Tourism Receipts per Capita 2018

Tourism receipts per capita indicate the average amount each tourist spends in a country, reflecting its tourism economy strength.

156 data points••Global Coverage•Spending by international visitors while visiting a country | Our World in Data•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
United States flag
United States
241,984,000,000 USD
2
France flag
France
72,518,000,000 USD
3
Thailand flag
Thailand
61,383,000,000 USD
4
Italy flag
Italy
51,602,000,000 USD
5
Australia flag
Australia
47,327,000,000 USD
6
Japan flag
Japan
45,276,000,000 USD
7
Germany flag
Germany
42,895,000,000 USD
8
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
42,521,000,000 USD
9
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
41,481,000,000 USD
10
Turkey flag
Turkey
37,505,000,000 USD
11
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
34,609,500,000 USD
12
India flag
India
29,143,000,000 USD
13
Mexico flag
Mexico
26,044,000,000 USD
14
Austria flag
Austria
25,413,000,000 USD
15
Portugal flag
Portugal
24,365,000,000 USD
16
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
23,924,900,000 USD
17
South Korea flag
South Korea
23,104,000,000 USD
18
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
21,775,000,000 USD
19
Greece flag
Greece
21,594,000,000 USD
20
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
21,296,000,000 USD
21
Russia flag
Russia
18,735,000,000 USD
22
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
17,915,000,000 USD
23
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
16,974,000,000 USD
24
Taiwan flag
Taiwan
16,366,000,000 USD
25
Poland flag
Poland
15,699,000,000 USD
26
Ireland flag
Ireland
15,276,000,000 USD
27
Qatar flag
Qatar
15,239,000,000 USD
28
Egypt flag
Egypt
12,704,000,000 USD
29
Croatia flag
Croatia
11,344,000,000 USD
30
Belgium flag
Belgium
10,319,000,000 USD
31
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
10,080,000,000 USD
32
South Africa flag
South Africa
9,789,000,000 USD
33
Philippines flag
Philippines
9,715,000,000 USD
34
Hungary flag
Hungary
9,618,000,000 USD
35
Morocco flag
Morocco
9,520,000,000 USD
36
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
8,694,000,000 USD
37
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
8,283,000,000 USD
38
Israel flag
Israel
7,969,000,000 USD
39
Norway flag
Norway
7,280,000,000 USD
40
Panama flag
Panama
7,139,000,000 USD
41
Colombia flag
Colombia
6,655,000,000 USD
42
Brazil flag
Brazil
6,324,000,000 USD
43
Jordan flag
Jordan
6,221,000,000 USD
44
Argentina flag
Argentina
5,999,000,000 USD
45
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
5,842,799,600 USD
46
Finland flag
Finland
5,762,000,000 USD
47
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
5,608,000,000 USD
48
Iran flag
Iran
5,252,000,000 USD
49
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
5,061,000,000 USD
50
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
4,832,000,000 USD
51
Peru flag
Peru
4,505,000,000 USD
52
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
4,073,000,000 USD
53
Chile flag
Chile
3,937,000,000 USD
54
Romania flag
Romania
3,879,000,000 USD
55
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
3,834,000,000 USD
56
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
3,756,000,000 USD
57
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
3,548,000,000 USD
58
Georgia flag
Georgia
3,518,000,000 USD
59
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
3,449,000,000 USD
60
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
3,377,500,000 USD
61
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
3,339,800,000 USD
62
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
3,318,000,000 USD
63
Maldives flag
Maldives
3,054,000,000 USD
64
Oman flag
Oman
2,975,000,000 USD
65
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
2,830,000,000 USD
66
Cuba flag
Cuba
2,783,000,000 USD
67
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
2,712,000,000 USD
68
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
2,651,000,000 USD
69
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
2,632,000,000 USD
70
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
2,465,000,000 USD
71
Estonia flag
Estonia
2,326,000,000 USD
72
Albania flag
Albania
2,306,000,000 USD
73
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
2,279,000,000 USD
74
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
2,269,000,000 USD
75
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
2,161,000,000 USD
76
Aruba flag
Aruba
2,035,000,000 USD
77
Iraq flag
Iraq
1,986,000,000 USD
78
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
