New York (Agencies): Global tourism has made a stunning recovery, with over 1.4 billion international travelers recorded in 2024, according to the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This figure represents 99% of the travel volume seen in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. The tourism industry generated $1.9 trillion in revenue, with travelers spending over $1,000 per person on average.
Europe was the most-visited continent, hosting 747 million tourists. France led as the top global destination with 100 million visitors, followed by Spain with 98 million. Despite geopolitical challenges like the conflict in Ukraine, tourism numbers across Europe demonstrated resilience.
Top 15 Most-Visited Countries in 2024
- France – 100 million visitors
- Spain – 98 million visitors
- United States – 75 million visitors
- China – 65 million visitors
- Italy – 60 million visitors
- Turkey – 57 million visitors
- Mexico – 55 million visitors
- United Kingdom – 50 million visitors
- Germany – 48 million visitors
- Thailand – 45 million visitors
- Japan – 43 million visitors
- United Arab Emirates – 41 million visitors
- India – 40 million visitors
- South Korea – 38 million visitors
- Greece – 36 million visitors
- Regional Highlights
Asia and the Pacific saw 316 million travelers, reflecting the region’s growing appeal.
Americas recorded 213 million visitors, with Mexico and the U.S. leading the way.
Middle East welcomed 95 million tourists, with Qatar achieving a 137% surge in arrivals due to its world-class infrastructure improvements.
Africa hosted 74 million visitors, showcasing its diverse attractions.
While global tourism is clearly on an upward trajectory, challenges remain. Anti-tourism protests in Spain, crowd management issues in Italy, and sustainability concerns have prompted some countries to implement stricter regulations and innovative measures to manage overtourism.
UNWTO experts have urged a focus on sustainability in 2025, encouraging travelers to explore lesser-known destinations to alleviate pressure on popular hotspots. France, as the most-visited country, has reaffirmed its goal to lead global sustainable tourism efforts, underscoring the need for long-term environmental and cultural preservation.