The world’s most visited country is in Europe with 89.4m tourists every year – not Spain

A European country incredibly close to the UK is the world’s most visited country – and home to perhaps the most romantic city on the planet.

tops the list for receiving the most tourists each year, with 89.4 million tourists visiting in a 12-month period, .

The country is home to 45 UNESCO World Heritage sites and its capital, Paris, is one of the most iconic cities in the world – it’s no surprise people are so keen to visit.

World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts that 2024 will be a record-breaking year for travel and tourism, with an all-time high of £8.8 trillion in economic output from the industry.

For Brits, some of the most commonly visited destinations include Spain, , Italy, Greece and the USA.

France is known for its beautiful countryside, stunning seaside towns and bustling cities.

According to , the country’s capital, Paris, had almost 30 million tourists in 2023 – over one third of the total.

When considering the total number of tourist arrivals to Paris and Île-de-France, the region surrounding the city, this figure rose to approximately 48 million, according to Statista.

France’s rich history, beautiful architecture and incredible natural landscapes make it a . 

From ski resorts to postcard-perfect beaches, France appears to have everything tourists could ever want.

In second place is Spain which had a huge 83.7 million tourists in 2024. This is the third year in a row that the country has retained second place – it is popular for a relaxing break in the sun while also having exciting cities to visit.

The claims third spot with 79.3 million tourists in 2024, the states are home to some of the most iconic travel destinations and famous spots so it’s not surprising to see it gain a place in the top three.

In fourth place is China with 65.7 million visitors and in fifth place is with 64.5 million visitors.