World’s most popular tourist destinations

Where would you like to take your next holiday? Walking along the Great Wall of China, or in the museums and galleries of Florence? The first now officially attracts more people. The latest tourism figures show that China has overtaken Italy as the world’s fourth most popular tourist destination.

Asian destinations have been getting more attractive over the last ten years. Hong Kong entered the Top Ten list at number seven last year, with almost 22 million visitors. More and more Europeans are travelling outside their region. But France and Spain stayed in the number one and two positions with the USA in third place. The tourism industry is growing fast. With cheaper budget airlines tourism is changing. More and more people are looking for summer bargains, and booking flights and hotels online, rather than buying a traditional but more expensive complete package holiday from a high street travel agent.

Just why is Italy becoming less popular? Because of the higher prices. Rome and Florence may be as beautiful as ever, but they are no longer budget destinations. Tourists in search of cheaper accommodation are now going further, to more attractive cities in Eastern Europe, or exotic North Africa. One thing is always the same – in summer, most holidaymakers want to follow the sun!