Ranked: The World's Most Visited Countries In 2024
F rom the snow-kissed peaks of Japan to the myth-laden palaces of Crete —this guide is your passport to the planet's top travel magnets that stir the senses and spark curiosity—as millions of explorers crisscross continents in search of wonder. Backed by research from leading travel company, Go2Africa, we've highlighted the world's most visited countries in 2024—to inspire your next adventures. Stepping beyond the postcard—you'll journey into a world of incense-filled temples, fairytale villages, and glorious islands—from the charm of Europe to the soul of Asia and the grace of North America .
Paris getty
France is a dreamscape woven in sun-drenched vineyards, golden beaches, snow-kissed alpine peaks, and elegant café-lined boulevards. From the timeless romance of Paris to the lavender fields of Provence , first-time visitors are spellbound by its sublime art, ornamental architecture, and rich history—whether wandering through Versailles' gilded halls or gazing up at the Gothic majesty of Notre-Dame . For gastronomes, France is a soul-stirring pilgrimage. Regional delicacies seduce at every charming corner: think buttery croissants in a tucked-away Parisian patisserie, briny oysters fresh from the Atlantic coast, and melt-in-your-mouth Brie de Meaux aged in stone-walled cellars—where Châteauneuf-du-Pape flows. Along the glittering Côte d'Azur , Mediterranean glamour meets Riviera chic, while Alsace enchants with storybook half-timbered villages—and for adventurers, the Alps promise world-class skiing. Forbes The World's Best River Cruises 2025, According To Experts By Lewis Nunn
View of the city from Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain with moving clouds. getty
From the Moorish palaces of Andalucía to the modernist masterpieces of Barcelona, Spain unfolds like an open-air museum—think sweeping olive groves, rugged mountains, and an endless golden coastline—whether it's the Balearic Islands' crystal-clear coves or the dramatic cliffs of Galicia . In Madrid, you'll wander through grand boulevards and world-class galleries, then settle in for tapas and vermouth at a cozy taberna . Barcelona, however, sparkles with Gaudí's whimsical architecture and the buzz of beachside nightlife. Further south, Granada and Seville seduce with flamenco echoes through lantern-lit courtyards and orange blossoms perfuming the air. Food is practically a religion here—succulent jamón ibérico, sizzling patatas bravas, and ocean-fresh seafood paellas steal the spotlight—paired with bold Rioja wines or crisp albariños. And when it comes to celebration, few places rival Spain: with festivals like La Tomatina and Las Fallas bursting with fiery energy and chaos—a reminder that Spain celebrates life with gusto.
Buildings in Manhattan, New York getty
Spanning coast to coast, the United States dazzles with contrasts—where drive-thru diners and Michelin-star restaurants, rodeos and Broadway shows, all coexist in this 50-state tapestry. In New York City , towering skyscrapers and world-class museums meet iconic neighborhoods—from hipster Brooklyn to historic Harlem. The West Coast , however, charms with California's sun-soaked beaches, the tech buzz of Silicon Valley, and the vintage cinema glamour of Los Angeles. For nature lovers, the U.S. is a playground too —hike through misty forests in the Pacific Northwest, marvel at the Grand Canyon's prehistoric vastness, or chase geysers in Yellowstone. Meanwhile, the South pulses with soul-stirring music—from Nashville's honky-tonks to New Orleans' jazz-filled streets. Forbes The Ultimate Guide To Croatia Island Hopping By Lewis Nunn
Venice Grand Canal getty
From the sun-drenched cliffs of the Amalfi Coast to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and the snow-cloaked Dolomites, Italy is a timeless seduction—where art, history, cuisine, and romance all intertwine. In Rome, ancient ruins meet ornate Baroque fountains as you stroll from the Colosseum to the Vatican. Meanwhile, Venice, with its misty canals and fading palazzi, floats in a dreamlike haze of nostalgia and elegance. Head north to Milan and you'll get addicted to its modernity and haute couture, while Florence stuns with Renaissance grandeur and world-class galleries. Foodies? Sip velvety Barolo in the rolling hills of Piemonte, twirl strands of handmade pasta in Bologna, and sample creamy artisan gelato on a cobbled piazza in Sicily. 5. Turkey Number of Tourists in 2024: 52.6 million
Hot Air Balloons at Love Valley in Cappadocia getty
Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey is a country of compelling contrasts—where grueling mountain hikes through the Kaçkar range meet indulgent hammam rituals steeped in centuries of tradition. In Istanbul , East meets West as you wander through the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia, get lost in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, or watch the sunset over the Bosphorus with a cup of çay in hand. Head deeper into Anatolia and uncover the beauty of Cappadocia —where fairy chimneys and hot air balloons paint a dreamlike skyline. History buffs, however, will marvel at Ephesus , a remarkably preserved Greco-Roman city, and the ancient ruins of Troy. Meanwhile, along the turquoise coast, jewels like Antalya and Bodrum offer dazzling beaches and lively harbors. But it's not just the sights— Turkey is famed for its hospitality. Feast on sizzling kebabs, flaky baklava, and freshly baked simit from street vendors—or sip thick Turkish coffee as locals share stories. Read More: Forbes Is This The World's Most Expensive Cruise? By Lewis Nunn 6. Mexico Number of Tourists in 2024: 45 million
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico getty
From ancient Aztec ruins to the colonial charm of Oaxaca, Mexico grabs you by the senses and doesn't let go. Step into history at Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, or explore the painted facades and cobblestone alleys of San Miguel de Allende. Nature lovers, however, can snorkel in the crystalline waters of Cozumel, hike through the copper-colored canyons of Chihuahua, or witness bioluminescent plankton sparkling along the shores of Holbox Island. Meanwhile, beachgoers and sun-chasers find their paradise in the palm-fringed sands of Tulum and the surf-washed coves of Puerto Escondido. And then there's the food—savor street tacos fresh off the grill and sip smoky mezcal under a velvet starry sky. 7. Hong Kong Number of Tourists in 2024: 44.5 million
Junk boat crossing Hong Kong harbor. getty
Hong Kong —while not an official country (rather, a Special Administrative Region )—deserves a spotlight. Here, skyscrapers rise shoulder to shoulder with ancient temples, and neon-lit streets hum with life around the clock. Ride the iconic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour for panoramic views of its soaring skyline, or ascend to Victoria Peak for glorious sunsets. Shopping here is legendary, too— you can explore luxury malls in Central or haggle for hidden treasures in the markets of Mong Kok. Foodies, meanwhile, are spoiled for choice: sip tea in historic dim sum teahouses, munch on egg waffles from street vendors, or sample Michelin-starred street bites at restaurants like Tim Ho Wan . Be sure to explore Hong Kong's spiritual side too: pay a visit to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island and stroll through the incense-filled halls of Man Mo Temple. Nature lovers, however, can hike the Dragon's Back trail for stunning coastal views or lounge on the beaches of Sai Kung. Whether you're craving high fashion, ancient rituals, buzzing nightlife, or some of the world's best noodles— Hong Kong has it all. Read More: Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In The Lake District By Lewis Nunn 8. United Kingdom Number of Tourists in 2024: 41.2 million
Castle Combe in Wiltshire, England in the Autumn getty
From the royal fanfare of London to the Celtic legends of Scotland and the poetic soul of Welsh valleys, the United Kingdom brims with centuries-old heritage, rolling countryside, and buzzing megacities. Start in London , England's bustling capital, where icons like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the British Museum await—while sipping cocktails in sky-high bars or surfing through Borough Market. Beyond the capital, however, amble through fairytale villages of the Cotswolds or hike the dramatic peaks of Scotland's Highlands . Explore historic gems like York and Edinburgh, where cobbled lanes lead to ancient castles and cozy fireside pubs—meanwhile, literature lovers can trace Shakespeare's footsteps in Stratford-upon-Avon or explore Oxford's colleges where great minds from Tolkien to Hawking once roamed. Wales tempts with rugged coastlines and windswept castles, and Northern Ireland stuns with the surreal basalt columns of Giant's Causeway. And let's not forget English culinary treats—think buttery scones in countryside tearooms or fish and chips by the breezy seaside in Cornwall. 9. Greece Number of Tourists in 2024: 40.7 million
Church in Oia (Santorini, Greece). getty
