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France and Spain led global tourism in 2024, with France welcoming 100 million visitors, fueled by Olympic magic and their unmatched international appeal.
France remained the world’s leading tourist destination in 2024, welcoming a record-breaking 100 million visitors, according to its tourism ministry.
This solidified its position ahead of strong contenders like Spain, as global tourism rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
The UN reported that 1.4 billion people traveled internationally in 2024, with both France and Spain posting unprecedented visitor numbers.
The year was especially notable for France as the Olympic Games, held from July to September 2024, attracted millions of tourists. Visitor numbers rose by 2% compared to 2023, adding two million more tourists.
However, while France led in arrivals, Spain surpassed it in revenue, recording 126 billion euros in tourist spending compared to France’s 71 billion euros (USD 74 billion).
France saw a 12% rise in income from international visitors, largely fueled by tourists from Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, the tourism ministry reported.
Overnight stays by American visitors increased by 5%, with the ministry highlighting Americans as a “crucial market” due to their significant spending power.