Ranking of the 10 most visited countries in the world

In an increasingly globalized world, tourism grows year after year worldwide. The 2018 report of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) demonstrates this with the data for 2016: 1.3 billion travelers, having grown by 7% compared to the previous year.

In this context, the countries traditionally more established in the tourism industry are still up there and growing in numbers. France remains at the top of the ranking of the 10 most visited countries in the world.

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10 countries that are ranked in the highest number of visits received thanks to tourism

The data confirm the magnificent news for the tourism sector in these countries. In addition, we will see that two of the countries are Spanish-speaking, continuing with its good trend marked over the years.

Something that is significant to note is that the classification of visits does not correspond to the classification of total income thanks to tourism. For example, the United States is not the first of the 10 most visited countries in the world, but it is the one that enters the most.

1. France

The first country in the world in number of visits. He received 86.9 million visitors in 2017, a figure that represents an increase of 5.2% compared to the previous year. France is truly a country that has it all: its great history, its great culture, an excellent geographical location, a influential language, a territory of the most beautiful and varied, a magnificent gastronomy,... It does not lack anything to be in the most high.

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2. Spain

Nothing less than second place for Spain. It's not bad at all! With 81.8 million views registered in 2017 and a growth of 8.6%, Spain is a highly appreciated tourist destination worldwide. The sun, the siesta and the party are some of its greatest arguments, but it is also excellently endowed in all the other sections. Especially the Spanish coast is crowded in summer.

3. USA

The third place is for the North American country. With 75.8 million visitors get on the podium. Although it loses 3.8% of the visits, this is the first country in the world in income from tourism. This leads us to reflect on the so-called "quality tourism", which is none other than the one that leaves the most money. If more is earned for each person who comes, perhaps it is not necessary to receive so many people and degrade the territory so much.

4. China

The Asian giant manages to take fourth place in the world. He received 60.7 million views in 2017 and had a growth of 2.6%. It is clear that China wants to lead the economy, technology and everything that is put ahead. And the truth is that it has arguments, because from Tibet to Manchuria or Hong Kong, the truth is that China is a country with many arguments.

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5. Italy

The beautiful Italy. The transalpine country is in fifth position with 58.3 million views in 2017 and with a very high growth of 11.2%. Despite the fact that the Italian language is not spoken in too many areas outside of Italy, it is the fourth most studied language in the world. Half the world is fascinated by what emanates from this European country: the language, the culture, the character, the gastronomy, the traditions, the beaches, the music, ...

6. Mexico

The second Spanish-speaking country on the list is Mexico. He received 39.3 million visitors in 2017 and its growth was 12%, also very high and rising two positions compared to the previous year. The Aztec country has a huge cultural legacy due to the clash of great civilizations in the past. In addition, it is a beautiful and very diverse country where you can find natural and architectural wonders.

7. UK

In seventh position is the United Kingdom. In 2017 he received 37.8 million visitors and grows by 5.1% Being the cradle of the English and the British Empire, the admiration that the United Kingdom receives is is increased by the fact that it is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland of the North. Other attractions are London and the Premier League, the most famous professional league.

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8. Turkey

Turkey ranks eighth. Their 37.6 million visitors in 2017 and a growth of 24.1% claim the place of this fascinating Mediterranean country. Land of encounters and disagreements between different empires, Turkey is a country with a great cultural and landscape richness. In addition, its latitudes make it a very attractive country for the inhabitants of more northern countries.

9. Germany

Germany is in a not inconsiderable ninth position worldwide. The first European economy received 37.5 million visitors in 2017. Although it does not have a great climate to offer, Germany is up with 5.2% of visits. Its cultural and historical background, and its modernity and high quality of its services make it a destination very appetizing for many, although others prefer to get lost in more isolated areas such as the jungle Black

10. Thailand

Thailand closes the list with the tenth position. This country has tourism as its main source of income, and the 35.4 million people that he received in 2017 is an impressive figure. Its growth does not stop and is 8.6%, being the second Asian country in the world in number of visits. Among its attractions are mainly its natural landscapes, the economic price for Westerners and some very unique customs.

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Bibliographic references

• Theobald, W.F. (1998). Global Tourism (2nd ed.). Oxford: Butterworth – Heinemann.

• Singh, L.K. (2008). Issues in Tourism Industry. Fundamental of Tourism and Travel. Delhi: Isha Books.

• World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) (2018). UNWTO Annual Report 2017. p. 1-106.