From the whitewashed villages of Santorini to the ancient ruins of Athens, Greece is a treasure trove for travelers drawn to its rich Mediterranean culture and storied past. Start your journey in its capital, Athens , where the Acropolis towers above the city—and dive into street markets bursting with pungent herbs, handwoven textiles, and beautiful ceramics—before savouring souvlaki in a tucked-away taverna. Island-hopping is essential. The Cyclades are famed for postcard-perfect sunsets—while Crete offers rugged gorges and myth-laden palaces. For a quieter escape, explore the Ionian islands with their emerald waters and Venetian flair. History lovers, however, will be captivated by Delphi's ancient oracle or the monasteries of Meteora—sitting high on otherworldly rock formations. Greece also seduces with its rhythm—long lunches under vine-covered pergolas and traditional music drifting through sunlit village squares. Whether you're hiking the legendary slopes of Mount Olympus or sipping iced coffee by the Aegean, Greece beckons an alphabet of travelers—with warmth, wonder, and timeless beauty. Read More: Forbes The Ultimate Guide To South Africa Cruises By Lewis Nunn 10. Japan Number of Tourists in 2024: 36.9 million
Fujiyoshida, Japan at Chureito Pagoda and Mt. Fuji in the spring with cherry blossoms. getty
From the neon-lit towers of Tokyo to soaking in an onsen beneath snow-dusted peaks, Japan is a nation where centuries-old traditions brush seamlessly against striking, cutting-edge innovation. Start in its capital, Tokyo —where skyscrapers glow above sushi counters and bullet trains whisk you past springtime cherry blossoms. Kyoto , meanwhile, whispers of a quieter Japan—where you can wander through bamboo groves in Arashiyama, sip matcha in a serene teahouse, and catch the flicker of a geisha slipping down lantern-lit alleys. Nature lovers, however, will adore Hokkaido —where rolling lavender fields meet powdery slopes—while Nara offers the perfect opportunity to meet roaming deer under ancient shrines. Whether you're drawn by samurai lore, anime culture, or Zen gardens galore, Japan is a miso soup bowl of discovery. Read More: Forbes The World's Best River Cruises 2025, According To Experts By Lewis Nunn Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In Guernsey By Lewis Nunn Forbes The Ultimate Guide To Croatia Island Hopping By Lewis Nunn Forbes Is This The World's Most Expensive Cruise? By Lewis Nunn Forbes How To Spend The Perfect Weekend In The Lake District By Lewis Nunn Forbes The Ultimate Guide To South Africa Cruises By Lewis Nunn
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CNN
40 minutes ago
- CNN
French resort town cracks down on ‘half-naked' visitors
A French resort town has introduced fines for people found to be walking around topless or in their swimsuits anywhere other than on the beach. Authorities in Les Sables d'Olonne, located in the Vendée region on France's Atlantic coast, have announced fines of up to 150 euros ($175) for those walking around the town 'half-naked,' according to a Facebook post from mayor Yannick Moreau, published Tuesday. Railing against topless men, Moreau criticized the 'indecent behavior.' 'It's a question of respect for locals who don't want people wandering around their town half naked,' he wrote. 'It's also a rule for basic hygiene in our markets, our shops and our streets,' added Moreau, who called on local police to ensure that the rule is enforced. 'If you want to show off your pecs and your best swimming shorts in Les Sables d'Olonne there are 11 kilometers of beach at your disposal,' he said. Moreau's post was accompanied by an image of a poster announcing the fine, alongside the tagline 'In Les Sables d'Olonne, respect doesn't go on holiday.' The move appears to have been well received, with many Facebook users leaving positive comments under the mayor's post. 'Thank you mayor. I find this completely intolerable,' wrote Dominique Camio-Martial. Claire Gourlaouen added: 'My parents are shopkeepers, sometimes they ask people to get dressed.' However, some suggested there are more important things to worry about, such as dealing with crime. Les Sables d'Olonne is the latest in a string of French towns cracking down on what is seen as disrespectful behavior. In Arcachon, another popular holiday spot on the west coast, authorities have also introduced a 150 euro fine for anyone walking around town in a state of undress. In the south of the country, the town of La Grande-Motte has also introduced a 150 euro fine for scanty dress in any part of the town other than the beach or its seafront promenade. And it's not just France that is trying to improve visitors' behavior. In 2023, authorities in the Spanish city of Malaga announced that anyone seen in the street or public spaces without clothes, or wearing only underwear, would face a fine of up to €750 ($874). And in September last year, the city hall posted billboards that aim to educate tourists on appropriate behavior during their visit, including one that reminds them to wear clothes.
