France Leads The Global Tourism Boom with Hundred Million Visitors as 2024 Breaks Records, With Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Croatia, Japan, Thailand, Brazil and more Experiencing Unstoppable Growth

Published on February 18, 2025

France leads the global tourism boom with Hundred million visitors as 2024 shatters records, while Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Croatia, Japan, Thailand, and Brazil see unstoppable growth.

France remains the world’s most visited country, setting a record-breaking milestone with 100 million international visitors in 2024. This historic achievement highlights the country’s everlasting appeal as a premier travel destination.

Several factors contributed to France’s massive tourism influx:

1. The “Olympic Effect” – The anticipation of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics significantly boosted travel, drawing sports fans, media, and tourists.
2. Notre Dame’s Reopening – The long-awaited reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral following its devastating 2019 fire attracted millions of visitors eager to witness the restored monument.
3. Normandy’s 80th Anniversary Celebrations – Commemorations of the D-Day landings brought history enthusiasts and veterans’ families to France in large numbers.

Beyond these events, France’s iconic landmarks, vibrant cities, exquisite cuisine, and rich cultural heritage continue to attract millions of travelers.

Spain’s Rapid Growth Puts It Close to Surpassing France

Spain continues to gain ground as a global tourism leader, breaking its own record with 94 million visitors in 2024. This puts Spain on the path to possibly surpassing France in the coming years as the world’s top tourist destination.

What’s fueling Spain’s success?

• Diverse attractions – From Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia to Madrid’s Prado Museum, Spain offers a mix of historical, artistic, and natural wonders.
• Sun and sand appeal – Coastal regions like Costa del Sol, Canary Islands, and Balearic Islands remain massive tourist draws.
• Gastronomy and culture – Spain’s culinary excellence, featuring tapas, paella, and world-class wines, continues to captivate travelers.

A key metric where Spain already leads is tourist spending:

• Spain: €80 billion in tourism revenue in 2024.
• France: €71 billion in tourism revenue in 2024.

Spain’s strong recovery post-pandemic and massive investments in tourism infrastructure make it a serious contender to overtake France as the top global destination within the decade.

Southern Europe Sees Unprecedented Tourism Growth

Italy: A Historic High with 65.8 Million Tourists

Italy recorded a historic tourism surge, welcoming 65.8 million visitors in 2024. Top destinations included:

• Rome, Florence, and Venice – The Eternal City, Renaissance masterpieces, and the floating city remain evergreen tourist favorites.
• Sicily and Sardinia – Island getaways in Italy are experiencing increasing popularity, with more luxury travelers choosing these destinations.
• The Amalfi Coast – Renowned for its stunning coastline, it remains one of Europe’s most picturesque escapes.

However, overtourism concerns are growing, with residents and local officials debating potential visitor caps to balance economic benefits with sustainable tourism.

Greece and Portugal Set New Visitor Records

• Greece saw 35 million visitors, a 10% increase from 2022, thanks to its historic sites, island paradises, and vibrant nightlife.
• Portugal also set a record with over 30 million international tourists, making it one of Europe’s fastest-growing travel destinations.

Croatia’s Tourism Industry Flourishes

Croatia had an exceptional tourism year, welcoming 21.3 million visitors. The Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik, and Plitvice Lakes remain major attractions for European and international tourists alike.

Africa’s Top Destination: Morocco Breaks Records

For decades, Egypt dominated Africa’s tourism industry, but in 2024, Morocco officially took the lead as the top African travel destination, welcoming over 16 million visitors.

Morocco’s success is driven by:

• Diverse landscapes – From Sahara Desert excursions to coastal getaways in Essaouira.
• Cultural richness – Cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Chefchaouen provide immersive cultural experiences.
• Government investment – Morocco’s Vision 2030 tourism plan aims for 26 million tourists by 2030, with significant infrastructure upgrades.

Mauritius: The Indian Ocean’s Timeless Gem

Mauritius continues to thrive as a top luxury destination, welcoming 1.4 million visitors in 2024—a 7% increase from the previous year. The island’s white-sand beaches, world-class resorts, and eco-tourism initiatives attract a mix of honeymooners, adventure seekers, and relaxation travelers.

Japan’s Unexpected Tourism Boom

While Thailand is still struggling to fully recover post-pandemic, Japan has seen a stunning surge in visitor numbers, welcoming 36.8 million foreign tourists in 2024—nearly 5 million more than in its previous record-breaking year (2019).

Factors behind Japan’s booming tourism:

• The Yen’s Depreciation – The 10% drop in the yen’s value against the euro and dollar made Japan an attractive, cost-effective destination.
• Moderate Inflation – Unlike many countries struggling with high inflation, Japan remains an affordable option for European and American travelers.
• Cultural appeal – From Tokyo’s high-tech metropolis to Kyoto’s historic temples, Japan offers a unique blend of modern and traditional experiences.

Brazil’s Push to Dominate South American Tourism

Brazil is making major investments in its tourism sector through the National Tourism Plan 2024-2027, aiming to:

• Attract 8 million international visitors by 2027.
• Encourage 150 million domestic travelers to explore Brazil.

In 2024, Brazil saw a 12% increase in tourist arrivals, welcoming 6.6 million foreign visitors. The country’s diverse attractions, from the Amazon Rainforest to Rio’s Copacabana Beach, continue to draw global interest.

A Record-Breaking Year for Global Tourism

2024 has been a historic year for tourism, with France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Japan, Morocco, and Brazil all achieving record-breaking numbers. With strong investments in tourism infrastructure, cultural attractions, and sustainable travel initiatives, global tourism is poised for continued growth in the coming years.