Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) 2020

Tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP shows the economic importance of tourism in a country. Higher values indicate greater reliance.

87 data points••Global Coverage•Tourism contribution to GDP | Our World in Data•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Guyana flag
Guyana
43.5 %
2
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
21.498 %
3
Guam flag
Guam
10.7 %
4
Palau flag
Palau
9.759 %
5
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
7.524 %
6
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
7.288 %
7
Mexico flag
Mexico
6.766 %
8
Namibia flag
Namibia
5.6 %
9
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
5.6 %
10
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
5.4 %
11
Philippines flag
Philippines
5.109 %
12
Samoa flag
Samoa
5.107 %
13
Spain flag
Spain
5.057 %
14
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
4.65 %
15
Portugal flag
Portugal
4.4 %
16
Greece flag
Greece
4.327 %
17
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
4.29 %
18
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
3.9 %
19
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
3.58 %
20
Latvia flag
Latvia
3.5 %
21
Austria flag
Austria
3.36 %
22
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
3.275 %
23
Panama flag
Panama
3.2 %
24
Belgium flag
Belgium
3.16 %
25
Norway flag
Norway
3 %
26
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
2.9 %
27
France flag
France
2.839 %
28
Iceland flag
Iceland
2.8 %
29
Puerto Rico flag
Puerto Rico
2.75 %
30
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
2.7 %
31
Turkey flag
Turkey
2.7 %
32
Albania flag
Albania
2.566 %
33
Oman flag
Oman
2.511 %
34
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
2.43 %
35
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
2.384 %
36
Germany flag
Germany
2.35 %
37
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
2.3 %
38
Thailand flag
Thailand
2.25 %
39
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
2.241 %
40
Russia flag
Russia
2.16 %
41
United States flag
United States
2.147 %
42
South Africa flag
South Africa
2.113 %
43
Egypt flag
Egypt
2.04 %
44
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
2 %
45
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
2 %
46
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
1.999 %
47
Qatar flag
Qatar
1.982 %
48
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
1.869 %
49
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
1.8 %
50
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
1.766 %
51
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
1.699 %
52
Sweden flag
Sweden
1.691 %
53
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
1.65 %
54
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
1.613 %
55
Malawi flag
Malawi
1.6 %
56
Romania flag
Romania
1.571 %
57
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
1.544 %
58
Hungary flag
Hungary
1.522 %
59
Peru flag
Peru
1.522 %
60
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
1.501 %
61
Australia flag
Australia
1.5 %
62
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
1.5 %
63
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
1.464 %
64
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
1.448 %
65
Denmark flag
Denmark
1.442 %
66
Finland flag
Finland
1.425 %
67
Belarus flag
Belarus
1.42 %
68
Nepal flag
Nepal
1.364 %
69
Colombia flag
Colombia
1.247 %
70
Canada flag
Canada
1.003 %
71
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
0.9 %
72
Argentina flag
Argentina
0.883 %
73
Montserrat flag
Montserrat
0.87 %
74
Japan flag
Japan
0.8 %
75
India flag
India
0.775 %
76
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
0.753 %
77
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
0.735 %
78
Israel flag
Israel
0.7 %
79
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
0.662 %
80
Algeria flag
Algeria
0.609 %
81
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
0.6 %
82
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
0.56 %
83
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
0.523 %
84
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
0.358 %
85
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
0.18 %
86
Fiji flag
Fiji
0.1 %
87
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
0.042 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Guyana flagGuyana
  2. #2China, Macao SAR flagChina, Macao SAR
  3. #3Guam flagGuam
  4. #4Palau flagPalau
  5. #5Antigua and Barbuda flagAntigua and Barbuda
  6. #6Equatorial Guinea flagEquatorial Guinea
  7. #7Mexico flagMexico
  8. #8Namibia flagNamibia
  9. #9Sierra Leone flagSierra Leone
  10. #10New Zealand flagNew Zealand

