Most visited countries in the world 2022 - Top 10

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21 had a devastating effect on the travel and tourism industry. According to a report released by the World Travel & Tourism Council, the pandemic cost the industry an estimated US$ 4.5 trillion in 2020, which resulted in the loss of 62 million tourism-dependent jobs.

Data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization backs this up. Consider the following table:

While tourism has picked up slightly in 2021, they still fall far short of the pre-pandemic numbers. Late 2020 projections were hopeful that the industry would be back on track by late 2021, but the ongoing nature of the pandemic has thwarted that optimism.

Most visited countries in the world 2022 – Top 10

As of late 2021, most estimates do not expect the industry to rebound to 2019 (pre-COVID) levels until sometime in 2023 at the earliest.

France (89,400,000)
Spain (83,700,000)
United States (79,300,000)
China (65,700,000)
Italy (64,500,000)
Turkey (51,200,000)
Mexico (45,000,000)
Thailand (39,800,000)
Germany (39,600,000)
United Kingdom (39,400,000)

France (89,400,000)

The most popular tourist destination in the world for more than 30 years, France offers a myriad of attractions: the Eiffel tower, countless world-class restaurants, the Musée du Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, the Notre-Dame cathedral, the beaches of the Côte d’Azur, and of course, Disneyland Paris.

Moreover, the lushly beautiful countryside is full of storybook villages, mountains, vineyards, and the occasional castle. One can even view prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux. Paris, France’s capital, is the most visited city in Europe, receiving 38 million tourists in 2019.

Spain (83,700,000)

Spain is another tourist destination overflowing with interesting attractions. Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia cathedral and other works in Barcelona, the Guggenheim Museum, the Alhambra, and Generalife Gardens, Europe’s largest aquarium (the lily-shaped L’Oceanogràfic), the beaches of Gran Canaria, and La Rambla in Barcelona.

Spain is also home to El Teide, an ancient—but not entirely dormant—volcano, which visitors can hike around at the Parque Nacional del Teide on the Spanish island Tenerife.

United States (79,300,000)

Considering the United States is 3.8 million square miles, nearly as big as all of Europe, it’s easy to see why it’s the third-most-popular travel destination on Earth.

The country’s mix of wildly diverse attractions doesn’t hurt either, including some of the most iconic cities in the world (New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago) and a thriving national-park system.

While most visitors come for the cities, it’s the country’s diverse nature that sets it apart. The U.S. boasts superlatives like the largest cave system in the world, which you’ll find in Kentucky, and the deepest canyon, located in Oregon.

You’ll find everything from snow peaks to dry desserts, gorgeous beaches to ancient mountains, and deceitfully beautiful swamps.

China (65,700,000)

Not only does China receive more visitors than most of the world, but its own inhabitants account for 10 percent of all world travelers. It is expected that 20 percent of the Chinese population — 300 million people — will have passports by 2027. Chinese tourists also spend more than any other country, nearly doubling that of No. 2 — a whopping $277 billion!

Those outside China who make their way to the country discover everything that comes with being the world’s oldest continuous civilization, from villages dating back thousands of years to ancient marvels like the Great Wall. Plus, the nation’s cuisine, as affordable as it is flavorful, can’t be beaten.

Italy (64,500,000)

Tourism is so big in Italy that long lines at places like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Colosseum in Rome are all but guaranteed, even if you’ve booked reservations in advance. Statistics show Italy’s tourism growth is above the European average, with Rome attracting nearly 27 million of its visitors.

Europeans travel to Italy the most: Germans account for 14 percent of visitors, with French and UK visitors making up 3 percent each. Americans are the biggest overseas market, also at 3 percent.

Outside the throngs of Rome, Italy also boasts the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, the artistic pedigree of Florence, the natural wonders of the Amalfi Coast, and the canals of Venice among its embarrassment of riches.

Turkey (51,200,000)

Before the pandemic, Turkey was experiencing surging popularity. In 2018, Istanbul saw a record number of visitors, luring travelers to explore its East-meets-West cultural attractions, colorful bazaars, and imposing mosques.

But it’s the coastal city of Antalya in the south that’s really been surging. More than 12.4 million visited this Mediterranean area last year, and the Culture and Tourism Ministry is estimating that 2019 will break the 50-million-visitors mark.

Mexico (45,000,000)

Mexico broke its tourism record in 2018 and took in more than $20.3 billion doing so. Travelers to the country spent, on average, nearly $500 while visiting, most of whom came from the United States and Canada. UK residents served as Mexico’s most prolific overseas tourists.

Even post-pandemic, Mexico continues to be an accessible and incredible getaway in the Americas. Postcard-perfect beaches remain a major draw here, but the country’s tourism board has also successfully highlighted its ancient history, cultural institutions, diverse cuisine, and natural features beyond the shoreline, including butterfly sanctuaries, canyons, and waterfalls.

Thailand (39,800,000)

Thailand makes up the largest portion of Southeast Asia’s travels. The country welcomed nearly 3 million more tourists in 2018 than in 2017 and witnessed $6 billion in spending.

Renowned for being budget-friendly due to its exchange rate (1 USD = 30 THB), the nation is transforming into a luxury getaway with more resorts and high-end offerings pushing out the backpacking and disreputable businesses of Bangkok.

Germany (39,600,000)

Germany’s visitor count has been steadily climbing for nine consecutive years. In 2017 and 2018, Germany even ranked 1st in the world on the Nation Brands Index for its popularity.

The country is most beloved among other Europeans, particularly the Dutch. Travelers from the United States are the largest market from overseas.

Both Europeans and Americans rave about the country’s thought-provoking historic attractions, spirited cities, vast forests (they cover one-third of the nation!), and — most importantly — excellent beer.

United Kingdom (39,400,000)

Made up of four countries (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) that all speak English, the UK has long been a beloved destination among international travelers.

Though it slipped slightly between 2017 and 2018, moving from No. 7 to No. 10 on the most-visited-countries list, Visit Britain estimates a rebound this year, with tourism growing another 6 percent.

More than half of those who arrive in the UK head to London, famous for its seamless blend of history and modern urbanity (not to mention its exemplary, scot-free museums).

Wales is the least visited of the countries — just 2 percent of travelers make it here.