More people are traveling around the world now than ever before. The most recent figures from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reveal that international tourism increased by 6% in 2018, leading to a total of 1.4 billion arrivals, which was originally predicted to happen in 2022.
world. With over 710 million international tourist arrivals, Europe accounts for around half of the global number. The Southern and Mediterranean regions saw the greatest increase in tourism, but Western and Central European countries are still the most visited destinations in both Europe and globally. Unfortunately, there isn't a paragraph to paraphrase in your request. Please provide the details of the paragraph you would like me to paraphrase.
Below is a list of the ten most popular European countries that people visit, along with an explanation of why these destinations are so appealing to tourists.
1. France – 89.4 million visitors
attractions that go beyond the well-known Eiffel Tower, museums, and wine. France has been the top choice for tourists worldwide for over ten years. There are several reasons why this is the case. The country offers a wide range of tourism experiences. There are so many things to see and do in this place that it would take more than a year to fully explore and enjoy all of them.
France is renowned for its abundance of magnificent and vast palaces, castles, and cathedrals scattered throughout the entire nation. Among the most notable are Versailles Palace, Chambord Castle, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Medieval towns, coastal villages such as Pérouges, St-Émilion, St-Jean Pied de Port, snow-capped mountains, stunning beaches and vast open-air markets have enticed tourists to include France among their top destinations to visit. Last year alone, more than 89 million visitors toured the country. It is thought that the number of visitors in 2019 has increased significantly. Since receiving over 60 million visitors in 1995, France has remained the most popular destination worldwide.
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2. Spain – 82.7 million visitors
Spain, situated predominantly on the Iberian Peninsula, is the second most popular tourist destination in Europe. In 2018, approximately 82.7 million visitors travelled to Spain, which was a rise of one million tourists compared to the previous year.
With 47 UNESCO world heritage sites, in addition to numerous beaches on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, and a plethora of festivals that attract people from around the globe, Spain is often likened to tropical islands.
Spain's diverse selection of delectable dishes, including the Tortilla Espanola, Pisto, Paella and other customary meals, have heightened the appeal of a visit to the country.
The soccer clubs from this location are among the most renowned globally. Every year, Copa Del Rey tournament is assumed to bring in numerous tourists.
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3. Italy – 62.1 million visitors
Italy, which boasts famous architectural marvels such as the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is ranked third as one of Europe's most frequently visited nations. In 2016, approximately 52.4 million tourists arrived in Italy followed by 58.3 million in 2017 and a staggering 62.1 million visitors in 2018.
The nation is recognized for its remarkable assortment of castles, palaces, cathedrals, vineyards, and beaches, as well as its significant contributions to the fields of art, architecture, and culture. The Vatican Museums located in the center of Rome are also a popular destination for many travelers. Rome ranks as the third most popular city in Europe following Paris and London. Some of the most popular cities to visit in Italy are Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples.
Despite the worldwide popularity of Italian cuisine, consuming pasta and pizza in Italy remains a essential experience for numerous individuals.
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4. Turkey – 45.7 million visitors
It is likely that Istanbul is every traveller's desire. A place where Western and Eastern cultures converge, Istanbul was founded in 660 BCE and was formerly called Constantinople until it was taken over by the Ottomans.
It is impossible for any visitor to Turkey to miss out on the sights of Istanbul. The city offers an exceptional blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles, delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, pleasant climate, and abundant friendly felines and canines freely roving around the town.
In 2018, Turkey welcomed a total of 45.7 million tourists, compared to 37.6 million in the previous year. Among the popular destinations are historical sites such as the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, the rock valleys of Cappadocia, the white terraces of Pamukkale, and the ruins of the former Armenian civilization. These locations attract travelers who have a particular interest in history. Ani is a city that has a lot of capital and many other resources.
A significant portion of the annual tourists who visit Turkey do so with the intention of enjoying a luxury vacation in one of the many upscale hotels located in most major cities.
5. Germany – 38.8 million visitors
nation. It is evident that Germany has a highly thriving tourism industry, which effectively contributes to the country's economic well-being. A sizeable proportion of the German budget can be attributed to tourism, thereby highlighting its significance as an economic driver. Tourists frequently make stops in Germany during their European sightseeing excursions, making it almost impossible for visitors not to explore its attractions. The number of tourists who visited Germany in 2018 totaled 38.8 million, which increased from 37.5 million recorded in 2017. I'm sorry, there doesn't seem to be any paragraph provided for me to paraphrase. Please provide the paragraph so I can assist you better.
Germany is surrounded by various countries. Denmark is situated to its north, while Poland and the Czech Republic are located to its east. Austria and Switzerland can be found south of Germany, and France is situated in the southwest direction. Additionally, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands are present on Germany's western borders. Visitors traveling to any of these neighboring countries can conveniently reach Germany with transportation options like trains or airplanes.
Germany presents numerous attractions for inquisitive tourists, such as the Cologne Cathedral, Reichstag building, Neuschwanstein Castle, Heidelberg Castle, Aachen Cathedral, and Leipzig Zoological Garden. These landmarks are among the most frequently visited structures in the country.
