Tourism by Country (2020)

Global Tourism Rankings

France consistently leads with roughly 90 million international visitors per year — more than its own population. Spain, the United States, Italy, and Turkey round out the top five. Tourism generates over 10% of global GDP when all effects are counted, and for many island nations and developing countries it is the primary economic lifeline.

The COVID-19 pandemic devastated international tourism, with arrivals falling 73% in 2020. Recovery has been uneven: European tourism rebounded fastest, while Asian markets recovered more slowly. Climate change poses a long-term threat — rising sea levels threaten island destinations, extreme heat is making summer Mediterranean travel less attractive, and snow-dependent ski resorts face shorter seasons.