first international tourist destination before 2020

Chart of the day: These countries normally have the highest international tourist numbers

Some countries are re-opening their borders to international tourists, but it's predicted tourist numbers could fall by up to 80% in 2020. Image:  REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

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Stay up to date:.

• Some countries are considering easing coronavirus lockdowns to reopen their borders.
• International tourist numbers could fall by up to 80% in 2020, the World Tourism Organization says.
• Pre-crisis, France was the world’s most visited country.

With lockdowns beginning to ease, many countries are starting to think about how to restart an engine vital to their economies: tourism.

The European Union is exploring how it can safely open its internal borders to welcome summer visitors. Australians may be allowed to travel to New Zealand from July. And some Caribbean islands, like Saint Lucia, will begin to reopen in June.

Even so, international tourist numbers could fall by up to 80% in 2020, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

But, in a normal year, where are the most visited destinations?

Have you read?

Here’s what travelling could be like after covid-19, these countries are making ‘travel bubbles’ for post-lockdown tourism, drones, disinfectant, distancing – europe’s beaches open up.

France is the world’s number one destination for international tourists, the most recent figures from the UNWTO show. Almost 90 million people visited the country in 2018.

Spain isn’t far behind, with over 82 million visitors. The United States, China and Italy complete the top five.

The first global pandemic in more than 100 years, COVID-19 has spread throughout the world at an unprecedented speed. At the time of writing, 4.5 million cases have been confirmed and more than 300,000 people have died due to the virus.

As countries seek to recover, some of the more long-term economic, business, environmental, societal and technological challenges and opportunities are just beginning to become visible.

To help all stakeholders – communities, governments, businesses and individuals understand the emerging risks and follow-on effects generated by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Marsh and McLennan and Zurich Insurance Group, has launched its COVID-19 Risks Outlook: A Preliminary Mapping and its Implications - a companion for decision-makers, building on the Forum’s annual Global Risks Report.

Companies are invited to join the Forum’s work to help manage the identified emerging risks of COVID-19 across industries to shape a better future. Read the full COVID-19 Risks Outlook: A Preliminary Mapping and its Implications report here , and our impact story with further information.

These countries are also among the hardest-hit by COVID-19 , with the US, Italy, France and Spain (along with the United Kingdom and Brazil) to date recording the world’s highest number of confirmed coronavirus deaths.

Lockdowns caused havoc in these economies – as they have in many others around the globe – and countries reliant on travel and tourism have seen “particularly large” disruptions, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Of the top five most visited nations, Spain in particular will be feeling the heat in this respect – international tourists spend about $81 billion in the country annually. That’s over 16% of its total exports , while the same figure is under 10% for France and Italy.

Those numbers pale in comparison to Saint Lucia, though, where international tourism receipts make up more than 81% of total exports.

Globally, the tourism industry accounts for 10% of GDP and jobs.

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International tourism: the most popular countries

Drastic declines due to COVID-19

The most popular travel countries.

Germany is the world travel champion

Booming tourism and slump in 2020.

A look at the costs

By: Bastian Herre , Veronika Samborska and Max Roser

Tourism has massively increased in recent decades. Aviation has opened up travel from domestic to international. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of international visits had more than doubled since 2000.

Tourism can be important for both the travelers and the people in the countries they visit.

For visitors, traveling can increase their understanding of and appreciation for people in other countries and their cultures.

And in many countries, many people rely on tourism for their income. In some, it is one of the largest industries.

But tourism also has externalities: it contributes to global carbon emissions and can encroach on local environments and cultures.

On this page, you can find data and visualizations on the history and current state of tourism across the world.

Interactive Charts on Tourism

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The Top 20 Destinations For 2020

I f you look hard enough, you can find something enticing about nearly every city on the map. But that’s the great thing about the 20 places on this list—the calendars are so full in these buzzing metropolises over the next 12 months that you won’t have to do much searching at all.

From one of the world’s biggest sporting events to milestone anniversaries to massive new hotel projects, these global destinations can’t wait for January to get here. If you seek travel inspiration to kick off the new decade, Forbes Travel Guide ’s editors curated a wanderlust-inciting list that spans from Monterey to Macau. Read on to see which cities will have their moments in 2020.

The flurry of excitement Sin City ended with in 2019—thanks to Four-Star Wynn Las Vegas ’ reimagined golf course and Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry’s new International Smoke restaurant at MGM Grand—only continues once the calendar turns. From expanded meeting spaces (the Las Vegas Convention Center is adding 1.4 million square feet) to impressive new properties (Virgin Hotel Las Vegas), the city simply can’t stand still.

