This list of the most touristy countries in the world reflects the most accurate tourists-to-locals ratio. It is based on the Some Nomad Stories “TP score, which calculates the number of yearly international TOURIST ARRIVALS, divided by the country’s POPULATION. The numbers were taken from the last pre-pandemic year, which is 2019.
The TP score is correlated with the country’s contribution of tourism to GDP. Tourism is the primary industry for most of the countries on this list. The analysis is done only on the sovereign states. That’s why there are no countries like Porto Rico (US territory), or Aruba (Dutch territory) on this list. The borderless micro-states like Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican are not included in this calculation, since they are mainly popular destinations for brief half-day visits.
15. New Zealand
- TP score: 2.26
- Tourism/GDP: 18.3%
- Attractions: unique landscapes, mountains, beaches
- Activities: hiking, surfing, nightlife
14. Portugal
- TP score: 2.41
- Tourism/GDP: 19.8%
- Attractions: historic towns, beaches, village tourism
- Activities: sightseeing, museums, hiking, surfing, nightlife
13. Greece
- TP score: 3.00
- Tourism/GDP: 21.2%
- Attractions: ancient ruins, historic towns, beaches
- Activities: walking tours, museums, island hopping, nightlife
12. Grenada*
- TP score: 3.06
- Tourism/GDP: 55.8%
- Attractions: beaches, rich marine life, tropical rainforest
- Activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, hiking
11. Maldives
- TP score: 3.15
- Tourism/GDP: 66.1%
- Attractions: beaches, rich marine life
- Activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, island hopping, and various beach resort activities
10. Seychelles
- TP score: 3.91
- Tourism/GDP: 65.8%
- Attractions: beaches, rich marine life, and magnificent tropical rainforest
- Activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, island hopping, hiking
9. Barbados*
- TP score: 3.92
- Tourism/GDP: 36.2%
- Attractions: beaches, rich marine life, shipwrecks
- Activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, and various beach resort activities
8. Belize
- TP score: 4.21
- Tourism/GDP: 44.7%
- Attractions: beaches, rich marine life, the Maya ruins
- Activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, island hopping, hiking in the tropical rainforest
7. Malta
- TP score: 4.56
- Tourism/GDP: 11.6%
- Attractions: beaches, historic buildings, and ruins
- Activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, beach party, nightlife
6. St Lucia*
- TP score: 4.69
- Tourism/GDP: 43%
- Attractions: beaches, rich marine life, tropical mountains
- Activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, tax-free shopping
5. Palau
- TP score: 4.70
- Tourism/GDP: 36.3%
- Attractions: beaches, rich marine life, tropical rainforest
- Activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, hiking, island hopping, experiencing Polynesian culture
4. Croatia
- TP score: 4.78
- Tourism/GDP: 25.1%
- Attractions: beaches, waterfalls, historic towns, caves
- Activities: sightseeing, museums, island hopping, nightlife
3. Iceland
- TP score: 5.86
- Tourism/GDP: 33.8%
- Attractions: volcanoes, exotic meadows, glaciers, waterfalls, the northern lights
- Activities: Road trips, hiking
2. Bahamas*
- TP score: 11.95
- Tourism/GDP: 40.3%
- Attractions: beaches, rich marine life
- Activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, island hopping, and various beach resort activities
1. Andorra
- TP score: 39.41
- Tourism/GDP: 68.8%
- Attractions: Pirineos mountains
- Activities: skiing, hiking, shopping
*The Caribbean countries: Bahamas, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados, are getting a significant number of cruise visitors, who do not stay overnight. For the calculation of the yearly number of tourist visits, cruise visits count as 1/2 of a visit.
After exploring these tourist hot spots, it’s time to switch gears and check out the 10 Best Underrated countries to visit.