The World’s Top Tourism Destinations Ranked by Money Spent
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth and cultural exchange, with certain countries standing out as prime destinations for international travelers. This map, crafted by VisualCapitalist and based on data from the World Tourism Organization (WTO), offers a vivid illustration of the world’s top tourism destinations ranked by money spent. By examining this map, we can gain a clearer understanding of the economic impact of international tourism and identify which countries benefit the most from this global industry.
Table of Contents
How the Map Was Created
The map was created using data from the World Tourism Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. Each country is color-coded according to its continent and its size adjusted to reflect the total annual expenditure by international tourists in 2017 (measured in billions of US dollars). The WTO defines tourist expenditure as any amount spent by an international inbound tourist on transportation, goods, and services, excluding domestic tourism. This approach provides an accurate snapshot of which countries rely most heavily on international tourism.
Key Insights from the Map
A limited number of countries have tourism industries large enough to be featured prominently on this map. The United States, for instance, stands out significantly, accounting for 16% of the world’s total tourist expenditures with an impressive $211 billion. When combined, the top ten countries on this list contribute to a staggering 49% of global tourist spending, amounting to $643 billion.
This concentration of tourism spending in a few key destinations reveals a “top-heavy” industry. Western countries, along with East Asian hotspots like Japan, Thailand, and Macao, dominate the list. In contrast, regions such as South America see relatively little in terms of international tourist spending. Notable exceptions in the global south include Australia ($42 billion) and New Zealand ($10 billion), both of which are developed, English-speaking countries.
Top 20 Countries with the Highest International Tourism Receipts in 2017
- United States – $211B
- Spain – $68B
- France – $61B
- Thailand – $57B
- United Kingdom – $51B
- Italy – $44B
- Australia – $42B
- Germany – $40B
- Macao (China) – $36B
- Japan – $34B
- China – $33B
- Hong Kong (China) – $33B
- India – $27B
- Turkey – $22B
- Mexico – $21B
- UAE – $21B
- Canada – $20B
- Austria – $20B
- Singapore – $20B
- Malaysia – $18B
The Uneven Distribution of Tourism Spending
The distribution of tourism spending raises interesting questions about the global travel industry. Despite the widespread availability of international flights, the tourism industry remains bifurcated and unequal. This inequality begs the question: how can lesser-known destinations attract more international visitors and boost their tourism revenue?
Conclusion
The world map of top tourism destinations by money spent offers valuable insights into the global tourism industry. It highlights the economic significance of international tourism and the concentration of tourist spending in specific regions. By understanding these patterns, we can explore strategies to promote lesser-known destinations and create a more equitable distribution of tourism revenue worldwide.
Interested in delving deeper into the tourism industry? Here are some recommended books to explore.
