WEEK/MODULE 7
FAMOUS COUNTRIES AND NATIONALITIES
UN World Tourism Organization continues to outpace the global economy
20 Most-Visited Countries in the World 世界上访问量最大的二十个国家
Shìjiè shàng fǎngwèn liàng zuìdà de 20 gè guójiā (February 24, 2021)
COUNTRY VISITORS
20． NETHERLANDS 荷兰 Hélán 19 Million Visitors 一千九百万访客
Yīqiān jiǔ bái wàn fǎngkè
Tourism continues to be a big trend for the Dutch, with many of the travelers coming from surrounding
nations (80 percent), followed next by the Americas and then Asia.
When people think of the Netherlands, they often think of Amsterdam, home to historic canals,
museums both impressive and quirky, and a thriving nightlife scene. But the Netherlands Board of
Tourism and Conventions wants visitors to discover it is so much more than its capital.
"We take people from Amsterdam elsewhere," Henk Philip, a partner with Tours & Tickets, has
said of visiting the country. "But what we really want is for people to not even go to Amsterdam, but
visit other tourist attractions in the Netherlands."
One of those fantastic attractions outside Amsterdam is Kinderdijk-Elshout. The UNESCO World
Heritage Site features the bucolic landscapes and windmills the country is famous for, while serving
as a historically important example of early water-management systems.
19．POLAND 波兰 Bōlán 19.6 million visitors 一千九百六十万游客
Yīqiān jiǔbǎi liùshí wàn yóukè
Travelers seeking European panache without the crowds of stalwarts like Spain, France, Germany
and Italy are increasingly turning to Poland, thanks to its illustrious history (including a rich Jewish
heritage), collection of medieval castles, untouched nature and delightful cuisine (if you haven't tried
pierogis, you haven't lived life).
Oh, and it's Central-Eastern Europe's home to the most UNESCO World Heritage sites — 15 cultural
and one natural.
The Polish Tourism Agency notes that 85 percent of visitors surveyed during their exit from the
country would recommend and return to it.
Auschwitz Birkenau, a
UNESCO World Heritage
Site, is a former Nazi
concentration and
extermination camp that is
devastating but necessary
to see in person. A museum
tells the story of the horrors
of the camp, while honoring
the lives of those who died
there — over 1.1 million
men, women and children in
total.
18．CANADA 加拿大 Jiānádà 21.1 Million visitors 两千一百一十万 游客。
Liǎng qiān yībǎi yīshí wàn yóukè.
Canada's tourism industry is so immense, it accounted for $33.9 billion of the country's GDP in the
first nine months of 2018 alone. Most visitors come from the neighboring U.S., followed by China and
the UK, which only recently got edged out of its long-held No. 2 position.
More adventurous travelers seek out the country's wide-open nature in places like Churchill, where
polar bears and beluga whales reside; Newfoundland, home to staggering fjords, icebergs and
glaciers; and the Okanagan Valley, Canada's answer to Napa with rolling vineyards and superb wine
to spare.
Niagara Falls is one of the 7 Wonders of the World for a reason. The Canadian side overlooks
Horseshoe Falls, featuring a 3,000-foot crest whose vastness can only be understood when seen up
close.
17． PORTUGAL 葡萄牙 Pútáoyá 22.8 Million visitors 两千两百八十万 游客。
Liǎng qiān liǎng bǎi bāshí wàn yóukè
Portugal's location in Southern and Mediterranean Europe has contributed to it becoming a leader in
European tourism growth. (Other countries growing swiftly include Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey and
Croatia.)
That growth is no accident. In 2017, the country launched a 10-year tourism plan aiming to double
tourism revenue by 2027, and so far, it's working. Many tourists are finding their way to Portugal's
unspoiled beaches, history-steeped castles and Lisbon, the country's sophisticated urban hub. And
it's safer than many other European nations to boot.
Ursa Beach is a hidden gem among many idyllic Portugal beaches. Surrounded by craggy limestone
cliffs, it offers seclusion and natural beauty in equal measure.
16． RUSSIA 俄罗斯 Èluósī 24.5 Million Visitors 两千 五十百万游客。
Liǎng qiān wǔshíbǎi wàn yóukè.
