In 2022, the list of top spenders was headed by the United States. France, Spain and the USA took the top spots for most visited destinations. The top spenders list changed in 2023.
China has recovered its position as a top spender on international tourism in 2023 as Asia and the Pacific consolidate its recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.
Chinese expenditure on travel abroad reached USD 196.5 billion in 2023, ahead of the United States (USD 150 billion), Germany (USD 112 billion), the United Kingdom (USD 110 billion) and France (USD 49 billion).
Making up the top ten spenders for 2023 are Canada, Italy, India, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Korea.
India jumped to 8th place, from 14th in 2019, confirming the growing importance of the country as a source market, while Italy rose from 10th to 7th position.
International Tourism Expenditure (2023)
1. China 196.5 billion
2. United States 150.0b
3. Germany 111.9b
4. United Kingdom 110.3b
5. France 49.0b
6. Canada 38.3b
7. Italy 34.2b
8. India 33.3b
9. Russian Federation 33.0b
10. Korea (ROK) 27.8b
Top Countries in arrivals and receipts
France consolidated its position as the world’s most visited destination in 2023 with 100 million international tourist arrivals.
Spain was second with 85 million, followed by the United States (66 million), Italy (57 million) and Türkiye, which closed the top five with 55 million international tourists.
Completing the top ten most visited destinations in 2023 are Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece and Austria.
Compared to before the pandemic, Italy, Türkiye, Mexico, Germany and Austria all rose one position, while the United Kingdom rose from 10th to 7th and Greece from 13th to 9th.
International Tourist Arrivals (2023)
1. France 100.0 million
2. Spain 85.2m
3. United States 66.5m
4. Italy 57.2m
5. Türkiye 55.2m
6. Mexico 42.2
7. United Kingdom 37.2m
8. Germany 34.8m
9. Greece 32.7m
10. Austria 30.9m
On the side of international tourism receipts, the ranking is led by the United States, earning USD 176 billion in 2023, followed by Spain (USD 92 billion), the United Kingdom (USD 74 billion), France (USD 69 billion) and Italy (USD 56 billion).
Following the above, destinations earning the most from international tourism in 2023 include the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Macao (China), India and Mexico which complete the top 15 list of tourism earners.
International Tourism Receipts (2023)
1. United States 175.9 billion
2. Spain 92.0b
3. United Kingdom 73.9b
4. France 68.6b
5. Italy 55.9b
6. United Arab Emirates 51.9b
7. Türkiye 49.5b
8. Australia 46.6b
9. Canada 39.2b
10. Japan 38.6b
Upward movements in the ranking among the top earners include the UK jumping to the 3rd position from 5th pre-pandemic, the United Arab Emirates from 13th to 6th, Türkiye from 12th to 7th, Canada from 15th to 9th, Saudi Arabia from 27th to 12th, and Mexico from 17th to 15th.
Croatia (from 32nd to 25th), Morocco (from 41st to 31st) and the Dominican Republic (43rd to 34th) also moved up in the Top 50 ranking by receipts in 2023, as did Qatar (from 51st to 37th) and Colombia (50th to 44th).
Looking ahead to a full recovery globally in 2024
Even in 2023, some countries like China and Japan didn’t fully recover and let tourists freely without limitation and Covid tests. These requirements Japan ended the mandatory requirement of COVID-19 tests for travelers arriving in the country from China in March 2023. China ended the COVID-19 test requirement in August 2023.
Such limitations do not clearly show who the real leaders in tourism are. With all restrictions lifted, 2024 data will reveal the true leaders of the international tourism and tourism industry.
As per the latest World Tourism Barometer, in 2023 international tourist arrivals recovered 89% of 2019 levels and 97% in Q1 2024. UN Tourism’s projection for 2024 points to a full recovery of international tourism with arrivals growing 2% above 2019 levels, backed by strong demand, enhanced air connectivity and the continued recovery of China and other major Asian markets.
Total export revenues from international tourism, including both receipts and passenger transport, reached an estimated USD 1.7 trillion in 2023, about 96% of pre-pandemic levels in real terms. Tourism direct GDP recovered pre-pandemic levels in 2023, reaching an estimated USD 3.3 trillion, equivalent to 3% of global GDP.
