France has had more tourists than any other country for many years (76m - 2005). In 2007 it earned the largest amount of any nation from the source. French tourism includes every type of holiday such as city breaks, holiday cottages, camping and skiing.
The USA earns more than any other country from tourism, ($66,547 million 2005) yet has the third largest number of visitors (46.1 m - 2005). Europeans consider a trip to the USA as more special than staying in Europe, so are more likely to stay longer and spend more.
China has a variety of unusual landscapes and unique cultures that attracts increasing numbers with both time and money. This trend is likely to continue. For many, the distance makes it too expensive a place to visit.
In the Caribbean almost 50% of visitors come from the nearby USA, with France, Canada and the UK also important sources of business, Expenditure per tourist ranges between $324 per holiday in Belize to $2,117 in the Virgin Islands, which attracts weathier visitors.
Essential jobs are created in all countries from tourism, but the contribution this industry makes to GDP varies greatly between wealthier and poorer countries. Rich countries have a broadly balanced economy, of which tourism is one part. On the other hand, in less well-off countries tourism can be essential. In the Caribbean, for example, several small island countries rely heavily on tourism to provide national income and employment. Around 80% of Barbados' national income comes from this business.
Benefits of Tourism in Poorer Countries
Many people are employed to serve tourists such as waiters, souvenir shop assistants and tour guides. In Antigua and Barbados 30% of the population work in these jobs, but in Jamaica only 8% do.
Tourists may spend their holiday money in pounds sterling, US dollars or euros. This foreign exchange is essential to poorer countries, as it can be used to buy goods and services from abroad.
Many governments tax visitors to help pay for the extra services they use, such as water supply, drainage, electricity and roads.
Extra jobs are created indirectly, hotels buy some produce from local suppliers to feed the visitors.
Many small businesses have been started up to serve the tourists themselves and supply the services they demand. These include taxis, bars, restaurants, builders and maintenance workers.