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #87Mongolia flagMongolia
  2. #86Fiji flagFiji
  3. #85Republic of Moldova flagRepublic of Moldova
  4. #84China, Hong Kong SAR flagChina, Hong Kong SAR
  5. #83Kuwait flagKuwait
  6. #82Paraguay flagParaguay
  7. #81Kazakhstan flagKazakhstan
  8. #80Algeria flagAlgeria
  9. #79State of Palestine flagState of Palestine
  10. #78Israel flagIsrael

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

Analysis & Context

In 2020, Guyana led the world in Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) at 43.5%, while the global range spanned from 0.04% to 43.50%. The global average for this metric was 3.23%, providing a benchmark for understanding the economic role of tourism across different nations.

Economic Drivers of High Tourism Revenue (% of GDP)

The significant reliance on tourism revenue by countries like Guyana and China, Macao SAR highlights the economic importance of this sector. Guyana's exceptional figure of 43.5% can be attributed to its rich natural resources and burgeoning ecotourism industry, which has gained international attention. Similarly, China, Macao SAR with 21.49786% reflects its status as a major global gaming and entertainment hub, drawing millions of tourists annually.

In contrast, nations like Guam and Palau, with 10.7% and 9.75938% respectively, rely heavily on tourism due to their geographic positioning and limited industrial diversification. These countries capitalize on their natural beauty and cultural heritage to attract visitors, which in turn supports a significant portion of their economic activities.

Low Tourism Revenue (% of GDP): Economic Independence or Missed Opportunities?

Countries such as Mongolia and Fiji showed minimal tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP, at 0.0424% and 0.1% respectively. For Mongolia, the low figure can be attributed to its vast landlocked geography and economic reliance on mining and agriculture rather than tourism. On the other hand, Fiji's figure represents a sharp decline, influenced by global travel restrictions during the pandemic.

Other countries like Kuwait and Paraguay, with 0.52313% and 0.56% respectively, indicate a diversified economy where tourism plays a smaller role. These nations often focus on oil and gas or agriculture, which provide more stable economic contributions compared to the fluctuating tourism sector.

Year-Over-Year Trends: Winners and Losers in 2020

The year 2020 saw drastic shifts in tourism revenue across the globe, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guyana experienced the highest increase with a remarkable 38.10% rise, equating to a 705.6% growth, possibly driven by a strategic focus on ecotourism and mining sector developments that attracted international business travel.

Conversely, China, Macao SAR experienced a dramatic decrease of -31.09% or -59.1%, as travel restrictions severely impacted its tourism and gaming industries. Similarly, Fiji and Guam faced significant declines of -11.70% and -11.30%, respectively, as these island economies rely heavily on international tourists, who were largely absent in 2020.

Policy Implications and Future Outlook

The disparities in Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) underscore the need for strategic economic planning. Countries heavily reliant on tourism, like Guam and Palau, may need to diversify their economic activities to mitigate risks associated with global travel disruptions. For nations with minimal tourism revenue, such as Kuwait and Paraguay, there lies an opportunity to develop this sector further, potentially enhancing GDP contributions.

As the world recovers from pandemic-induced setbacks, countries will likely reassess their tourism strategies. Enhancing infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism, and ensuring resilience against future global disruptions will be crucial for maintaining or increasing tourism's contribution to GDP. The 2020 data serves as a catalyst for both introspection and innovation in the global tourism sector.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) in 2020

Which country had the highest tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2020?

Guyana had the highest tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2020, with 43.5%.

Which country had the lowest tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2020?

Mongolia had the lowest tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2020, with 0.04%.

What was the average tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP for the countries in the dataset in 2020?

The average tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP for the countries in the dataset in 2020 was 3.23%.

What was the median tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2020?

The median tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2020 was 2%.

Which countries were in the top 3 for tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2020?

The top 3 countries for tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2020 were Guyana (43.5%), China, Macao SAR (21.5%), and Guam (10.7%).