Plus, the NFL is bringing its draft to Vegas (April 23-25) and relocating the Raiders to the new Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas News Bureau/Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

Ancient history and modern living meet in this bustling beach city along Israel’s Mediterranean coast. While no day in this urban hot spot would be complete without a few hours on the golden sands (check into The Setai, Tel Aviv for a front-row seat to sea), you’ll also want to make time for the newly opened White City Center. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus architecture movement, the museum spotlights the city’s unique look—the UNESCO-designated White City zone is home to more than 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings, the largest such collection in the world.

Macau observes its 20th anniversary as a Special Administrative Region of China on December 20. Since Portugal transferred sovereignty in 1999, Macau has established its identity as a destination with a rich culture , luxurious hotels , world-class restaurants and lavish casinos.

But it’s looking to branch out and lure in more international visitors. Macau is more accessible than ever—unlike most of China, U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to come here, and the new Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge makes it a snap to travel among the cities (though there are restrictions ).

With fresh hotels (including Grand Hyatt Nashville and The Joseph), classic stays (Five-Star The Hermitage Hotel , led by female managing director Dee Patel, will have a year-long celebration honoring the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement), new attractions (like the National Museum of African American Music) and spruced-up old favorites (Nashville Zoo will more than double in size), Music City will hit all the right notes in 2020.

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands

Hurricane Irma devastated the region, but this cluster of Caribbean paradise is experiencing a rebirth. Two of the territories’ top hotels— The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas , which reopened last November after a $100 million renovation, and Rosewood Little Dix Bay, set to debut in January—are eager to show off chic new looks and reconnect visitors with water adventures that never get old, from catamaran cruises to sailing excursions.

British Virgin Islands Tourism

With its sun-drenched beaches and Blue Zone (regions where people tend to live longer than average) designation, the Hawaii of Japan should be high on your travel radar this year.

Leading up to July’s Olympic opening ceremony in Tokyo, the prefecture will play host to a two-day leg of the Games’ torch relay. Follow the flame as it travels from Naha in the north to southern city of Itoman.

Head here for your own wellness journey at classic retreats (including adults-only Hyakuna Garan and sophisticated The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa ) and newly opened hideaways (Halekulani Okinawa, the first overseas outpost from the Hawaii brand) across the island chain.

Sean Pavone Photo

In a city known for over-the-top luxury, there’s always something splashy and new. But when Dubai hosts the 2020 World Expo, it will mark the largest event to be staged in the Middle East and a first for the region. Running October 20 to April 10, the expo, expects to bring in millions of visitors to see the first Emirati opera, more than 200 food and drink spots, eye-catching architecture and art, and much more.

The city is preparing for the big event with a roster of new hotels, like the recently opened Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai , the forthcoming The Royal Atlantis and Dubai’s first St. Regis.

Jandali Photo

The world turns its collective head toward Japan’s capital for the 2020 Summer Olympics from July 24 to August 9. But even after you’ve checked out of The Peninsula Tokyo once the closing ceremony concludes, keep close eyes on the city, for it will continue its winning ways with hotel openings (including the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, EDITION) and debuts of long-awaited attractions (Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World).

William Furniss

There are already a host of reasons to visit Scotland’s capital, from the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle to the famous Festival Fringe. Next year promises to bring even more excitement as the evolving city debuts new attractions like the three-story Johnnie Walker Experience (part museum, event space and whiskey shop) and the massive Edinburgh St. James mixed-use complex.

To accommodate festival-goers and Scotch-seekers, the city also is unveiling new luxury accommodations ( 100 Princes Street ) to add to Edinburgh’s stellar lineup of high-end stays (which include The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel and Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh—The Caledonian ).

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Following a string of wildfires, this resilient Wine Country enclave is open for business. The area’s picturesque vineyards, delightful restaurants and gorgeous galleries offer all the elegance of Napa without the crowds.

While wine tasting is certainly a highlight (don’t miss Copain Wines or The Donum Estate), Sonoma County also offers year-round entertainment: the Sonoma International Film Festival takes place March 25-29, while the Sonoma Speed Festival unfolds May 28-31. There are also charming spots, like chateau-style Hotel Les Mars in Healdsburg, and sumptuous new retreats (including MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa ) to rest your head after the fun.

