Countries that Take in the Most Money from Tourism

The top ten countries where tourists spent the most money in 2009. By far most of the countries on the top tourism list are located in Europe though the number one country is not located there. 

Tourism is big business for all of these countries as well over $400 billion dollars was spent by international tourists in these ten countries in 2009. Here are the top ten countries where tourists spent the most money in 2009 as well the top tourist destinations for each country. 

Countries that Take in the Most Money from Tourism

1) United States - $94.2 billion

International tourists spent the most money visiting the United States in 2009 with receipts totaling $94.2 billion dollars. Tourists come to the United States to see the great natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks as well as the great tourist cities like New York, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Chicago and San Francisco. 

The most visited tourist attraction in the United States is Times Square in New York which is visited by some 35 million tourists per year.

2) Spain - $53.2 billion

Spain is second on the list of countries where international tourists spent the most money but at $53.2 billion Spain is a distant second to the United States. International tourists come to Spain for the beautiful summer resorts, hotels and beaches along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea as well as to visit religious sites and to see the Pyrenees Mountains and open plains.

3) France - $48.7 billion

International tourists spent the 3rd most amount of money in France in 2009 with $48.7 billion dollars. France has a great mix of great natural wonders like the Alps and Pyrenees Mountains as well as great cultural tourist sites like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles and the great city of Paris itself which is the most visited city in the world. 

The French Riviera is another great tourist site in France but the most visited tourist site in the country and in Europe is Disneyland Paris with 15.4 million visitors in 2009.

4) Italy - $40.2 billion

With $40.2 billion in international tourist receipts Italy ranks 4th on the list. Visitors go to Italy for its great art, culture, cuisine, beautiful coastlines and mountains but especially to see the ancient monuments from the great Roman Empire like the Colosseum. Led by Rome and Vatican City Italy is full of great cities to visit.

5) China - $39.7 billion

International tourists spent $39.7 billion dollars while visiting China in 2009. Great tourist attractions in China include the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, the Three Gorges, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City and Hong Kong.

6) Germany - $34.7 billion

Tourists spent $34.7 billion dollars in Germany in 2009. Popular tourist attraction in Germany include the Black Forest, the Rhine River, Bavaria, castles, Cologne Cathedral, the Reichstag, Europa-Park and of course Oktoberfest.

7) United Kingdom - $30.7 billion

The UK takes in some $30,7 billion dollars per year from international tourists. Popular tourist attractions in the United Kingdom include Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, castles, Roman Baths and ancient Roman ruins.

8) Australia - $25.6 billion

Some $25.6 billion dollars was spent by international tourists visiting the continent and country of Australia in 2009. Great tourist attractions in Australia include Ayers Rock, the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef.

9) Turkey - $21.3 billion

Some people might be surprised that Turkey is ranked 9th with $21.3 dollars being spent in the country in 2009 by international tourists but tourism is big in Turkey and the country is a popular tourist destination due to its beaches along the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas as well as the great historical sites located here. Istanbul is full of hotels and great sites like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

10) Austria - $20.5 billion

Austria rounds out the list with some $20.5 billion dollars being spent by international tourists in 2009. People go to Austria to visit the beautiful resort towns and hotels located in the gorgeous Alps Mountains as well as to see the beautiful city of Vienna with its Cathedral and Belvedere Palace.

Sources:http://www.unwto.org/index.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Tourism_rankings