World’s 20 most desirable tourist destinations for 2017

Spain has been named the world’s friendliest country for tourists, France came in 2nd place, followed by Germany, Japan, and the U.K., according to a new study by the World Economic Forum, which looked at 136 countries in all.

Surprised?

If a nation is a brand, it looks like the U.S. has quite a bit to improve, it now ranks as the sixth most desirable tourist destination, falling 2 spots.

Rounding out the top 10 destinations are Australia, Italy, Canada and Switzerland.

Hong Kong came in 11th place and was followed by Austria, Singapore, Portugal, China, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, and Sweden, which rounded out the top 20.

Europe dominated the rankings, with six countries placing in the top 10, attracted 620 million in 2016, making it the world’s largest tourism market followed by Asia Pacific.

As a region, Asia showed the most improvement in tourism-friendliness, Japan rose 5 slots to overtake the U.S., China rose 2 slots, and India rose 12 slots.

World’s 20 most desirable tourist destinations for 2017

1. Spain

2. France

3. Germany

4. Japan
   
   
   
5. United Kingdom

   

6. United States
7. Australia

   
   

8. Italy
9. Canada
10. Switzerland

    

11. Hong Kong

    

12. Austria
13. Singapore
14. Portugal
15. China

    
    

16. New Zealand
17. Netherlands
18. Norway
19. South Korea
20. Sweden