Mariah Harkey & Sonoma County Tourism

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia recently launched tourist visas for the first time, hoping to draw more than 100 million visitors by 2030. They’ll come for Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s being reimagined into a cultural and entertainment powerhouse with a slew of restaurants, hotels (including an Aman property), museums, a golf course, a Formula E racetrack and a 15,000-seat arena (full disclosure: FTG’s vice chairman is overseeing the project).

The city eagerly anticipates the tourism spike, with established properties like Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre and The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh at the ready.

The Eternal City celebrated the 500th anniversary of Da Vinci’s death in 2019, and 2020 will honor that of Raphael. The Renaissance painter will be featured in a Scuderie del Quirinale exhibit (March 5-June 14, 2020) that will include a 1504-06 self-portrait and Madonna of the Goldfinch . More of his works are on view in the Vatican Museum’s Raphael Rooms.

For artistic accommodations, try Villa Spalletti Trivelli , a regal former home of a count and countess, or Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Resort , a hotel dripping in opulence.

Tomas Sereda

Kohler, Wisconsin

You’ve likely never heard of this small town an hour north of Milwaukee. But you will, once the Ryder Cup tees off here in 2020. The Pete Dye-designed Whistling Straits will become the first public course to host the competition since 1991.

Even if you aren’t a golf fan, this destination warrants a visit—it’s home to The American Club and Kohler Waters Spa , Wisconsin’s only Five-Star hotel and spa, respectively. (Both come from Kohler Co., which ensures their top-of-the-line bathrooms and spa facilities.) For a more secluded getaway, try the hotel’s new standalone cabins, where everything from a gourmet brat fry to spa treatments comes to you.

Monterey, California

If the awe-inspiring scenery in Big Little Lies didn’t prompt you to visit this coastal beauty, then use Monterey’s 250th anniversary as an excuse. Embark on one of the best road trips in the U.S. through the region and make stop-offs for innovative Five-Star cuisine at Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel , historical walking tours, golfing at famed Pebble Beach and relaxing in Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa ’s newly renovated spa—including soaking in the Spa Suite’s side-by-side tubs, which overlook Monterey Bay.

Seemonterey.com

A wave of activity pushes Thailand’s capital to the top of our itinerary. It was named a UNESCO Creative City in October; hot new hotels are popping up (including Capella Bangkok, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River and The Orient Express—the first property from the luxury train brand); favorite stays are getting a refresh (the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok unveiled a made-over River Wing in November, the biggest renovation in its history); and there’s always news on the food scene (Supanniga Eating Room’s recently opened outpost in the hip Charoenkrung area features Bangkok’s first rosé bar).

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

It’s easy to fall for SMA. Spanish colonial buildings awash in hues of terra cotta, salmon and ochre line cobblestone streets; the Mercado de Artesanías keeps the city’s artistic spirit intact; and wandering mariachi bands provide a live soundtrack.

To see more of SMA, visit a bar with a view, like Rosewood San Miguel de Allende ’s Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar, which overlooks the city—or Atrio or Quince, both of which put you up close to the skyline star, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. But the best way to take in the city’s splendor is from Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende ’s new hot-air balloon .

iStock/ BP Perry

No Time To Die , the 25th installment in the James Bond movie franchise, premieres in April. Some of the film’s scenes were shot in Jamaica, an island that Bond creator Ian Fleming called his seasonal home for nearly two decades. Retrace his steps (or those of 007) in Montego Bay by kicking your feet up on Half Moon Jamaica ’s gorgeous grounds or trying something shaken not stirred at Round Hill Hotel and Villas ’ Seaside Terrace.

Another reason to visit: March will see the debut of Eclipse at Half Moon, a hotel-within-a-hotel with 57 accommodations, two restaurants, three bars, a Fern Tree – A Salamander Spa, an infinity-edge pool and a private beachfront with a natural swimming cove.

A trip to this magical chain of Indian Ocean atolls is always a good idea. But in the new year, the Maldives’ sparkling blue waters make an even bigger splash with exciting renovations (COMO Cocoa Island, Maldives), smashing debuts (Capella Maldives) and new wellness offerings from established resorts ( The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort ’s Visiting Practitioners Series) that we can’t wait to experience.

St. Petersburg, Russia

This romantic Russian city is a picturesque introduction to the country with its colorful buildings, regal architecture and myriad museums—and in recent years, its flourishing modern nightlife. Russia’s cultural capital is primed to show its underrated sporty side in 2020 when it plays host to the country’s inaugural Ironman triathlon (taking place July 19) and four matches of soccer’s Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Euro Cup in June. 