In case you plan a trip to Germany during the appropriate time, you may have the opportunity to participate in celebrations such as Oktoberfest, the Cologne Carnival, the Berlinale film festival, or Unity Day.
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The top 15 activities and sights to experience in Berlin.
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In the United Kingdom, there were 36.3 million tourists who visited.
The Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the present age comprises four individual nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This nation has held significant prominence in Europe and worldwide historical events.
Structures, like castles, palaces, and churches, that were built at different times in the past are still standing and draw millions of yearly visitors. The top visited places are Stonehenge, Roman Baths and Georgian City of Bath, Canterbury Cathedral, Cotswolds, Warwick Castle and Stirling Castle.
In 2017, the country welcomed 37.7 million visitors, which was an increase of 1.9 million from the previous year but a decrease of 600,000 compared to 2018. The number of tourists is notably high during both public holidays and the summer season.
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7. Austria – 30.8 million visitors
In 2018, Austria welcomed approximately 30.8 million visitors who were interested in experiencing the country's blend of art and nature. Regardless of your preference, Austria has something for everyone.
A few days or even a couple of weeks won't suffice to admire the renowned Austrian buildings such as the Baroque castles and gardens, ruins and monuments from the Middle Ages, and spectacular castles mostly constructed during the Habsburg era.
The winter sports scene in the Austrian Alps is very popular. For those who love skiing or need a break from city life, Innsbruck is a destination that cannot be missed.
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8. Greece – 30.1 million visitors
Greece, the birthplace of western civilization, is a popular destination among tourists with millions of visitors arriving every year. Its popularity as a tourist hotspot dates back to ancient times. In 2017, the country received 27.2 million tourists, which was an increase from the previous year's 24.8 million. The number of visitors further increased to 30.1 million in 2018. There isn't a paragraph provided for me to paraphrase. Please provide me with the original paragraph.
Some of the most renowned attractions for tourists include the Acropolis, Meteora monasteries, Delphi ruins, Temple of Hephaestus and others. The cities of Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Santorini, and Crete are also amongst the most frequented destinations. Additionally, Greece boasts over 200 islands. There are various stunning places available for you to explore, each of which is more attractive than the other.
The cuisine found in Greece is truly one-of-a-kind. It's a blend of traditional Greek dishes that have been influenced by Turkish and Italian cooking styles. The Greeks are well-known for their delicious seafood and cheese dishes.
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9. Russia – 24.5 million visitors
Despite being the largest country on the planet, Russia only ranked ninth in terms of number of visitors to European countries. Nonetheless, 24.5 million people travelled to Russia in 2018.
also worth visiting. Russia offers an abundance of attractions to be explored and admired, including the Saint Basil's Cathedral that appears as though it has come out of a fairy tale storybook. The Hermitage Museum and Kremlin are equally enchanting with their fairytale-like architecture. Additionally, structures like the Bolshoi Theatre, Kazan Cathedral, and Singer House dating back from Imperial Russia are also recommended destinations for visitors. The beauty is remarkable too.
Europeans are particularly renowned for their fascination with Russian ski resorts, which are just one of the many natural wonders found in Russia. Lake Baikal, Kizhi Island, the Valley of Geysers, and Mount Elbrus are other marvels of nature that can be found within this vast country.
In Portugal, there were 22.8 million people who visited the country.
In 2018, Portugal welcomed 22.8 million visitors who were mainly attracted to explore the popular destinations of Lisbon, Porto, Odemira, Faro, and Sintra.
Portugal offers a multitude of activities, ranging from exploring historical castles and palaces to catching waves in the ocean. When visiting Portugal, some must-see attractions include the quaint village of Sortelha, the magnificent Pena Palace, the ancient Castle of the Moors, the charming fishing town of Cascais, and the breathtaking waterfalls found in the Azores.
With a shoreline stretching 1794 km, Portugal only has Spain as its neighboring country. Boasting both bustling and secluded beaches, Portugal is renowned for producing world-class football players whose triumph in the 2016 UEFA European Championship was nothing short of phenomenal.
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- 2021
- 2022
| Rank | Country | International tourist arrivals (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 89.4 million |
| 2 | Spain | 82.7 million |
| 3 | Italy | 58.3 million |
| 4 | Turkey | 45.7 million |
| 5 | Germany | 38.8 million |
| 6 | United Kingdom | 36.3 million |
| 7 | Austria | 30.8 million |
| 8 | Greece | 30.1 million |
| 9 | Russia | 24.5 million |
| 10 | Portugal | 22.8 million |
| Rank | Country | International tourist arrivals (2017) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 86.9 million |
| 2 | Spain | 81.8 million |
| 3 | Italy | 62.1 million |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 37.7 million |
| 5 | Turkey | 37.6 million |
| 6 | Germany | 37.5 million |
| 7 | Austria | 29.5 million |
| 8 | Greece | 27.2 million |
| 9 | Russia | 24.4 million |
| 10 | Portugal | 21.2 million |
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