Tourism is one of the most dynamic and influential sectors of the global economy, generating substantial income for many countries. In 2024, the international tourism landscape continued to rebound post-pandemic, with foreign visitor spending reaching impressive levels across the globe. Based on data from the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), here are the top 20 countries by annual income from foreign visitors.
🌍 Top 20 Countries by Tourism Revenue (2024)
| Country | Flag | Tourism Income (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 🇺🇸 | $215,000,000,000 |
| Spain | 🇪🇸 | $106,500,000,000 |
| United Kingdom | 🇬🇧 | $84,500,000,000 |
| France | 🇫🇷 | $77,100,000,000 |
| Italy | 🇮🇹 | $58,700,000,000 |
| Türkiye | 🇹🇷 | $56,300,000,000 |
| U. Arab Emirates | 🇦🇪 | $54,495,000,000 |
| Japan | 🇯🇵 | $53,300,000,000 |
| Australia | 🇦🇺 | $51,800,000,000 |
| Canada | 🇨🇦 | $49,400,000,000 |
| Thailand | 🇹🇭 | $42,700,000,000 |
| Saudi Arabia | 🇸🇦 | $41,000,000,000 |
| Germany | 🇩🇪 | $40,100,000,000 |
| China | 🇨🇳 | $39,700,000,000 |
| India | 🇮🇳 | $33,810,000,000 |
| Mexico | 🇲🇽 | $33,000,000,000 |
| Macao | 🇲🇴 | $31,700,000,000 |
| Portugal | 🇵🇹 | $29,900,000,000 |
| Austria | 🇦🇹 | $26,250,000,000 |
| Greece | 🇬🇷 | $23,5 |
United States Leads by a Wide Margin
The United States stands far ahead of the competition, earning $215 billion from foreign visitors in 2024. Its appeal lies in diverse landscapes, world-class cities like New York and Los Angeles, and iconic attractions such as the Grand Canyon and Disney World. The strong dollar and high cost of travel services in the U.S. also contribute to these elevated income figures.
Europe Dominates the Top Ten
Europe continues to be a powerhouse in global tourism. Spain ranks second with $106.5 billion, owing to its sunny Mediterranean coast, cultural festivals, and historic cities. The United Kingdom takes third place with $84.5 billion, driven by London’s global appeal, royal history, and robust infrastructure.
France, often the most visited country in the world, comes in fourth with $77.1 billion in income, thanks to attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the French Riviera. Italy follows closely with $58.7 billion, offering tourists everything from Roman ruins to Tuscan vineyards.
Growing Middle Eastern and Asian Tourism Hubs
Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also make strong showings at sixth and seventh place, earning $56.3 billion and $54.5 billion respectively. Istanbul’s rich heritage and Dubai’s luxury experiences attract millions each year.
Japan comes in eighth with $53.3 billion, supported by a unique mix of traditional culture and modern innovation. Australia and Canada complete the top ten with $51.8 billion and $49.4 billion, respectively, offering natural wonders and multicultural urban centers.
Notable Emerging Tourism Economies
Thailand, with its tropical beaches and temples, brought in $42.7 billion, while Saudi Arabia earned $41 billion—a notable increase likely due to its recent push to diversify the economy and promote non-religious tourism. Germany and China earned around $40 billion each.
India’s growing tourism industry earned $33.8 billion, supported by its diverse culture and historical landmarks. Mexico and Macao followed with $33 billion and $31.7 billion respectively, the latter thriving as a global gaming hub.
Smaller Countries with Big Impact
Though smaller in size, Portugal, Austria, and Greece earned between $23.5 billion and $29.9 billion, showing that cultural depth and scenic beauty continue to be major draws for international travelers.
In conclusion, the tourism sector in 2024 showed strong signs of recovery and growth, with both traditional and emerging destinations seeing significant income from international visitors. With increasing global connectivity and continued investment in infrastructure and attractions, the competition for tourism dollars is likely to grow even fiercer in the coming years.
Source: UNWTO, 2024 Data Visualization by VG