Yahoo
an hour ago
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Thousands of passengers are abandoning British Airways. These are the best alternative carriers
A few weeks ago Telegraph Travel asked readers for their verdict on changes to the British Airways loyalty programme, the BA Club, which make it harder and more expensive to earn coveted silver and gold status. Many of you said you felt that the near £7,500 spend required to earn silver status or the near £20,000 spend to make gold was so far out of reach that you would no longer prioritise BA when booking flights. Michael Crooks, 60, a translator from Oxford, told us: 'Travelling with BA used to be a 'must' to earn status but now, like many, I'll be on Skyscanner to do a general search for all airlines.' Mr Crooks certainly isn't alone. Thousands of previously loyal customers will be turning their backs on BA. So how should these refuseniks use their new-found freedom? Which carriers should they choose, for which routes? I've flown on almost all of the airlines that operate to and from the UK over the past 20 years and here are my recommendations. Short-haul to Europe and North Africa Air France and KLM will suit those who will in future choose Virgin Atlantic for long-haul routes, since those three carriers are members of the Skyteam airline alliance. You earn Virgin Atlantic Flying Club air miles and tier points when you fly Air France or KLM. Sir Richard Branson's airline is tempting disgruntled BA Club members to shift to its Flying Club by offering to match their BA status, giving them the chance to advance up the membership tiers more swiftly than at BA, and making more reward seats available on all flights at lower redemption rates. Air France has the advantage that it flies from Terminal Four at Heathrow which is the smallest and easiest terminal to use. Air France also flies from Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Newcastle. To that list, KLM adds London City, Inverness, Belfast, Teesside, Humberside, Leeds, Norwich, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Cardiff. But be aware that flying Air France and KLM to destinations outside France and the Netherlands means changing planes in Paris Charles de Gaulle or Amsterdam Schiphol. If you want to fly direct and/or don't care about earning loyalty points in an airline alliance, it's best to choose whatever airline offers you the best fare on a non-stop service from an airport near you. For those living in London or the south-east, this may well be easyJet at Gatwick. It offers 419 flights a day to and from the Sussex airport during summer to 113 destinations. Pay to choose a premium seat and for speedy boarding, and the service is on par with British Airways economy class. I've found Jet2's service from all major airports across the country to be consistently solid and reliable. Cabin bags are included and families are almost always seated together, without having to pay for seat selection. Long haul to the Americas and the Caribbean When it comes to ditching BA on long-haul flights heading west, there is a clear winner: Virgin Atlantic. If you are on a budget but can't face cattle class, it has created up to 14 rows of Economy Delight at the front of the economy cabin on its new jets. The 28 seats on its A330s have a 34-inch pitch, the most generous legroom of any carrier in economy. All are window and aisle pairs, which makes them great for couples. There are 45 Economy Delight seats on Virgin's Airbus A350s, arranged in sets of three across the cabin. I always choose the window seat in the second row of Economy Delight in the rear cabin because it has no seat in front of it. By contrast, BA just has a single bog standard economy seat on all its long-haul jets with meagre legroom of just 31 inches. Virgin Atlantic Premium (premium economy) is broadly on par with BA's World Traveller Plus. But I find Upper Class (Virgin's business class) better than BA's Club World because Virgin's Clubhouses are more exclusive and luxurious than BA's lounges and have better food and service and the suite and service on board are superior – even without the trademark bar which Virgin announced earlier this month is being phased out. Virgin's code share alliance with America's leading carrier, Delta, ensures easy onward connections to destinations across North America. I should note, however, that BA does offer more direct flights from the UK to US destinations – 25 – and BA is the only carrier to offer first class across the Atlantic. Upper Class is half way between business and first class. American Airlines, which codeshares with BA on US routes, has improved some of its services but, overall, is outgunned by the Virgin/Delta combo. United is upgrading its cabins but does not codeshare with a UK airline which makes it unattractive. If you are on a budget, Norse from Gatwick to New York, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Miami