Check into Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg so that in between matches the property can arrange VIP access to the State Hermitage Museum or a behind-the-scenes tour of Mikhailovsky Theatre, where you can watch ballet dancers and opera singers prepping for a performance.

Yulenochekk

With its photogenic Winelands, ever-evolving art scene and influx of high-end hotels (including Taj Cape Town , The Silo), the Mother City should be high on your bucket list. The upcoming year will provide a prime opportunity to visit as United Airlines begins non-stop service from Newark to the South African capital, promising to shave up to eight hours off travel time. 

David Wall / DanitaDelimont.com

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UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

2020: a year in review, share this content.

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COVID-19 and Tourism

Tourism in pre-pandemic times.

International Tourists

International tourist arrivals in 2019 (10th consecutive year of sustained growth)

Millions of Jobs

With a high share of women (54% of the workforce) and youth  

Export Revenues

• 3rd largest export category
• 50% of total exports for many small developing countries

Growing Faster than the World Economy

Tourism is a key sector in many advanced and emerging economies

The Impact of COVID-19 on International Tourism

Wuhan lockdown, who declares the outbreak a global health emergency, who declares the outbreak a pandemic, 100% of worldwide destinations have introduced travel restrictions, 27% of all destinations worldwide keep their borders completely closed for international tourism, unprecedented fall of international tourism, international tourism back to levels of 30 years ago.

SELECTED TOURISM INDICATORS 2020

Looking ahead, 2021–2024 scenarios, when do you expect international tourism to return to pre-pandemic 2019 levels in your country.

Most tourism experts do not expect international tourism to return to pre-COVID levels before 2023

What are the main factors weighing on the recovery of international tourism?

Travel restrictions, slow virus containment and the economic environment: main barriers to the recovery of international tourism

Share of destinations with complete closure of borders, by region, 2020 (%)

Progressive decline in number of completely closed destinations

WHAT HAS CHANGED?

Changes in traveller behaviour in times of covid-19, -short-lived trends or here to stay-.

Domestic tourism has shown positive signs in many markets since people tend to travel closer. Travellers go for ' staycations ' or vacations close to home.

Health & Safety measures and cancellation policies are consumers' main concerns.

Nature, Rural Tourism and Road Trips have emerged as popular travel choices due to travel limitations and the quest for open-air experiences.

Last-minute bookings have increased due to volatility of pandemic-related events and the travel restrictions.

Change in demographics : travel recovery has been stronger among younger segments. 'Mature' travellers and retirees will be the most impacted segments.

Sustainability, authenticity and localhood : travellers have been giving more importance to creating a positive impact on local communities, increasing looking for authenticity

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10 Best Destinations for FIRST TIME International Travelers

If you’ve never been abroad and you’re looking for new adventures, it’s a great time to get started. This season coincides with summer in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and spring in the south. Both are colorful and pleasant for sightseeing. The temperatures are comfortable, the prices are relatively low, and the crowds pretty manageable.

Tip! Maximize your trip by making sure you have enough energy! Take Multivitamins and Minerals (Berocca Performance) with you, because that can help you combat fatigue, increase your energy, and keep you mentally sharp.

But where to go first? We asked the members of our Support Group on Facebook to vote for the destinations that they think are the best for first- time international travelers. Here are the 10 that emerged on top – time to take Berocca and scratch something off your bucket list!

Macau is often set aside simply as a side trip from Hong Kong, but it can certainly stand on its own as a destination. After all, it didn’t become the entertainment capital of this part of the world for nothing. It has a frenetic vibe that can light you up even when you’re emotionally drained ! Its map is also dotted with several historic sites. Direct flights to Macau are more affordable than those to many other Asian cities. And once you land, you’ll find that it’s very tourist-friendly, even for first timers.

Entry: Visa-free for Filipinos

Language: Chinese (Cantonese). Many of the locals might not be able to understand English, but most signs and brochures have English translations.

Convenience: Navigation is easy because most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other or along the routes of the free casino buses. Safety: Touristy sites are generally safe.

More info: Macau Travel Guide

9. Siem Reap

The biggest reason to visit Siem Reap can be succinctly put into two words: Angkor Wat. This ancient mammoth is one of the world’s largest religious monuments. And as if sheer size wasn’t enough, it was also meticulously built and intricately designed. This wonder is enough to make Siem Reap a worthy destination. But is it first-timer-friendly? Definitely. Siem Reap is highly dependent on tourism.

Beware, though: The Angkor complex is huge and exploring it can be a challenge. It’s easy to feel tired especially around noon when the atmosphere is scorching. Temple fatigue is a real problem, too, so pace yourself.

