China has recovered its position as the top spender on international
tourism in 2023 according to UN World Tourism Organization data.
Chinese expenditure on overseas travel reached US$196.5 billion,
ahead of the United States (US$150 billion), Germany (US$112 billion),
the UK (US$110 billion) and France (US$49 billion).
The rankings for most visited destinations saw France consolidate its
lead with 100 million international arrivals. Spain took second with 85
million, followed by the US (66 million), Italy (57 million) and Turkey
(55 million).
"When it came to international tourism receipts, the US led, earning
US$176 billion in 2023," the UN report stated. Spain (US$92 billion),
the UK (US$74 billion), France (US$69 billion) and Italy ($56 billion)
rounded out the top five earners.
Other notable international tourism spending and arrivals movements
included India jumping to the 8th biggest outbound market, the UK rising
to 3rd for receipts, and the UAE, Turkey and Saudi Arabia all cracking
the top 15 earners list.
The latest UN World Tourism Barometer forecasts full global recovery
in 2024, with international arrivals projected to grow 2% above 2019
levels "backed by strong demand, enhanced air connectivity and the
continued recovery of China and other major Asian markets."
Total tourism export revenues reached an estimated $1.7 trillion in
2023, approximately 96% of pre-pandemic levels. Tourism's direct GDP
also recovered to pre-pandemic levels at $3.3 trillion or 3% of global
GDP.