1. France
International tourist arrivals in ’07: 81.9 million
France remains the top tourist destination in the world. And not without any reason.
It has, in fact, everything that you could ever want to see on your holidays: a great city like Paris, good beaches, more monuments and lovely nature, among others. France is also a very pleasant place to stay.
It has good food, great wines and people enjoy their lives.
And the best thing about it is that, barring Paris, living in France is not that expensive.
2. Spain
International tourist arrivals in ’07: 59.2 million
It’s a spectacular and diverse country. The uniqueness of Spain lies in the separate kingdoms which made up the original Spanish nation.
These regions remain diverse in their language, culture, cuisine and art.
Still Spanish people are very open-hearted and communicative. Spain is also famous for its wines.
3. United States
International tourist arrivals in ’07: 56 million
Situated almost entirely in the western hemisphere, the US is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse and multiculture nations, the product of large-scale immigration from many countries.
It is also home to several of the world’s most exciting cities, some truly mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology, more history than the country gives itself credit for and, arguably, some of the most approachable natives in the world.
4. China
With 54.7 million tourist arrivals in 2007
International tourist arrivals in ’07: 54.7 million
China is currently the fourth most popular tourist destination in the world, although using the 2008 Olympics as its launch pad, China is expected to replace France as the world’s top tourism destination by 2014.
China is situated in eastern Asia on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean, with an area of 9.6 million square kilometers.
Its continental coastline extends for about 18,000 kilometers, and its vast sea surface is studded with more than 5,000 islands, of which Taiwan andHainan are the largest.
China has one of the world’s oldest people and continuous civilizations, consisting of states and cultures dating back more than six millennia.
5. Italy
International tourist arrivals in ’07: 43.7 million
Italy is a beautiful country. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia and sunshine, roman ruins and renaissance palaces, Italy has a lot to give its tourists.
It is also a country full of interesting things for the casual tourist and the educated tourist.
Venice and Verona are the most famous tourist attractions in the north-east.
6. United Kingdom
International tourist arrivals in ’07: 30.7 million
The United Kingdom constitutes of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The country is one of the 15 member states of the European Union and is the leading industrial and exporting country.
The north and the west are made up of high hills and mountains, while the south and east has a lowland zone with milder climate and better soils for farming. Britain’s moist climate with persistent rainfall has given rise to many rivers and lakes.
7. Germany
International tourist arrivals in ’07: 24.4 million
Germany’s cities have endless pleasant surprises in store for those who enjoy good food and drink.
In addition to top-quality international cooking, each region has its own local specialities, ranging from hearty country fare at simple inns to modern light cuisine at star-rated restaurants.
Germany has not one but many major cities. And each city has its own unique character, formed by its history and the surrounding region. Today, Germany is also an industrial powerhouse.
8. Ukraine
International tourist arrivals in ’07: 23.1 million
Ukraine is situated in the south-eastern part of Central Europe and has its own territory, government, national emblem, flag and anthem.
It borders on Russia, Byelorussia,Moldova, Slovakia, Roumania,Hungary and Poland on land and Russia,Georgia, Bulgaria, Roumania and Turkey on sea.
The country is rich in natural resources and its territory is mostly a level, treeless plain.
9. Europe and Asia
International tourist arrivals in ’07: 22.2 million
It is the country that unites Europe and Asia, with her glorious past that lasted for centuries.
It is a country where European aspirations sit comfortably alongside Asian traditions and the volatile atmosphere of the Middle East morphs seamlessly into the relaxed outlook of the Mediterranean world.
The land of many cultures, decorated with the most impressive historical ruins and monuments of these glorious ages and epochs, has been the cradle of many outstanding civilisations.
10. Mexico
International tourist arrivals in ’07: 21.4 million
Mexico is about one-fifth the size of the United States. It is the second largest economy in Latin America.
It is a country in an intermediate advanced stage of development with a positive economic performance.
Mexico is a diverse country and a millennial culture with the Olmecan tribe being the first civilization that appeared around 1500 years BC.
It is rich in traditions, history, art and religion, offering a complete tourist infrastructure.