Language: Khmer. But more and more locals, especially the younger ones, are learning English.

Convenience: Exploring is easy because most of the attractions, including the Angkor temples, are just a tuktuk ride away. While it can be busy, it is impossible to get lost in its small city center. The best part, everything is cheap here!

Safety: There are a few scams here and there, but they can easily be avoided if you know how to spot them.

More info: Siem Reap Travel Guide

When it comes to beach destinations in Southeast Asia, there aren’t a lot that can rival Bali in terms of popularity. But for travelers coming from other beach-blessed countries like the Philippines or Thailand, is Bali something they dream about? The answer is a resounding, “hell yeah!”

The Bali experience goes beyond beaches. It’s about the attitude and its dual character. It can be relaxing one moment and roaring the next. It can be global at one place and uniquely local at another. You just need to know where and when to go. The island is also very used to tourists, so convenience won’t be a problem.

If you feel the lack of concentration at work, or you feel burnt out, maybe a dose of Bali is all you need!

Language: Bahasa Indonesia. But most can speak English.

Convenience: Lots of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour companies. Going around isn’t difficult. And it is still relatively cheap.

Safety: Bali is generally safe. As in many other key tourist destinations, petty crimes like theft and scams are existent but avoidable.

More info: Bali Travel Guide

Visa requirement aside, the South Korean capital has all the right ingredients for a perfect first- time international trip. It has an efficient transportation system, an eclectic mix of attractions, irresistible cuisine, and a good safety record. No wonder that despite the Korean Embassy being a bit stricter these days, a lot of visitors still insist on traveling to Seoul for their international debut. If you’re a K-pop or K -drama fan, this is definitely something to consider.

Entry: Visa required. This, I think, is a major downside for first-timers. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to visit visa -free countries first to beef up your travel history. Language: Korean. Language barrier is there and can still be a challenge when conversing with locals, but most signs and menus have English translations.

Convenience: Seoul is easy to explore. Most attractions are clustered together and are near a train station. Once you’re used to the railway system, it will be a walk in the park.

Safety: Seoul is generally safe even for first-timers. Scams are not as prevalent as in other Asian capitals. There’s a big chance you’ll complete your trip without running into one, but still make common-sense precautions.

More info: Seoul Travel Guide

6. Kuala Lumpur

One of the most accessible destinations in Asia, Kuala Lumpur is connected to almost every key city in the region. In the Philippines, all major airlines offer direct flights to the Malaysian capital, making this route a very competitive one. (Lower fares!) Aside from the attractions within the city, what makes KL compelling for me is that it is your gateway to other nearby destinations like Cameron Highlands and Malacca. You can even visit some of them on a day tour.

Entry: Visa-free for Filipinos.

Language: Bahasa Malaysia. But English is widely understood and spoken.

Convenience: Kuala Lumpur is a big, rapidly growing city, and attractions can be far apart. But plenty of transportation options are available. Joining groups is also becoming more and more common among backpackers and solo travelers.

Safety: Most tourist spots are safe, but still make precautions. Avoid dodgy areas. Don’t flash your gadgets or leave your valuables unattended. Behave in KL as you would in Manila or Cebu.

More info: Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide

To be completely honest, Tokyo won’t be my first Japanese choice for this list. I’ve been to Tokyo seven times and my sister lives in Tokyo, but we still get lost and confused by it most of the time. In my opinion, Osaka is smaller, cheaper, friendlier and an overall better fit for first timers in Japan. Tokyo is too big, too intricate, and too complicated. But this is a democracy and like the great philosopher RuPaul (haha) says all the time, “As it is written, so shall it be done.” So here is Tokyo at #5.

To be fair, I get how Tokyo can be a great pick for first-timers. When we think of Japan, we quickly focus on Tokyo. It is the quintessential Japanese city. It has an extremely reliable transportation system connecting a wide array of attractions.

Whether you’re an otaku, a foodie, or a history buff, you’ll easily find something to enjoy!

Entry: Visa required for Filipinos. Fortunately, the Japanese Embassy has been more lenient these days. Many applicants are granted a visa even if Japan is their first international destination.

Language: Japanese. Language barrier is real, but the warmth and hospitality of the Japanese make up for it. Some restaurants have English menus, and ticket counters have English translations. But all you need is Google Translate and an internet connection and you’ll be fine.