has rock-bottom fares, especially in premium economy. When flying to Latin America, I often find the best route networks and timings are with Iberia, via Madrid. Long-haul to Asia, Australia and Africa Flying long-haul east or south, I recommend Emirates and Qatar in economy class, largely because there are a lot of extra legroom seats on their A380s which you can snag / pay extra for. Qatar also has a small – 48-seat – economy-class section on the upper deck of the A380 with two bathrooms. I've flown it on day flights to and from Doha and it is more akin to a premium economy experience than economy. (Perhaps one reason why Qatar Airways does not offer premium economy). Emirates and Cathay Pacific lead by miles in premium economy largely because the seats are so comfortable and on Cathay the headrests guarantee a little more privacy than rivals. Emirates food and wine is best in class. If you are going to Australia, Qantas is worth considering since it flies nonstop from London to Perth and has a well-designed premium economy cabin. I've done the 17 hours in premium economy and, with the aid of melatonin (and red wine), I managed to get some good kip. Qatar Airways is the clear winner in business class with its vast Q Suite, which is better than first class on some carriers. Cathay, Singapore, and Emirates also offer excellent suites, lounges and service. I flew Cathay Pacific's new Aria business-class suite to Hong Kong last month and it is way ahead of BA's Club Suite both in terms of the suite and the service and lounges. (Side note for BA refuseniks: my tier point reward for my flight from Heathrow to Hong Kong was only one third of what it was under BA's old rules). Iberia via Madrid or Turkish Airlines via Istanbul are also worth a look, especially for cheap business-class fares. Those who fancy a bit of old-school nostalgia should choose Lufthansa and transfer on to an iconic Boeing 747 at its Frankfurt hub. The German flag carrier still operates 27 jumbo jets, many of which fly to Asia. The Abu Dhabi-based Etihad should be your first choice if you only make one trip a year east or south in any class. Its combination of new aircraft, new airport – Abu Dhabi Zayed International is the best-designed, most hi-tech and comfortable hub in the world – plus free hotel during layover so you can visit the Louvre, is unbeatable. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Solve the daily Crossword
CNN
an hour ago
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French resort town cracks down on ‘half-naked' visitors
A French resort town has introduced fines for people found to be walking around topless or in their swimsuits anywhere other than on the beach. Authorities in Les Sables d'Olonne, located in the Vendée region on France's Atlantic coast, have announced fines of up to 150 euros ($175) for those walking around the town 'half-naked,' according to a Facebook post from mayor Yannick Moreau, published Tuesday. Railing against topless men, Moreau criticized the 'indecent behavior.' 'It's a question of respect for locals who don't want people wandering around their town half naked,' he wrote. 'It's also a rule for basic hygiene in our markets, our shops and our streets,' added Moreau, who called on local police to ensure that the rule is enforced. 'If you want to show off your pecs and your best swimming shorts in Les Sables d'Olonne there are 11 kilometers of beach at your disposal,' he said. Moreau's post was accompanied by an image of a poster announcing the fine, alongside the tagline 'In Les Sables d'Olonne, respect doesn't go on holiday.' The move appears to have been well received, with many Facebook users leaving positive comments under the mayor's post. 'Thank you mayor. I find this completely intolerable,' wrote Dominique Camio-Martial. Claire Gourlaouen added: 'My parents are shopkeepers, sometimes they ask people to get dressed.' However, some suggested there are more important things to worry about, such as dealing with crime. Les Sables d'Olonne is the latest in a string of French towns cracking down on what is seen as disrespectful behavior. In Arcachon, another popular holiday spot on the west coast, authorities have also introduced a 150 euro fine for anyone walking around town in a state of undress. In the south of the country, the town of La Grande-Motte has also introduced a 150 euro fine for scanty dress in any part of the town other than the beach or its seafront promenade. And it's not just France that is trying to improve visitors' behavior. In 2023, authorities in the Spanish city of Malaga announced that anyone seen in the street or public spaces without clothes, or wearing only underwear, would face a fine of up to €750 ($874). And in September last year, the city hall posted billboards that aim to educate tourists on appropriate behavior during their visit, including one that reminds them to wear clothes.
