France is the most visited country in the world. Close to 90 million foreign tourists visited France in the year 2019. France received approximately 6 million more tourists than the second most visited country. Here is a top 10 list of the most visited countries in the world. Let’s read.
Top 10 most visited countries in the world
10. the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom as a whole is the tenth most visited destination in the world. London, the capital of England, and Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland are the topmost visited destination in the UK. The majority of tourists in the UK come from either USA or other European Countries.
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| Continent | International tourist arrivals (2019) | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Europe | 39.4 million | 33 |
9. Germany
You always expect Germany to be in the top 10 most visited countries in the world. In 2019, Germany hosted 39.6 million tourists from around the world. To help tourism, there are 51 UNESCO world heritage sites in Germany.
| Continent | International tourist arrivals (2019) | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Europe | 39.6 million | 51 |
8. Thailand
Beating Germany for the eighth spot on this list, Thailand hosted around 200,000 more tourists in the year 2019 than Germany. A major emphasis is laid by the Thai government on promoting tourism as it is a major contributor to Thailand’s economy. Some famous destinations in Thailand are Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
| Continent | International tourist arrivals (2019) | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Asia | 39.8 million | 6 |
7. Mexico
With the help of 35 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Mexico attracts a large number of foreign tourists. Mexico constantly ranks in the top 10 most visited countries. From great beaches to cultural and archaeological sites, Mexico provides tourists with soo many flavors. Almost 45 million people enjoyed Mexico in the year 2019.
| Continent | International tourist arrivals (2019) | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| North America | 45 million | 35 |
6. Turkey
This transcontinental country hosted 51 million tourists in 2019. Turkey is mostly famous for its beaches and historical sites. Some famous destinations are Istanbul, Antalya, Fethiye, etc.
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| Continent | International tourist arrivals (2019) | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Asia and Europe | 51 million | 19 |
5. Italy
The country of Italy has 58 UNESCO world heritage sites which is a large number for a country of its size. Italy is a destination for all types of travelers. Whether you are a fan of art, architecture, or nature, Italy will not disappoint you. Around 65 million people visited Italy in 2019 making it the fifth most visited country in the world.
| Continent | International tourist arrivals (2019) | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Europe | 65 | 58 |
4. China
China is the most visited country in Asia and the fourth most visited country in the world. A total of 66 million tourists visited China in 2019. Some famous tourist destinations in China are the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta army, and the Summer Palace.
| Continent | International tourist arrivals (2019) | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Asia | 66 million | 56 |
3. USA
Along with being the third largest country by area and the world’s largest economy, the USA is the third most visited country in the world. Around 79 million international tourists visited the USA in 2019. The most visited cities in America include New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
| Continent | International tourist arrivals (2019) | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| North America | 79 million | 24 |
2. Spain
Tourism contributes a lot to Spain’s economy. It is the second most visited country in the world with about 84 million international tourist arrivals in the year 2019. Most international tourists in Spain come from UK, Germany, and France. Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville are the most popular cities where tourists travel to in Spain.
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| Continent | International tourist arrivals (2019) | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Europe | 84 million | 49 |
1. France
France has been the most visited country in the world for decades now. Around 90 million tourists visited France in the year 2019. With 49 world heritage sites, there is a lot to see and explore in France. Some top-rated destinations are the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Palace of Versailles.
| Continent | International tourist arrivals (2019) | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
| Europe | 90 million | 49 |
Top 10 most visited countries in the world
| Country/Region | International Tourist Arrivals (million) (2019) | Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites | |
| 1 | France | 90 | 49 |
| 2 | Spain | 84 | 49 |
| 3 | USA | 79 | 24 |
| 4 | China | 66 | 56 |
| 5 | Italy | 65 | 58 |
| 6 | Turkey | 51 | 19 |
| 7 | Mexico | 45 | 35 |
| 8 | Thailand | 39.8 | 6 |
| 9 | Germany | 39.6 | 51 |
| 10 | United Kingdom | 39.4 | 33 |
World tourism took a major hit in the years 2020 and 2021. It may take many years for things to normalize. The article will be updated when world tourism starts operating at its full potential.
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Disclaimer: The stats may change with time.
I wonder how much the number of heritage sites affect foreign tourist arrivals?
Very much