Convenience: Tokyo is a megalopolis. It is the largest urban hub in the world with its population expected to grow to 37 million by 2020. Add the millions of tourists coming in and it can get pretty crowded. You’ll feel it especially during rush hours and in key attractions. That said, Tokyo spoils you with an extensive and expansive railway system, useful tourist passes, a multitude of dining options, and countless vendos and convenience stores.

Safety: Tokyo, or Japan as a whole are very safe for tourists. They have some of the lowest crime rates in the world. Of course, tourist-targeted crimes exist but they’re few and far between to be a cause of concern.

More info: Tokyo Travel Guide

The backpacking capital of the world! I always say, if backpacking is a college degree, Bangkok would be the 101 course on the syllabus. One of the most visited cities globally, Bangkok sits comfortably at the center of mainland ASEAN.

It’s a highly developed city but still very much in touch with its roots. A visit can mean a unique cultural experience, but in the midst of modern comforts. Whether you’re here for a temple run, a gastronomic adventure, or an eccentric time, Bangkok has something to keep you busy and happy. Oh, did we mention that it is also one of the cheapest capitals in the region?

Language: Thai. Language barrier is a big challenge in Bangkok. The Thai language is confusing and overwhelming to beginners. But if you get lost, you can approach a hotel reception or restaurant and you’ll eventually find someone who can help you.

Convenience: Going around is no-sweat. Traffic is a big concern but you can take the BTS, the MRT, or even the water taxi to reach major attractions. If you’re staying in Silom or Khao San Road areas, you’ll find plenty of pocket-friendly dining and lodging options.

Safety: Bangkok is notorious for tourist scams ranging from tuktuk overcharging to the elaborate gem stone trap, but as long as you know the signs, you can simply walk away. There are also tourist police stations in most frequented areas.

More info: Bangkok Travel Guide

Taipei is another city that is unlikely to overwhelm a first-time visitor. Make no mistake: It’s far from being a sleepy town. But even though it is Taiwan’s capital and largest city, it’s very organized.

Over the years, the city government has been improving the experience for all types of travelers. Most attractions are connected by the train lines, which are not as crowded as in, say, Shanghai or Tokyo. Affordable tours to the countryside are also available.

Entry: Visa-free for Filipinos until July 2019. After that, Travel Authorization Certificate may be required.

Language: Mandarin (Chinese). Language barrier is there, but most signs have English translations. Just download a Translator and Google Map apps and you can explore on your own.

Convenience: Attractions are easy to reach. Accommodations are plenty. And it’s not hard to find good food on a budget.

Safety: Taipei is generally safe. Some petty crimes like pickpocketing happen but they’re not very common.

More info: Taipei Travel Guide

2. Singapore

When it comes to safety, development, and organization, Singapore is Southeast Asia’s poster nation. This city state may be small but is one of the giants as far as tourism is concerned. Most major cities around the world are directly connected to Singapore, making it easily accessible.

Fare from the Philippines is also relatively low. If you’ve never been abroad before, Singapore is a great choice for your first destination because it’s at a crossroads of cultures. It has all the perks of a modern city with strong cultural influences from its neighbors. Almost every corner of the island can be reached by its network of reliable and comfortable transportation options, so no need to worry about stressful journeys or exhaustion.

Language: Although Malay is the national language, Singapore English is widely used. Language barrier is little to none.

Convenience: Everything in Singapore can be easily accessed by train or by bus. If the weather is fine, walking around can be enjoyable and can lead to curious discoveries. And oh, they have the best airport in the world.

Safety: Singapore is the safest city in ASEAN and one of the safest in the world.

More info: Singapore Travel Guide

1. Hong Kong

No surprise here. When we first posted the poll, we knew Hong Kong would emerge on the very top of it. Hong Kong has the right mix of what makes a city attractive for first-time international travelers. For a Filipino tourist, its culture isn’t too similar to bore, but not too different to alienate. It’s a city that looks forward to the future but treasures its past. And it has something for every type of traveler and for all ages: from thrilling theme parks, to world-renowned restaurants, to shopping streets.

Direct flights run aplenty, so it’s easy to find cheap tickets especially when there’s a seat sale. If you ask us for our recommendation for first-time international trip, without any sliver of doubt, Hong Kong would be our choice too.

Language: Cantonese and English. The older generations can be challenging to speak with, but the younger residents can surely understand and talk English. Road signs and menus usually have English translations too.

Convenience: Hong Kong has an extensive and expansive railway network that can take you to almost every tourist attraction in the territory. It’s not difficult to find a good place to eat either, wherever you are in the city. Cheap accommodations from guesthouses to hostels abound especially in the Tsim Sha Tsui and Central districts.

