
| 39 | Indonesia | Asia |
| 40 | Turkey | Asia |
| 41 | Macau, Special Administrative Region of China | Asia |
| 42 | Cyprus | Europe |
| 43 | Malaysia | Asia |
| 44 | Dominican Republic | Caribbean |
| 45 | Qatar | Asia |
| 46 | Oman | Asia |
| 47 | Bahrain | Asia |
| 48 | Senegal | Africa |
| 49 | Namibia | Africa |
| 50 | Australia | Oceania |
Related:
- Top 100 Tallest Mountains In The World
- Top 100 Tallest Buildings In The World
- Top 100 Richest Countries In The World
Closing
The list of the 50 most visited countries in the world shows that tourism is the most open sector in the world; no country has a complete hold over international travel. This is because humans are impossible to control; and everybody visits whatever country he finds most appealing.