Many forces have converged to make Russia increasingly popular among tourists.
For one thing, Central and Eastern Europe witnessed an overall 5-percent increase in tourism last
year.
Plus, after the country hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the Russian Federation experienced double-
digit growth in tourist spending and a 10-percent boost in visitors.
Finally, the country saw an influx of Chinese tourists following a change in Visa procedures. (As of
July 2019, an additional 53 nations can use a new e-visa online program, ensuring still more growth
in the coming months.)
Where to begin in this country spanning an extraordinary 6.6 million square miles? Moscow and St.
Petersburg are of course excellent places to start, though you'd also be wise to explore overlooked
gems like the ancient town of Sezdal. A ride on the storied Trans-Siberian Railway is a must as well.
Catherine Palace, aka the Summer Palace, was the summer residence of the Russian tsars, and is
every bit as opulent as you'd expect. More than 220 pounds of gold adorn the exterior, while the
inside features expansive frescoes, sweeping staircases and elaborate sculptures. The over-the-top
palace is located south of St. Petersburg.
15．MALAYSIA 马来西亚 Mǎláixīyà 25.8 Million Visitors 两千五百八十万游客。
Liǎng qiān wǔbǎi bāshí wàn yóukè
Four Southeast Asian countries are featured on the list of the top 15 most-visited destinations
of 2018. Malaysia is gaining in popularity thanks to its natural charms (rainforests, national parks and
wildlife abound) and desirable tropical temps, which range from 68 to 86 degrees all year round.
Of visitors to Malaysia, the majority come from Asia. Vision 2020, the country's tourism plan, aims to
see 30 million travelers by the decade's end.
Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur features not only a series of fascinating caves, but a century-old Hindu
temple. The temple is accessed via colorful rainbow steps, themselves a popular tourist attraction.
14．Hong kong 香港 Xiānggǎng 29.2 Million Visitors 两千九百二十万游客。
Liǎng qiān jiǔbǎi èrshí wàn yóukè.
Recent protests and political upheaval are warding visitors away from Hong Kong, but it remains one
of the most visited places on the planet, largely due to its popularity among business travelers. The
opening of the Hong Kong-Zuhai-Macao Bridge to connect the Greater Bay has also boosted Hong
Kong's tourism industry by making automobile arrival an option for Asian travelers.
Whether visiting for travel or business, most tourists make their way to Hong Kong's wealth of
shopping malls and highly rated restaurants.
More than being practical, the Hong Kong-Zuhai-Macao Bridge is awe-inspiring to witness in person.
At 34 miles, it's the longest sea-spanning bridge in the world.
13．GREECE 希腊 Xīlà 30.1 Million Visitors 三千零一十万游客。
Sānqiān líng yīshí wàn yóukè.
With its rich ancient history, Greece remains a hotspot for tourists, growing by 2 million visitors
annually for the past 3 years. In fact, one in five Greeks work in the tourism industry, even following
the country's economic crisis.
Some, though, fear that Greece is joining the ranks of over-touristed areas, especially its small
islands. The mayor of Santorini, for instance, is limiting the number of cruise passengers
disembarking on the island to 8,000 people per day.
Despite contending with overcrowding, Santorini remains a must-visit: With its whitewashed houses
perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, it's exactly what you picture when you think of Greece. See it
before doing so becomes even more difficult.
12．AUSTRIA 奥地利 Àodìlì 30.8 Million Visitors 三千零八十万游客。
Sānqiān líng bāshí wàn yóukè.
Austria may be the 12th-most-visited country in the world, but it's No. 1 when it comes to per-capita
tourism in Europe.
Many think of Austria's Alps, which explains why hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter are the
two top vacations for visitors (enjoyed by 41 and 53 percent of visitors, respectively). Many others
spend their time mountain-biking and exploring alpine lakes.
The baroque Schloss Hellbrunn palace outside Salzburg dates back four centuries. Exploring
its vast interior is best paired with a stroll through its romantic courtyard.
