This country is set to knock France off the top spot as most-visited

Where will travellers be jetting off to instead? (Picture: Getty Images)

While France is always popular with tourists, it appears it’s got a rival for the most-travelled-to destination in the world – and it’s none other than its Mediterranean neighbour.

It’s true that France has got it all and deserves its top spot as the most visited in the world. In addition to the beautiful capital of Paris, the region has a host of vineyards, gorgeous beaches, bustling cities, fairytale villages and peaceful countryside.

But so does Spain.

According to research by Google and Deloitte, Spain is set to increase its market share of foreign travellers.

It’s estimated to be welcoming up to 110 million guests annually by 2040, while France is set to be visited by 105 million.

If the predictions in the NextGen Travellers and Destinations report pan out, that would mean a whopping increase of 24% from the 2023 visitor figures, which were approximately 84 million.

Spain offers visitors a variety of stunning beaches, bustling nightlife, top-notch cuisine and more (Picture: Getty Images)

The increase is already happening though. 6.3 million tourists visited Spain in March this year, according to the National Statistics Institute. That’s up 21% from March 2023.

March also saw tourists drop far more cash than they ever have in Spain too, breaking the record for tourist spending. It soared to €8.65 billion (£7.3 billion), seeing an increase of 29.7%.

It’s not hard to understand why Spain is so popular, the nation enjoys on average 300 sunny days every year with temperatures comfortably reaching the mid-30s in the summer.

While moves are being made to prevent higher property prices and locals being forced out if their communities, things such as holiday let bans and charging tourists are thankfully not driving away tourists.

Many flock to Spanish shores as there are destinations for even the thriftiest of budgets such as Calella, which you can fly to for as low as £64.

However, France isn’t doing so bad itself. It’s still on course to be the most visited country in the world in 2025.

GlobalData estimates that 93.7 million international travellers will grace France’s shores next year.

So will it be hola or bonjour?

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

For even more unmissable travel news, features and inspiration in your inbox each week, sign up to Metro's The Getaway newsletter