Economic growth, peace and cultural preservation are benefits of international tourism. Those may be among the reasons international travel has grown exponentially since 2010, according to a recent World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) report.
A total of 1.3 billion international tourist arrivals were recoreded in 2017, about 86 million more than a year earlier, according to the report.
The report found that Europe is the region of the world most visited by tourists, while Africa recorded above average tourism growth. North America recorded positive growth in tourist arrivals in 2017, but saw a decline in tourist spending.
Destinations along the Mediterranean recorded the strongest tourism growth, the report noted.
The report indicated that international travel is more accessible due to the recovery of economies and security challenges in the world.
Fifty-seven percent of tourists flew to their destination, and of those travelers, 55 percent used that travel for leisure, recreation and holidays.
These are 10 most visited international destinations, in ascending order, according to the report:
10. Thailand
Thailand increased its international tourism by 8.6 percent, with 35.4 million visitors in 2017.
9. Germany
Germany fell two spots since the 2016 report—a 5.2 percent change. International tourism arrivals totaled 37.5 million in 2017.
8. Turkey
Moving up two spots, Turkey had an increase of 24.1 percent in international arrivals. Total tourism arrivals were 37.6 million in 2017.
7. United Kingdom
The British pound’s depreciation made it more affordable for the 37.7 million tourists whoi visited in 2017.
6. Mexico
The country climbed two spots since 2016, with an increase of 12 percent. In 2017, 39.3 million tourists arrived in Mexico.
5. Italy
The Southern Mediterranean region of Europe had an increase in arrivals overall. Italy recorded an 11.2 percent increase, with 58.3 million arrivals in 2017.
4. China
Holding its rank in fourth, China recorded a 2.5 percent increase in tourism. China welcomed 60.7 million arrivals in 2017.
3. U.S.
Slipping down one spot since 2017, the U.S. reported a 3.8 percent decrease in arrivals. However, the U.S. still had 75.9 million arrivals in 2017.
2. Spain
Spain gained a spot in the rank with an increase of 8.6 percent increase in visitors. The country had 81.8 million arrivals in 2017.
1. France
With Europe as the most visited region in the world, France held on to its top spot in the ranking. France reported a 5.1 percent increase in arrivals with 86.9 million visitors in 2017.
