Millions of avid travellers ensure they head out on a vacation every few months, either to explore new destinations or soak in the scenery enroute. For many, it's all about the sojourn, while for some it's about learning new cultures and creating lifelong memories. While we are constantly curious about which destinations to visit and what to explore there, many tourists first Google destinations, even before coming up with a budget or planning a holiday.
Nonetheless, what gets interesting is that despite people searching for destinations, how many of them end up visiting them? The CNBC-TV18 Travel Desk has compiled a list of top-10 tourist destinations that are most searched on Google. Check how many travellers actually visit them anually. The number of visitors mentioned are annual and pre COVID-19. (Image: Shutterstock)
Morocco | Average number of visitors annually: 14 million | Morocco, a gem of a destination in North Africa, is known to have a confluence of European, Arab, and other cultures. Almost 14 million people arrive annually here to explore the unique history and natural beauty. (Image: Reuters)
Malta | Average number of visitors annually: 3 million | Malta is among the most Googled travel destinations in the world and almost 3 million tourists visit the country annually. A popular destination in Europe, this country has served as the backdrop for numerous classic movies and television shows. (Image: Reuters)
Egypt | Average number of visitors annually: 12 million | Egypt is famous for its ancient civilisation, including pyramids, pharaohs, mummies, and tombs, as well as the Nile River. This country attracts approximately 12 million tourists annually. (Image: Reuters)
Thailand | Average number of visitors annually: 30 million | Thailand is a popular South Asian destination and is among the list of most searched countries for tourism. This destination receives over 30 million tourists annually. The place is known for its bustling markets, world-class beaches, temples, and dazzling cityscapes. (Image: Shutterstock)
Cyprus | Average number of annual visitors: 3.8 million | Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, is a major tourist destination. This island is a beautiful mixture of Turkish and Greek influences, known for its natural beauty, mineral wealth, and superb wines. Around 3.8 million tourists arrive in Cyprus every year. (Image: Reuters)
Croatia | Average number of annual visitors: 18 million | Croatia is known for its wonderful climate, beautiful cities, picturesque ports, parks, stunning nature, and islands. On average, the country attracts over 18 million travellers annually from around the world. (Image: Reuters)
Portugal | Average number of visitors annually: 25 million | Portugal, in southern Europe, is one of the most vibrant countries, known for its historic landmarks, breathtaking coastline, and food. More than 25 million arrivals are recorded annually here. (Image: Reuters)
Italy | Average number of visitors annually: 45 million | Italy is well-known for its culture, art, architecture, literature, film, and fashion. It's home to iconic cities like Venice and Rome that are simply unmissable. According to statistics, this country welcomes more than 45 million travellers yearly. (Image: Shutterstock)
Spain | Average number of visitors annually: 85 million | On Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, Spain is a country made up of 17 autonomous regions with diverse geography and cultural traditions. It is among the most visited destinations with approximately 85 million annual tourist arrivals. The nation is known for its vast culture, rich heritage, and affordability. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 10. Greece | Average number of visitors annually: 35 million | Greece is also referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation. It is famous for its archaeological museums, architecture, and culture. The country annually records over 35 million tourists from all over the world. (Image: Reuters)