Safety: Generally safe but beware of petty crimes and scams. Don’t leave your valuables unattended.

More info: Hong Kong Travel Guide

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Global tourism industry - statistics & facts

What are the leading global tourism destinations, digitalization of the global tourism industry, how important is sustainable tourism, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP worldwide 2019-2034

Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide 1950-2023

Global leisure travel spend 2019-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Leading global travel markets by travel and tourism contribution to GDP 2019-2022

Travel and tourism employment worldwide 2019-2034

Further recommended statistics

• Basic Statistic Total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP worldwide 2019-2034
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism: share of global GDP 2019-2034
• Basic Statistic Leading global travel markets by travel and tourism contribution to GDP 2019-2022
• Basic Statistic Global leisure travel spend 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Global business travel spending 2001-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide 1950-2023
• Basic Statistic Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide 2005-2023, by region
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism employment worldwide 2019-2034

Total contribution of travel and tourism to gross domestic product (GDP) worldwide in 2019 and 2023, with a forecast for 2024 and 2034 (in trillion U.S. dollars)

Travel and tourism: share of global GDP 2019-2034

Share of travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP worldwide in 2019 and 2023, with a forecast for 2024 and 2034

Total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in leading travel markets worldwide in 2019 and 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Leisure tourism spending worldwide from 2019 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Global business travel spending 2001-2022

Expenditure of business tourists worldwide from 2001 to 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide from 1950 to 2023 (in millions)

Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide 2005-2023, by region

Number of international tourist arrivals worldwide from 2005 to 2023, by region (in millions)

Number of travel and tourism jobs worldwide from 2019 to 2023, with a forecast for 2024 and 2034 (in millions)

• Premium Statistic Global hotel and resort industry market size worldwide 2022-2023
• Premium Statistic Most valuable hotel brands worldwide 2023, by brand value
• Basic Statistic Leading hotel companies worldwide 2023, by number of properties
• Premium Statistic Number of hotels in the construction pipeline worldwide 2024
• Premium Statistic Number of hotel rooms in the construction pipeline worldwide 2024
• Premium Statistic Countries with the most hotel construction projects in the pipeline worldwide 2024

Global hotel and resort industry market size worldwide 2022-2023

Market size of the hotel and resort industry worldwide in 2022 and 2023 (in trillion U.S. dollars)

Most valuable hotel brands worldwide 2023, by brand value

Leading hotel brands based on brand value worldwide in 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Leading hotel companies worldwide 2023, by number of properties

Leading hotel companies worldwide as of June 2023, by number of properties

Number of hotels in the construction pipeline worldwide 2024

Number of hotels in the construction pipeline worldwide as of the first quarter of 2024

Number of hotel rooms in the construction pipeline worldwide 2024

Number of hotel rooms in the construction pipeline worldwide as of the first quarter of 2024

Countries with the most hotel construction projects in the pipeline worldwide 2024

Countries with the highest number of hotel construction projects in the pipeline worldwide as of the first quarter of 2024

• Premium Statistic Airports with the most international air passenger traffic worldwide 2023
• Premium Statistic Market value of selected airlines worldwide 2024
• Premium Statistic Global passenger rail users forecast 2017-2028
• Premium Statistic Daily ridership of bus rapid transit systems worldwide by region 2023
• Premium Statistic Number of users of car rentals worldwide 2020-2029
• Premium Statistic Number of users in selected countries in the Car Rentals market in 2023
• Premium Statistic Carbon footprint of international tourism transport worldwide 2005-2030, by type

Airports with the most international air passenger traffic worldwide 2023

Leading airports for international air passenger traffic in 2023 (in million international passengers)

Market value of selected airlines worldwide 2024

Market value of selected airlines worldwide as of May 2024 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Global passenger rail users forecast 2017-2028

Worldwide number of passenger rail users from 2017 to 2023, with a forecast through 2028 (in billion users)

Daily ridership of bus rapid transit systems worldwide by region 2023

Number of daily passengers using bus rapid transit (BRT) systems as of April 2023, by region

Number of users of car rentals worldwide 2020-2029

Number of users of car rentals worldwide from 2020 to 2029 (in millions)

Number of users in selected countries in the Car Rentals market in 2023

Number of users in selected countries in the Car Rentals market in 2023 (in million)

Carbon footprint of international tourism transport worldwide 2005-2030, by type

Transport-related emissions from international tourist arrivals worldwide in 2005 and 2016, with a forecast for 2030, by mode of transport (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide)

