In 2016, four countries advanced in the Top 10 rankings for international tourism earnings, and three improved in international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors). Thailand notably jumped to 3rd place from 5th in tourism earnings, reaching US$ 50 billion in its second consecutive year of double-digit growth. It also moved up one spot in arrivals to 9th place with 33 million visitors.
When ranking the world’s top international tourist destinations, it’s best to consider more than just one indicator. Using both international tourist arrivals and international tourism revenue, it’s interesting that eight out of the Top 10 destinations appear on both lists. They do show differences in the types of tourists they attract, their average stay duration, and spending per trip and per night. The changes in the ranking for tourism revenue also reflect local currency fluctuations against the US dollar.
The United States stays at the top for international tourism revenue, earning US$ 206 billion in 2016. It ranks second in international tourist arrivals with 76 million visitors. Spain follows as the second-largest earner with US$ 60 billion and is the third-largest destination in arrivals, matching the US with 76 million visitors. China remains in fourth place in both revenue (US$ 44 billion) and arrivals (59 million). France moved up to 5th place in tourism earnings with US$ 42 billion and remains the top destination for international arrivals with 83 million visitors. Italy advanced to 6th in revenue (US$ 40 billion) and stays 5th in arrivals (52 million).
The United Kingdom climbed to 6th in arrivals but dropped four places in revenue to 7th, partly due to the British pound’s depreciation affecting earnings in US dollars. Germany holds 8th in revenue and 7th in arrivals, while Hong Kong (China) ranks 9th in revenue and 13th in arrivals. Australia re-entered the Top 10 for revenue in 10th place and moved from 42nd to 40th in arrivals. Mexico climbed to 8th in arrivals and advanced two places in revenue to 14th. Turkey completes the Top 10 in arrivals, dropping around four places due to security issues and last year’s failed coup, with pending data for 2016. In terms of revenue, Turkey dropped five places to 17th.
Source: UNWTO (World Tourism Organization)