Whether you’re looking to escape the cold weather or simply want to explore a new place, there are many popular destinations for tourists to choose from. According to a report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Spain was the most visited country in the world in 2018, with over 82 million international tourist arrivals. This was followed by France (80 million), the United States (76 million), China (60 million), and Italy (58 million).
These top five countries were responsible for almost half of all international tourist arrivals worldwide last year, a total of 1.4 billion. This is a testament to the growing popularity of travel and the many different reasons why people choose to take a trip.
Whether it’s for the food, the history, the culture, or simply to relax on a beach, there’s a destination out there for everyone. So, if you’re looking to travel in the near future, be sure to check out some of the most popular tourist destinations around the world.
New York City, USA
New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Located in the northeastern United States, New York City is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square. More than 50 million people visit New York City each year, making it one of the most visited cities in the world. New York City is a global center for business, finance, fashion, media, and entertainment, and is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.
London, England
London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The city is home to some of the most famous landmarks, museums, and theaters in the world. London is also a great place to shop, eat, and drink. The city has a large number of restaurants, bars, and cafes. London is a very diverse city, and there is something for everyone to do.
Paris, France
Paris, the capital of France, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The city is renowned for its art, history, fashion, food, and architecture. Visitors to Paris can enjoy the city’s many museums, art galleries, and monuments, or simply stroll along the banks of the Seine. Paris is also a great place to shop, with a wide variety of stores and markets to explore.
Rome, Italy
Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year, millions of people flock to the city to see its many historical landmarks and attractions. Rome is home to some of the most famous buildings in the world, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican. It is also a popular destination for shopping and dining.
Barcelona, Spain
Spain is renowned for its fiestas and festivals, many of which have been declared of International Tourist Interest by the government. Here are some of the craziest festivals not to be missed if you're visiting Barcelona.
First up is La Tomatina, the world's biggest food fight which takes place in the town of Buñol near Valencia. Overripe tomatoes are launched at participants from all directions in this messy but fun event that takes place on the last Wednesday of August.
If you're in Barcelona on the first Sunday of May, you can witness the strange but fascinating human tower building competition known as the Concurs de Castells. Teams of 'castellers' compete to build the tallest and most complex human towers, which can reach up to 10 levels high.
Another unique festival is the 'Running of the Bulls' which takes place in Pamplona during the San Fermin festival in July. The bulls are released into the streets of the city and brave participants attempt to run alongside them to the bullring. It's definitely not for the faint-hearted!
So if you're looking for a bit of excitement on your holiday, be sure to check out some of these crazy festivals in Spain.