11. JAPAN 日本 Rìběn 31.1 Million Visitors 三千一百一十 万游客。Sānqiān yībǎi yīshí wàn yóukè.
The third-most-visited Asian destination on this list received more than 30 million visitors last year.
And these numbers are expected to increase as the country hosts the 2019 Rugby World Cup and
the 2020 Summer Olympics.
The tourism board's goal is to hit 40 million international visitors by 2020, which should be easy to
accomplish. In addition to hosting the world's largest games, Japan entices visitors with its first-rate
cuisine (Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city on Earth), ancient shrines, rich sense of
tradition and unique natural features like snow-capped Mount Fiji.
Outside of Asia, Americans and Australians are the nation's biggest admirers.
Japan's cherry blossom season in early April adds magical beauty to the country's landscapes.
During the Hanami celebration to welcome spring, revelers eat, drink, sing and dance beneath the
fragrant pink blossoms.
10．United Kingdom 英国 Yīngguó 联合王国 Liánhé wángguó 36.3 Million Visitors
三千六百三十万游客。Sānqiān liùbǎi sānshí wàn yóukè。
Made up of four countries (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) that all speak
English, the UK has long been a beloved destination among international travelers. Though it slipped
slightly between 2017 and 2018, moving from No. 7 to No. 10 on the most-visited-countries list, Visit
Britain estimates a rebound this year, with tourism growing another 6 percent.
The Tower of London is a medieval castle that houses the famed crown jewels, including
dazzling scepters and crowns dating back centuries.
9．THAILAND 泰国 Tàiguó 38.2 Million Visitors 三百八十二 亿 游客。Sānbǎi bāshí'èr yì yóukè.
Thailand makes up the largest portion of Southeast Asia's travels. The country welcomed
nearly 3 million more tourists in 2018 than 2017 and witnessed $6 billion in spending!
Renowned for being budget-friendly due to its exchange rate (1 USD = 30 THB), the nation is
transforming into a luxury getaway with more resorts and high-end offerings pushing out the
backpacking and disreputable businesses of Bangkok.
The Phi Phi Islands are so idyllic and popular that the Thai government closed them until 2021
to allow for recovery from over-tourism. Plan a trip to the island for the future, and take care of the
natural environment when you're there.
8．Germany 德国 Déguó 38.8 Million Visitors 三千八百八十万游客。Sānqiān bābǎi bāshí wàn yóukè.
Germany's visitor count has been steadily climbing for nine consecutive years. In 2017 and
2018, Germany even ranked 1st in the world on the Nation Brands Index for its popularity.
The country is most beloved among other Europeans, particularly the Dutch. Travelers from
the United States are the largest market from overseas.
Both Europeans and Americans rave about the country's thought-provoking historic attractions,
spirited cities, vast forests (they cover one-third of the nation!) and — most importantly — excellent
beer。
Brandenburg Gate, which dates back to 1791, is the only remaining town gate in Berlin.
Famously, it was from here that Ronald Reagan proclaimed, "Mr. Gorbachov – tear down this wall!"
Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the gate has become a powerful symbol of unity.
7．MEXICO 墨西哥 Mòxīgē 41.4 Million Visitors 四千一百四十万游客。Sìqiān yībǎi sìshí wàn
yóukè.
Mexico broke its tourism record in 2018 and took in more than $20.3 billion doing so. Travelers
to the country spent, on average, nearly $500 while visiting, most of whom came from the United
States and Canada. UK residents served as Mexico's most prolific overseas tourists.
Postcard-perfect beaches remain a major draw here, but the country's tourism board has also
successfully highlighted its ancient history, cultural institutions, diverse cuisine and natural features
beyond the shoreline, including butterfly sanctuaries, canyons and waterfalls.
Chichen Itza, the ancient Mayan settlement, is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to A.D.
750 to 1200.
6．TURKEY 火鸡 Huǒ jī 45.7 Million Visitors 四千五百七十万游客。Sìqiān wǔbǎi qīshí wàn yóukè.