Attractions

• Premium Statistic Leading museums by highest attendance worldwide 2019-2022
• Basic Statistic Most visited amusement and theme parks worldwide 2019-2022
• Basic Statistic Monuments on the UNESCO world heritage list 2023, by type
• Basic Statistic Selected countries with the most Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide 2023

Leading museums by highest attendance worldwide 2019-2022

Most visited museums worldwide from 2019 to 2022 (in millions)

Most visited amusement and theme parks worldwide 2019-2022

Leading amusement and theme parks worldwide from 2019 to 2022, by attendance (in millions)

Monuments on the UNESCO world heritage list 2023, by type

Number of monuments on the UNESCO world heritage list as of September 2023, by type

Selected countries with the most Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide 2023

Number of Michelin-starred restaurants in selected countries and territories worldwide as of July 2023

Online travel market

• Premium Statistic Online travel market size worldwide 2017-2028
• Premium Statistic Estimated desktop vs. mobile revenue of leading OTAs worldwide 2023
• Premium Statistic Number of aggregated downloads of leading online travel agency apps worldwide 2023
• Basic Statistic Market cap of leading online travel companies worldwide 2023
• Premium Statistic Estimated EV/Revenue ratio in the online travel market 2024, by segment
• Premium Statistic Estimated EV/EBITDA ratio in the online travel market 2024, by segment

Online travel market size worldwide 2017-2028

Online travel market size worldwide from 2017 to 2023, with a forecast until 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Estimated desktop vs. mobile revenue of leading OTAs worldwide 2023

Estimated desktop vs. mobile revenue of leading online travel agencies (OTAs) worldwide in 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Number of aggregated downloads of leading online travel agency apps worldwide 2023

Number of aggregated downloads of selected leading online travel agency apps worldwide in 2023 (in millions)

Market cap of leading online travel companies worldwide 2023

Market cap of leading online travel companies worldwide as of September 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

Estimated EV/Revenue ratio in the online travel market 2024, by segment

Estimated enterprise value to revenue (EV/Revenue) ratio in the online travel market worldwide as of April 2024, by segment

Estimated EV/EBITDA ratio in the online travel market 2024, by segment

Estimated enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio in the online travel market worldwide as of April 2024, by segment

Selected trends

• Premium Statistic Global travelers who believe in the importance of green travel 2023
• Premium Statistic Sustainable initiatives travelers would adopt worldwide 2022, by region
• Premium Statistic Airbnb revenue worldwide 2017-2023
• Premium Statistic Airbnb nights and experiences booked worldwide 2017-2023
• Premium Statistic Technologies global hotels plan to implement in the next three years 2022
• Premium Statistic Hotel technologies global consumers think would improve their future stay 2022

Global travelers who believe in the importance of green travel 2023

Share of travelers that believe sustainable travel is important worldwide in 2023

Sustainable initiatives travelers would adopt worldwide 2022, by region

Main sustainable initiatives travelers are willing to adopt worldwide in 2022, by region

Airbnb revenue worldwide 2017-2023

Revenue of Airbnb worldwide from 2017 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Airbnb nights and experiences booked worldwide 2017-2023

Nights and experiences booked with Airbnb from 2017 to 2023 (in millions)

Technologies global hotels plan to implement in the next three years 2022

Technologies hotels are most likely to implement in the next three years worldwide as of 2022

Hotel technologies global consumers think would improve their future stay 2022

Must-have hotel technologies to create a more amazing stay in the future among travelers worldwide as of 2022

• Premium Statistic Travel and tourism revenue worldwide 2020-2029, by segment
• Premium Statistic Distribution of sales channels in the travel and tourism market worldwide 2019-2029
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourism visitor growth worldwide 2020-2025, by region
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourism visitor growth worldwide 2020-2025, by region

Travel and tourism revenue worldwide 2020-2029, by segment

Revenue of the travel and tourism market worldwide from 2020 to 2029, by segment (in billion U.S. dollars)

Distribution of sales channels in the travel and tourism market worldwide 2019-2029

Revenue share of sales channels of the travel and tourism market worldwide from 2019 to 2029

Inbound tourism visitor growth worldwide 2020-2025, by region

Inbound tourism visitor growth worldwide from 2020 to 2022, with a forecast until 2025, by region

Outbound tourism visitor growth worldwide 2020-2025, by region

Outbound tourism visitor growth worldwide from 2020 to 2022, with a forecast until 2025, by region

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