What is the most popular tourist destination in the world

Ascending to the top of the list of the most popular tourist destination in the world proves a tough task—the countries sitting atop the United Nations World Tourism Organization's annual World Tourism Barometer and Statistical Annex offers few surprises, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. With a familiar winner at the top of the pack, these nations prove that having great food, culture, and natural beauty keeps visitors coming back, year after year. Here are the top five most popular destinations in the world, how many people visited last year, and a few reasons why each country proves so popular.

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  France: 82.6 million visitors

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  What to see in France

  France, the most popular tourist destination in the world, doesn't really need explication; the country's wonders are many, with sites like the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur in Paris, but beautiful vineyards and beaches outside the capital span from the English Channel to the Mediterranean. (Pictured here? A beach in Barneville-Carteret.) Whether you venture to the Riviera, or stick closer to the capital, the country's famed wine, cuisine, and culture might make you wonder why you'd ever go home.

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  United States: 75.61 million

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  What to see in the U.S.

  New York and Los Angeles get the most attention around the world, but there's plenty more to see. Inland, the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park (pictured) and Yellowstone National Park offer unprecedented immersion in nature, while a drive out to Key West or along the Pacific Coast Highway will remind you that this country is massive, varied, and teeming with more to see and do than you could fit into two lifetimes.

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  Spain: 75.56 million

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  What to see in Spain

  Spain's most beautiful beach isn't on the the shores of Barcelona, a party-centric island like Ibiza, or even the revered Costa del Sol. You'll find it up north on San Sebastián, along with some of the country's finest cuisine. And if you're looking for culture, Madrid's world-class museums, like the Prado and Reina Sofia, and vibrant nightlife will keep you occupied for days on end.

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  What to see in China

  The most populous country in the world is both enormous and full of people—but it's also a cultural haven, marked by the Forbidden City and Great Wall in the capital, Beijing; the bustling East-meets-West of Shanghai; and the over-the-top opulence and coastal beauty of Hong Kong. That doesn't even begin to touch the other developing mega-cities, like Guangzhou, or the history you'll find even in the most remote parts of the nation.

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  What to see in Italy

  The epicenter of the Western World remains as popular and notable as ever, but for a variety of reasons. Forever eternal, Rome offers living history in every nook, trattoria, and ancient ruin, while the chic rival Milan serves as the modern capital of fashion and wealth. That'd be enough for most countries—but the romantic charm of Venice's canals, Florence's David, and the sheer depth of beauty found throughout Tuscany and Liguria keep visitors coming back for more.

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Some countries are re-opening their borders to international tourists, but it's predicted tourist numbers could fall by up to 80% in 2020. Image: REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

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