In 2016, tourism in Turkey dipped 30 percent, a slump attributed to political troubles and
terrorist attacks. But travelers started returning in 2017, and in 2018, the number of visitors jumped
nearly 22 percent. Istanbul saw a record number of visitors last year, luring travelers to explore its
East-meets-West cultural attractions, colorful bazaars and imposing mosques. But it's the coastal city
of Antalya in the south that's really been surging. More than 12.4 million visited this Mediterranean
area last year, and the Culture and Tourism Ministry is estimating 2019 will break the 50-million-
visitors mark.
Antalya's Old Town features Ottoman mosques, Roman towers and an ancient harbor lined
with bustling modern-day cafes. Splendid beaches also await in the area. (No wonder travelers are
coming to Antalya in droves!)
5．ITALY 意大利 Yìdàlì 62.1 Million Visitors 六千两百一十万游客。
Liùqiān liǎng bǎi yīshí wàn yóukè.
Tourism is so big in Italy that long lines at places like St. Paul's Cathedral and the Colosseum
in Rome are all but guaranteed, even if you've booked reservations in advance. Statistics show Italy's
tourism growth is above the European average, with Rome attracting nearly 27 million of its visitors.
Europeans travel to Italy the most: Germans account for 14 percent of visitors, with French and UK
visitors making up 3 percent each. Americans are the biggest overseas market, also at 3 percent.
Outside the throngs of Rome, Italy also boasts the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, the artistic pedigree
of Florence, the natural wonders of the Amalfi Coast and the canals of Venice among its
embarrassment of riches.
Get away from the throngs by visiting Sicily's ancient ruins and temperate beaches. Go
now before it becomes overcrowded too; Sicily saw more than 7 percent growth in tourism last year.
4．CHINA 中国 Zhōngguó 62.9 Million Visitors 六千两百九十万游客。
Liùqiān liǎng bǎi jiǔshí wàn yóukè.
Not only does China receive more visitors than most of the world, but its own inhabitants
account for 10 percent of all world travelers. It is expected that 20 percent of the Chinese population
— 300 million people — will have passports by 2027. Chinese tourists also spend more than any
other country, nearly doubling that of No. 2 — a whopping $277 billion!
Those outside China who make their way to the country discover everything that comes with
being the world's oldest continuous civilization, from villages dating back thousands of years to
ancient marvels like the Great Wall. Plus, the nation's cuisine, as affordable as it is flavorful, can't be
beat.
Zhaoxing Village is flanked by mountains and touts five drum towers representing five good
manners in Chinese tradition: benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom and trust.
3．UNITED STATES 美国 Měiguó 79.6 Million Visitors 七千九百六十万游客。
Qīqiān jiǔbǎi liùshí wàn yóukè.
Considering the United States is 3.8 million square miles, nearly as big as all of Europe, it's easy to
see why it's the third-most-popular travel destination on Earth. The country's mixes of wildly diverse
attractions don’t hurt either, including some of the most iconic cities in the world (New York City, LA,
Chicago) and a thriving national-park system.
Get a taste of the country's natural frontiers by exploring Utah's Mighty 5: Arches, Bryce
Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reed and Zion national parks.
2．SPAIN 西班牙 Xībānyá 82.7 Million Visitors 八千两百七十万游客。
Bāqiān liǎng bǎi qīshí wàn yóukè.
The nation's largest tourist groups come from Germany and Britain, though people from these
countries are increasingly heading to Turkey and Greece instead. In their place, Americans are filling
the empty beds, with nearly 3 million people coming from the U.S. last year — an 11.8 percent growth.
Unfortunately, the influx of people has locals on edge, and the Spanish are considered to be
developing "tourist phobia," especially in Barcelona and the Catalan states.
Forget the tourist cities and hike the Camino de Santiago, known as "The Way," for a pilgrimage
across northern Spain.
1． FRANCE 法国 Fàguó 89.4 Million Visitors 八千九百四十万游客。
Bāqiān jiǔbǎi sìshí wàn yóukè.
More people are visiting France than any other country in the world, and the country has a
100-million-visitors target for 2020. Think they'll hit it? We do, too, especially considering it hosted the
FIFA Women's World Cup earlier this year.
Not only does France receive the largest number of tourists, but they make the most off of
them too. Tourism brought in $62 billion last year!
Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Northern France, is a sight truly like
no other: a medieval monastery perched atop a solitary island。
