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Top 10 Most Visited Countries Around the World

Updated On: November 09, 2023 by Yasmin Elwan

With globetrotters and jet-setters taking over our social media platforms with their awe-inspiring vacation pics and reels, one can’t help but wonder which country takes the cake as the most visited tourist destination on the planet.

Where are some breathtaking landscapes that we simply can’t miss? What’s our next destination on the world map to pin down? Discover the top 10 most visited countries around the world that are sure to ignite your wanderlust!

Most Visited Countries

How is the Tourism Industry Doing Since the Pandemic?

It looks like international tourism is getting back on its feet, with a 63% recovery rate despite Covid-19’s best efforts to ruin the party. The years between 2020 and 2022 were extremely volatile for the tourism sector.

Despite all the hurdles, over 960 million intrepid travellers took on the world in 2022. Hats off to these brave souls who refuse to let anything stand in the way of their next adventure. To give you some context, international tourism skyrocketed by a whopping +172% from January to July 2022, compared to the same period of 2021, thanks to a release of pent-up demand and some loosening of travel restrictions.

According to The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), The global tourism industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in the first quarter of 2023, with 235 million travellers exploring international destinations. This represents a rise in travellers taking similar trips more than two times when compared to the same time period in 2022.

The Most Visited Countries Around the World

Attention all touring enthusiasts! Your travel bucket list really has to include the following countries if you are looking for real fun. According to the latest 2022 arrivals of international tourists, these are the top 10 most visited countries:

1. France

France is a true tourist hotspot! In 2022 alone, a whopping 82.6 million visitors flocked to this beautiful country, and it’s estimated that nearly 94 million international travellers will continue to visit each year until 2025. It’s sitting proudly at the top of the charts as the number-one visited country in the world for the second year running.

La France is a land of picturesque hamlets and love-filled cities, where its culture is on full display in both famous landmarks and everyday scenes. Very few people have the nerve to cover everything in gold, yet the country’s grand palaces, mansions, and churches manage to seem luxurious without being showy.

The wonderful food of France contributes greatly to the country’s already stellar status as the most visited in the world. Tourists visit France specifically to sample the country’s food, which is known for its distinctive flavours, preparation methods, and presentation.

France is a traveller’s paradise, offering a diverse range of experiences that satisfy every type of vacationer. From the stunning snow-capped Alps to the sun-kissed French Riviera, this country boasts breathtaking landscapes that will leave you in awe. The French Riviera is a must-visit destination known for its luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, and glamorous lifestyle.

If you would like to join millions of tourists heading to France and have a once-in-a-lifetime journey, Connolly Cove has some good recommendations for you:

2. Spain

Welcome to Spain, a stunning country that ranks as the second most popular travel destination on the planet. This place is where the fire of passion ignites, a land designed for living the high life. Spain hit the jackpot in 2022 with a massive 71.6 million globetrotters flocking to its lands, an 86% increase from 2019.

When you arrive in Spain, make sure to get saucy at the Tomatina Festival! In Buñol, Valencia, they have a unique way of settling their differences—by pelting each other with juicy tomatoes in a wild and chaotic festival. But the fun doesn’t end there! You gotta catch a Flamenco show, which is a quintessential Spanish dance that is renowned for its hot and dynamic performances.

Don’t miss out on Spain’s greatest hits: La Sagrada Familia, Alhambra, and Alcazar, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are more famous than the bullfighting and paella combined.

As you journey from the stunning coastlines to the majestic mountains and venture into the arid inland outposts, you’ll feel the vibrant pulse of Spain’s present-day energy, despite the rich history that lingers in every corner. Spain truly represents the essence of living in the moment.

Even if you have been to “The Bull Skin” before, it would still help you to take a look at Connolly Cove’s travel guide recommendations:

3. United States

With its mix of bustling cities and quaint towns, it’s no wonder that America maintains a high position on the list of the most visited countries in the world. In fact, the National Travel and Tourism Office reports that around 51 million tourists visited the country in 2022 alone.