How many countries are included in the dataset for tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2020?

There are 87 countries included in the dataset for tourism revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2020.

Insights by country

1

Egypt

In 2020, Egypt ranked #43 globally with a Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) of 2.04%. This figure is significantly lower than the pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the impact of COVID-19 on global travel. Egypt's tourism sector, heavily reliant on historical sites like the Pyramids of Giza and the Red Sea resorts, faced severe disruptions due to travel restrictions and health concerns.

2

Paraguay

In 2020, Paraguay ranked #82 globally with a Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) of 0.56 %. This figure is notably lower than many neighboring countries, reflecting a broader regional trend where tourism plays a limited role in economic output compared to more tourism-dependent nations. Factors contributing to this low percentage include Paraguay's landlocked geography, which limits access to international tourist flows, and a focus on agriculture and manufacturing over tourism development.

3

Montserrat

In 2020, Montserrat ranked #73 globally with a Tourism Revenue of 0.87 % of its GDP. This figure is notably lower than many Caribbean neighbors, reflecting the island's limited capacity for mass tourism compared to larger destinations. The volcanic activity that has affected large portions of the island has also hindered tourism development, impacting visitor numbers and infrastructure investments.

4

Philippines

In 2020, the Philippines ranked #11 globally with a Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) of 5.10928 %. This figure is notable as it reflects the country's heavy reliance on tourism compared to the global average, particularly during a year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors such as the Philippines' rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and favorable climate attract millions of tourists annually, driving this significant contribution to the economy.

5

Vietnam

In 2020, Vietnam ranked #19 globally with a Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) of 3.58 %. This figure is notable as it reflects the country's resilience in the tourism sector, especially when compared to the severe downturn experienced worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The key drivers behind this statistic include Vietnam's rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and strategic efforts to promote tourism, which have attracted international visitors despite global travel restrictions. Additionally, the government's initiatives to enhance infrastructure and services have positioned Vietnam as a competitive destination in Southeast Asia.

6

Portugal

In 2020, Portugal ranked #15 globally with a Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) of 4.4 %. This figure is notably lower than the pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the significant impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector, which is a vital part of the country's economy. Portugal's rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and favorable climate attract millions of tourists each year, but travel restrictions severely affected visitor numbers in 2020.

7

Mauritius

Mauritius ranked #30 globally with a Tourism Revenue of 2.7 % of GDP in 2020. This figure is notably lower than the global average for tourism-dependent economies, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel and tourism worldwide. The island nation's reliance on tourism, coupled with its geographic isolation in the Indian Ocean, makes it vulnerable to global travel restrictions and economic downturns.

8

Rwanda

In 2020, Rwanda ranked #71 globally with a Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) of 0.9 %. This figure is notably lower than many of its East African neighbors, highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel and tourism. The country's focus on conservation and eco-tourism, particularly its mountain gorillas, has drawn visitors, but overall tourism revenue remains limited by infrastructure challenges and the global travel restrictions during the pandemic.

9

United States

The United States ranked #41 globally in 2020 for Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) at 2.1474 %. This figure is below the global average, reflecting the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel and tourism. Factors such as widespread lockdowns, travel restrictions, and a shift in consumer behavior heavily influenced this decline, as the U.S. tourism sector is a vital part of its economy, contributing to job creation and regional development.

10

Mozambique

Mozambique ranked #34 globally with a Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) of 2.43 % in 2020. This figure is notably lower than the global average for tourism-dependent economies, reflecting the challenges faced by the sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key drivers of Mozambique's tourism revenue include its rich biodiversity, stunning coastal landscapes, and cultural heritage, which attract visitors despite the impact of travel restrictions.

Data Source

Tourism contribution to GDP | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is an online publication that presents research and data on global development issues. The dataset on tourism contribution to GDP offers country-level statistics on the proportion of total GDP attributed to tourism, facilitating comparisons and analysis of economic impacts across nations.

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Tourism Revenue (% of GDP) data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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