1,977,000,000 USD
79
Serbia flag
Serbia
1,941,000,000 USD
80
Kenya flag
Kenya
1,784,000,000 USD
81
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
1,670,000,000 USD
82
Uganda flag
Uganda
1,522,000,000 USD
83
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
1,370,000,000 USD
84
Fiji flag
Fiji
1,370,000,000 USD
85
Armenia flag
Armenia
1,358,000,000 USD
86
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
1,314,000,000 USD
87
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
1,235,100,000 USD
88
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
1,224,000,000 USD
89
Belarus flag
Belarus
1,221,000,000 USD
90
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
1,147,000,000 USD
91
Barbados flag
Barbados
1,118,000,000 USD
92
Ghana flag
Ghana
996,000,000 USD
93
United States Virgin Islands flag
United States Virgin Islands
993,000,000 USD
94
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
959,000,000 USD
95
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
947,900,000 USD
96
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
919,000,000 USD
97
Cayman Islands flag
Cayman Islands
911,000,000 USD
98
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
879,000,000 USD
99
Guadeloupe flag
Guadeloupe
860,000,000 USD
100
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
855,000,000 USD
101
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
852,000,000 USD
102
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
845,000,000 USD
103
Laos flag
Laos
833,000,000 USD
104
Nepal flag
Nepal
740,000,000 USD
105
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
633,000,000 USD
106
Curaçao flag
Curaçao
604,000,000 USD
107
Honduras flag
Honduras
601,000,000 USD
108
Botswana flag
Botswana
584,200,000 USD
109
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
583,000,000 USD
110
Angola flag
Angola
557,000,000 USD
111
Senegal flag
Senegal
557,000,000 USD
112
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
551,000,000 USD
113
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
547,000,000 USD
114
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
541,000,000 USD
115
Martinique flag
Martinique
533,000,000 USD
116
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
526,000,000 USD
117
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
520,000,000 USD
118
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
518,000,000 USD
119
Réunion flag
Réunion
511,000,000 USD
120
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
500,100,000 USD
121
Namibia flag
Namibia
488,000,000 USD
122
Sint Maarten (Dutch part) flag
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
468,000,000 USD
123
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
387,000,000 USD
124
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
357,000,000 USD
125
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
331,000,000 USD
126
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
285,000,000 USD
127
Togo flag
Togo
269,000,000 USD
128
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
244,000,000 USD
129
Cook Islands flag
Cook Islands
234,300,000 USD
130
Mali flag
Mali
231,000,000 USD
131
Algeria flag
Algeria
196,000,000 USD
132
Samoa flag
Samoa
192,300,000 USD
133
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
191,000,000 USD
134
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
179,000,000 USD
135
Benin flag
Benin
175,000,000 USD
136
Gambia flag
Gambia
174,000,000 USD
137
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
170,900,000 USD
138
Anguilla flag
Anguilla
127,000,000 USD
139
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
121,000,000 USD
140
Niger flag
Niger
114,000,000 USD
141
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
92,000,000 USD
142
Comoros flag
Comoros
73,700,000 USD
143
Suriname flag
Suriname
73,000,000 USD
144
Malawi flag
Malawi
55,000,000 USD
145
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
50,000,000 USD
146
Tonga flag
Tonga
48,100,000 USD
147
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
22,000,000 USD
148
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
20,100,000 USD
149
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
20,000,000 USD
150
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
16,400,000 USD
151
Montserrat flag
Montserrat
13,100,000 USD
152
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
12,000,000 USD
153
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
7,000,000 USD
154
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
6,100,000 USD
155
Guinea flag
Guinea
4,700,000 USD
156
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
4,170,000 USD