As more and more people embrace the thrill of exploring multiple cities and hitting the open roads, the endless highways of America are beckoning with their irresistible allure. From the musical vibes of Austin to the free-spirited atmosphere of Portland, the dynamic waves of San Francisco, and the beachy nightlife of Miami, there are plenty of cities in the US that offer unique experiences for every type of traveller.

The United States is like a giant fondue pot, with a delicious blend of cultural flavours from every corner of the globe. From finger-licking burgers to spicy Mexican tacos, your taste buds can travel the world without leaving your seat.

Going to the United States as a tourist requires good planning; let us help you with that! Connolly Cove has many excellent travel guides with the best attractions and activities:

4. Turkey

Turkey, straddling both Europe and Asia, has gained international fame for its fascinating culture, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine. It’s one of the most visited countries worldwide, with about 51 million tourists annually.

Turkey’s rich history is evident in its diverse landscape, from the bustling city of Istanbul to the picturesque Mediterranean coast. In this astonishing country, the sun is hot, the food is hotter, and the people are the hottest. Turkish folks are like peacocks, flaunting their culture and heritage with pride. They love to show it off to anyone who’s willing to take a glance. They are also the ultimate hosts—they’ll make you feel so welcomed and at home that you’ll forget you’re not actually Turkish.

Visiting Turkey is a great opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of the North Anatolian Mountains, bask in the sun on the golden sands of Patara Beach, and lose yourself in the tranquil beauty of Pamukkale’s hot springs. These are just a few of the lyrical rural scapes that await you on your journey.

Turkey is a real treasure for adventure seekers, where you can have a blast with plenty of thrilling activities, like canyoning, kayaking, paragliding, hiking, and many more. These experiences offer a unique adventure that makes Turkey deserve its rank as one of the most popular travel destinations in the globe.

Are you looking for inspiration on what to do in Turkey and where to go? Connolly Cove got you covered! Check out the following posts:

5. Italy

When we talk about Italy, the land of pizza and pasta, we can’t help but think about the artsy vibes it exudes. With its undeniable allure, it’s no wonder that the famous Mediterranean Boot has captured the hearts of countless travellers, earning its spot as the fifth most visited destination on the planet, with almost 50 million tourists in 2022.

From the Byzantine architecture to Padua’s frescoes, and from Michelangelo’s David to the crème de la crème of Da Vinci’s works, Italy has got it all. Mother Nature sure knows how to keep things interesting with her impressive range of geological wonders in Italy. The country is a true masterpiece of nature’s art, showcasing a stunning palette of blues and greens from the depths of the coral reefs to the peaks of the icy Alps.

When Mother Nature is feeling generous, your taste buds are in for a treat. Actually, Italian food is the real deal, with its tasty flavours, farm-fresh ingredients, and no-fuss cooking techniques. Indulge in the mouth-watering goodness of creamy Risotto, buttery pastries, and lasagna that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Top it off with a heavenly scoop of gelato and a glass of bold wine to complete the perfect meal.

If Italy is not on your travel bucket list, we honestly wonder what is! In order to avoid confusion about what you should do when you get there and to convince you to book that trip to the land of Roman mythology, check out our Italy-focused travel guides:

6. Mexico

most visited countries

Mexico: where the food is spicy, the beaches are scenic, and the culture is like nothing else. In reality, Mexico can be considered the life of the party, coming in hot at sixth place for most visited countries with over 38 million tourists in 2022.

Mexico is the ultimate package deal; it’s got the whole enchilada, from lush forests to fiery volcanoes and the vibrant Hispanic culture. These folks know how to party but also know how to ponder. They’re the kind of hosts who feel your pain and make you feel at home.

If you find yourself in Mexico, make sure to hop between museums, take a dive, join the funfair festivities, and sip on some tequila. It’s practically a rite of passage! The adventure never ends in Mexico, with so many incredible attractions to visit, such as the mysterious ruins of Teotihuacan and the charming colonial city of Puebla.

Why settle for just one extreme when you can conquer towering peaks and explore the depths of the sea? Oaxaca’s mountains and the Caribbean’s underwater wonders are waiting for you to take a bite out of life. You can find out more to do in one of Connolly Cove’s best recommendations: Your Complete Mexico City Travel Guide.

7. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is where history, landscapes, and cuisine come together like a perfectly brewed cup of tea. This country is like the popular kid in the tourism world, with over 30.5 million international visitors in 2022.

Great Britain boasts a plethora of tourist hotspots, including the ever-so-popular London, where one can feast their eyes upon the majestic Big Ben and the grandiose Buckingham Palace. London may be the star of the show, but the UK has a whole cast of tourist destinations waiting to steal the spotlight. Edinburgh, for example, features stunning architecture and rich history, while the Lake District offers breathtaking landscapes and endless outdoor adventures.

You don’t have to worry about how to plan a trip to the United Kingdom because Connolly Cove has exactly what you need from fun activities to do alone or with family and friends, sights you should include on your itinerary, mouthwatering dishes you have to try, and even more. Just take a look at these recommendations:

8. Germany

Germany is like a magnet for globetrotters, luring them in with its bustling nightlife, breathtaking hiking trails, and picturesque towns straight out of a postcard. In 2022, more than 28 million tourists arrived in German lands to have an unforgettable experience of extraordinary beer, shooting reels and pictures with pristine landscapes in the background, and visiting some of the most renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Prepare to have your breath taken away by Germany’s stunning sights, including the fabulous Rhine Valley, the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle, and the awe-inspiring Bavarian Alps. And if you are in the mood for festivals, Germany knows how to throw a celebration! From Oktoberfest to Christmas markets, there’s always a reason to raise a glass and have a good time.

Open up your taste buds and let Germany’s regional flavours take you on a wild ride with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and the smoky taste of mouth-watering sausages that await you there.

As usual, Connolly Cove will take you on a virtual tour through Germany before you actually pack your bags. Here, you can find some amazing ideas and inspiration that will definitely help you plan your trip better:

9. Greece

Greece is like a history book that you can actually walk through, with ancient empires leaving their mark on every corner. Its coastline is like a shy beauty, revealing grand cities and quaint villages that have now become UNESCO sites.

Just looking at Greece’s pictures, you can see why 27.8 million people decided to spend their vacation in this heavenly country last year. Greece’s sun, souvlaki, and smiles never fail to make your day. Imagine a country where you can explore over 6,000 islands, each with its own unique splendour.

Greece is like a time machine that takes you on a journey through ancient stories with every twist and turn. So, lose yourself in the allure of Greece’s ancient ruins, from the grand Temple of Zeus to the awe-inspiring Parthenon and the majestic Acropolis in Athens.

If you have already made up your mind about visiting Greece next summer, you can use our trusted resources as a reference for where to stay and what to see in this piece of paradise:

10. Austria

To top it off, Austria is not just a nation with a captivating past and rich culture, but it’s also a hot spot for globetrotters from every part of the globe. In fact, over 26 million visitors flocked to Austria in 2022, making it the 10th most visited country worldwide.

Whether you’re seeking a magical winter wonderland, a culturally enriching experience, or a peaceful retreat, this destination is the ideal choice. The mountains are almost begging you to come and explore their many hiking and skiing trails, each one more breathtaking than the last. Not only is it famous for its spectacular scenery but also for its mouth-watering cuisine and exquisite wine. Don’t leave without indulging in the delicious Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte—they’re the local rockstars!

Also, festival fans are in for a treat since Austria’s festivals are world-renowned, drawing in millions of visitors annually. No trip to Austria is complete without indulging in the festivities of the Genuss Festival or Salzburg Festival. It’s like leaving a cake half-baked, and nobody wants that.

Lastly, if you’re in the mood for romance, take a saunter along the picturesque Danube River. Austria is like a treasure trove of adventure and sightseeing opportunities, so make sure to take a look at our 70 Things to Do in Austria — Places, Attractions, Great Advice Before Travelling.

Tourists flock to the countries on our list to explore their fascinating cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities. From scenic beaches and lush jungles to world-class museums and art galleries, they have something for everyone. If you’re looking to have a blast on your travels, make sure to hit the road to one of these fabulous countries.

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