© Shutterstock

30. Ukraine -

Surprisingly, despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine comes in at number 30 on the list with 14.2 million arrivals. In the first six months of 2023 alone they collected over US$2 million from tourist taxes. These taxes are paid by hotel guests and contribute to the regional budget.

© Shutterstock

29. Czech Republic -

The Czech Republic has a long tourism history and boasted 14.3 million arrivals. Its capital city, Prague, is one of the most visited cities in the world! Fun fact: the Czech Republic is one of the top countries for dental tourism.

© Shutterstock

28. Singapore -

Singapore comes in 28th place with 15.1 million arrivals. The country is home to a lot of English speakers which makes it much simpler for tourists to communicate with the locals when needed. Whether they're shopping or commuting from one landmark to another, visitors aren't as stressed about language barriers as they enjoy the concentrated blend of modern metropolis and tropical island. 

© Shutterstock

27. Indonesia -

Slightly higher than Singapore, Indonesia received 15.5 million arrivals and is home to the world-renowned beaches of Bali. Other landmarks such as the ancient temples of Borobudur also entice tourists to visit.

© Shutterstock

26. United Arab Emirates -

The bustling economy of the United Arab Emirates is thanks in part to its place as the leading tourist destination in the GCC. Dubai is expected to be one of the most visited cities in the world in 2024. With 16.7 million arrivals, Dubai has lots to offer tourists.

© Shutterstock

25. Hungary -

With 16.9 million arrivals, Hungary is predominately (98%) a tourist destination for Europeans, namely those from Austria, Germany, and Slovakia. Short stays are common in Hungary and tourists often arrive via car.

© Shutterstock

24. Croatia -

As of 2021, the tourism sector in Croatia accounted for nearly 20% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). It received 17.4 million arrivals and is considered a Mediterranean hot spot for tourists.

© Shutterstock

23. South Korea -

South Korea boasts a whopping 17.5 million arrivals and its capital Seoul is a top must-see destination for tourists. Other points of interest in South Korea include the Seorak-san National Park, Busan, and Jeju Island, which has a warm climate. South Korea is also known for having some of the highest international tourist numbers worldwide.

© Shutterstock

22. India -

In India, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya opened in early 2024 and has set India in motion for a huge upswing in visitors interested in religious travel. The expected annual visitation rates for the Ram Mandir are set to surpass the likes of the Taj Mehal and Mecca.

© Getty Images

21. Vietnam -

Vietnam had 18 million arrivals and comes in at our number 21 spot. With its growing popularity, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is working on strategies it can implement to diversify the industry.

© Shutterstock

20. Netherlands -

Crossing the 20 million arrivals line, the Netherlands comes in at 20.1 million arrivals. Tourism in the Netherlands contributes 5.4% of the GDP and 9.6% of the country's employment, which is huge! Back in 2017, it was only bringing in 17 million foreign tourists, so the growth has been major in recent years. 

© Shutterstock

19. Canada -

Hopping up to 22.1 million arrivals, Canada is next on our list. Supposedly home to some of the world's most attractive people, Canada also has prominent spots including, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver, Niagra Falls, Whistler, and many others.

© Shutterstock

18. Poland -

Tied with Canada in terms of arrivals, Poland had 22.1 million. It joined the European Union in 2004 and has since seen an impressive increase in its tourism sector. The most visited city in Poland is Kraków.

© Shutterstock

17. Hong Kong -

Hong Kong had its Lunar New Year in early February received 1.25 million mainland Chinese visitors for the festiviities. In general, Hong Kong brought in 23.8 million arrivals.

© Shutterstock

16. Russia -

Despite severe controversy in the country, Russia had 24.4 million arrivals. It has experienced a decline over the years in visitors but somehow it still manages to come in at number 16 on the list.

© Shutterstock

15. Portugal -

Portugal brings in millions of tourists every year. People love the cities which are both historic and beautiful, and never far from a natural wonder! Popular places in Portugal include Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, the Algarve, and the island of Madeira (amongst others). With 24.6 million arrivals, Portugal is clearly a popular place to visit.

© Shutterstock

14. Malaysia -

Malaysia finds its way onto the list with 26.1 million arrivals. In Malaysia, there have been several initiatives and efforts made by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture to improve its tourism growth. It is also considered a top honeymoon location for 2024.

© Shutterstock

13. Greece -

Breaking the 30 million arrivals ceiling, Greece is our number 13 spot and boasts 31.3 million arrivals. In Greece alone, you'll find 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

© Shutterstock

12. Austria -

Most tourists who visit Austria are drawn to its capital city Vienna. The second most popular destination is the city of Salzburg which receives most of its tourists in the summer months. Austria has 31.9 million arrivals.

© Shutterstock

11. Japan -

With 32.2 million arrivals, Japan is a country where tourism is very important. Here you'll find 21 World Heritage Sites such as the Himeji Castle and monuments like those found in Nara and ancient Kyoto.

© Shutterstock

10. The United Kingdom -

Bringing in 39.4 million arrivals, the United Kingdom ranks 10th on our list. Visitors from the USA tend to be the ones who visit the UK the most and are considered a very lucrative market.

© Shutterstock

9. Germany -

According to surveys, 75% of respondents say that they visit Germany for culture. The country had 39.6 million arrivals. Its capital and largest city is Berlin and it attracts tourists interested in history from all over the world.

© Shutterstock

8. Thailand -

Just missing the 40 million arrivals mark, Thailand comes in with 39.8 million arrivals. Bangkok secured the top position in Mastercard's Global Destination Cities Index which beat the likes of London and even Paris. 

© Shutterstock

7. Mexico -

Mexico's main tourist destinations include Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Mexico City. Mexico shot through the 40 million mark and boats an incredible 45 million arrivals.

© Shutterstock

6. Turkey -

Turkey has rich historical sites and scenic coastal towns along the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. The country received 51.2 million arrivals, making it number 6 on our list.

© Shutterstock

5. Italy -

Italy had 64.5 million arrivals. Tourism in Italy contributes to over 5% of GDP and employs more than 6% of the workforce.

© Shutterstock

4. China -

China's recent visa-free travel policy has improved its tourism numbers significantly. China brought in 65.7 million arrivals and tourists are predominately from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, which are all covered by the waiver.

© Shutterstock

3. The United States of America -

According to sources, tourists spend the most money in the United States compared to any other country. It is speculated that longer stays in the US are to thank. Boasting 79.3 million arrivals, the United States' tourism sector is constantly growing.

© Shutterstock

2. Spain -

Spain is the second most visited country and had 83.7 million arrivals. Despite struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, Spain has received consistent rankings in the biannual Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index by the World Economic Forum in previous years.

© Shutterstock

1. France -

Placing number 1 on our list is France! Here, you'll find 45 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its diverse terrain makes different activities possible. From ski resorts to wine tasting and fine dining to culture, you'll find it all in France.

Sources: (Insider Monkey) (Travel Pulse)

See also: The tourism industry has returned to pre-pandemic highs

© Shutterstock