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1United States flagUnited States
  2. #2France flagFrance
  3. #3Thailand flagThailand
  4. #4Italy flagItaly
  5. #5Australia flagAustralia
  6. #6Japan flagJapan
  7. #7Germany flagGermany
  8. #8China, Hong Kong SAR flagChina, Hong Kong SAR
  9. #9China, Macao SAR flagChina, Macao SAR
  10. #10Turkey flagTurkey

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #156Papua New Guinea flagPapua New Guinea
  2. #155Guinea flagGuinea
  3. #154Mauritania flagMauritania
  4. #153Tuvalu flagTuvalu
  5. #152South Sudan flagSouth Sudan
  6. #151Montserrat flagMontserrat
  7. #150Eswatini flagEswatini
  8. #149Guinea-Bissau flagGuinea-Bissau
  9. #148Marshall Islands flagMarshall Islands
  10. #147Central African Republic flagCentral African Republic

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

In 2018, the United States led the world in Tourism Receipts per Capita with a staggering 241,984,000,000 USD, indicating the highest average tourist spending among countries globally. The range of tourism receipts per capita varied significantly, with a minimum value of 4,170,000 USD and a maximum of 241,984,000,000 USD. The global average stood at 8,718,799,164.10 USD, offering a benchmark for comparing the economic impact of tourism across different nations.

Economic Powerhouses and Tourism Revenue

The dominance of countries like the United States, France (72,518,000,000 USD), and Thailand (61,383,000,000 USD) in tourism receipts per capita is not merely a reflection of their tourist attractions but also their economic infrastructure. The United States, with its vast and diverse attractions ranging from urban landmarks to natural wonders, attracts high-spending tourists. Similarly, France, with its rich cultural heritage and reputation as a global fashion hub, draws in affluent visitors willing to spend generously. Thailand, known for its unique cultural experiences and natural beauty, leverages its affordability to entice tourists from all economic backgrounds, thereby increasing its overall receipts.

Geographic and Policy Influences

Geography and government policies significantly influence tourism receipts. For instance, Australia (47,327,000,000 USD) and Japan (45,276,000,000 USD) benefit from strategic policies promoting tourism. Australia's appeal lies in its unique wildlife and landscapes, complemented by a strong marketing campaign targeting international tourists. Japan's tourism boom can be attributed to its successful hosting of international events and a strategic focus on cultural tourism, which has helped increase tourist expenditures. Conversely, countries like Papua New Guinea (4,170,000 USD) and Guinea (4,700,000 USD) face challenges such as limited infrastructure and political instability, hindering their ability to attract high-spending tourists.

Year-over-Year Movers

The year 2018 saw significant increases in tourism receipts for certain countries. Japan experienced the largest growth, with an increase of 8,298,000,000 USD (22.4%), driven by its expanding global appeal and effective tourism strategies. The United States also saw a notable rise of 8,226,000,000 USD (3.5%), reflecting its ongoing ability to attract high-spending international travelers. South Korea emerged as a strong performer with a 34.5% increase, adding 5,931,000,000 USD to its tourism receipts, largely due to the global popularity of its cultural exports and improved tourism infrastructure.

Challenges and Declines

Some countries faced declining tourism receipts, with Iraq experiencing the most significant decrease of 973,000,000 USD (-32.9%). This decline can be attributed to ongoing security concerns and geopolitical instability, which deter international tourists. Similarly, Nigeria saw a reduction of 638,000,000 USD (-24.4%) as economic challenges and infrastructural issues limited its tourism potential. These declines highlight the importance of stable governance and robust infrastructure in sustaining tourism revenue.

Overall, the data from 2018 underscores the complex interplay of economic strength, geographic advantage, and strategic policy in shaping tourism receipts per capita. Countries that successfully leverage these factors can significantly enhance their tourism economy, while those facing challenges must address underlying issues to tap into their full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tourism Receipts per Capita in 2018

Which country had the highest tourism receipts per capita in 2018?

The United States had the highest tourism receipts per capita in 2018, with a total of 241,984,000,000 USD.

What was the average tourism receipts per capita value in 2018?

The average tourism receipts per capita value in 2018 was 8,718,799,164 USD.

Which country had the lowest tourism receipts per capita in 2018?

Papua New Guinea had the lowest tourism receipts per capita in 2018, with a total of 4,170,000 USD.

What was the median tourism receipts per capita value in 2018?

The median tourism receipts per capita value in 2018 was 1,959,000,000 USD.

What are the top three countries in tourism receipts per capita for 2018?

The top three countries in tourism receipts per capita for 2018 were the United States, France, and Thailand.

How many countries are included in the tourism receipts per capita dataset for 2018?

The dataset for tourism receipts per capita in 2018 includes 156 countries.

Insights by country

1

Tanzania

Tanzania ranked #70 globally for Tourism Receipts per Capita in 2018, with a total of 2465000000 USD. This figure reflects the country's appeal as a premier safari destination, attracting tourists to its renowned national parks and Mount Kilimanjaro. Key drivers of this revenue include Tanzania's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, which enhance its attractiveness to international visitors.

2

Vanuatu

In 2018, Vanuatu ranked #126 globally with a Tourism Receipts per Capita of 285000000 USD. This figure is significantly lower than the top-ranked countries in tourism, which benefit from more extensive tourism infrastructures and larger visitor numbers. Vanuatu's tourism sector is primarily driven by its natural beauty and cultural heritage, attracting visitors to its islands, but it faces challenges such as limited accessibility and a small population that constrains overall economic impact.

3

Egypt

In 2018, Egypt ranked #28 globally with Tourism Receipts per Capita totaling 12704000000 USD. This figure is notable when compared to regional peers, highlighting Egypt's significant draw for international tourists. The country's rich historical sites, such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Nile River, along with its strategic location as a gateway between Africa and the Middle East, are key drivers of its tourism revenue.

4

Ethiopia

Ethiopia ranked #57 globally in 2018 for Tourism Receipts per Capita, generating 3548000000 USD in total receipts. This figure is notable compared to many of its neighbors, reflecting a growing interest in its rich cultural heritage and historical sites.

The country's diverse landscapes and ancient civilizations attract tourists, while ongoing investments in infrastructure and hospitality services are enhancing its tourism appeal. Additionally, Ethiopia's strategic location in the Horn of Africa positions it as a gateway for travelers exploring the region.

5

Qatar

In 2018, Qatar ranked #27 globally for Tourism Receipts per Capita, with a total of 15239000000 USD. This figure is notably high compared to many regional neighbors, reflecting Qatar's significant investment in luxury tourism and hospitality. The country's strategic location, coupled with its modern infrastructure and attractions like the Museum of Islamic Art and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022, has bolstered its appeal as a premier travel destination.

6

Oman

In 2018, Oman achieved a global rank of #64 with a Tourism Receipts per Capita value of 2,975,000,000 USD. This figure is notable when compared to regional neighbors, as Oman’s tourism sector is still developing relative to more established markets in the Gulf. Key drivers include Oman’s unique cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and strategic efforts to promote eco-tourism, which attract both regional and international visitors.

7

China, Macao SAR

In 2018, China, Macao SAR achieved a remarkable global rank of #9 with Tourism Receipts per Capita of 41481000000 USD. This figure is significantly higher than many neighboring regions, reflecting Macao's status as a premier global tourism destination. The city's unique blend of cultural heritage, vibrant entertainment options, and proximity to major markets, particularly in mainland China, drive its robust tourism economy.

8

Armenia

In 2018, Armenia achieved a global rank of #85 in Tourism Receipts per Capita, with a total of 1,358,000,000 USD. This figure is notably lower than many regional peers, reflecting the challenges faced by the country's tourism sector compared to more established destinations. The key drivers of this statistic include Armenia's rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes, which attract visitors, but are often overshadowed by geopolitical tensions and limited marketing resources that hinder broader tourism growth.

9

Madagascar

In 2018, Madagascar ranked #98 globally with tourism receipts per capita totaling 879000000 USD. This figure is relatively low compared to top tourism destinations, which often see significantly higher receipts per capita. The country's unique biodiversity and cultural heritage attract visitors, but challenges such as limited infrastructure and political instability hinder its tourism potential.

10

Saudi Arabia

In 2018, Saudi Arabia ranked #23 globally with a Tourism Receipts per Capita value of 16974000000 USD. This figure is significant compared to many of its regional neighbors, reflecting the country's position as a key destination for religious tourism, particularly for the Hajj pilgrimage. The government's investment in tourism infrastructure and initiatives to diversify the economy beyond oil have further bolstered its tourism sector.

Data Source

Spending by international visitors while visiting a country | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is a research organization that provides comprehensive data visualizations and statistics on various global issues. The dataset on spending by international visitors offers country-level insights into tourism expenditure, highlighting economic impacts and trends associated with international travel.

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Tourism Receipts per Capita data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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