The reasons that France tops the list are geographical and economic. The Europeans take most holidays abroad and France takes a large slice of that market> With both the cultural delights of the capital city Paris and the other no less romantic big cities as well as the sun drenched coastal regions, France has much to offer visitors. Military enthusiasts also flock to the Normandy beaches to remember the events of 1944.
Spain gets plenty of visitors seeking budget beach holidays. In recent years they have been joined by a more afflient traveller seeking cultural city breaks. Spain has plenty of festivals and much about their culture is pretty unique.
Many of the visitors the the United States of America head for Florida, but New York and California also do well from the tourism from abroad. American border security over the last decade has somewhat limited the tourist trade, but with amazing natural wonders, a friendly welcome and excellent infrastructure, the USA is great for tourists..
The glories of the past are what brings many visitors to Italy. Ancient Rome still firest the imagination, great art in the Vatican fills the soul and with its fine weather, great beaches and world class cuisine, it is no wonder that Italy attracts so many visitors,
The United Kingdom has the allure of Monarchy and history when the weather is less than clement. Scottish Castles, Welsh valleys and thatched roof cottages nestling into the rolling hills of England are why people travel further than London, although the capital itself remains the nation's key attraction.
China was closed to tourism until very recently, but with the Beijing Olympic games the Chinese welcomed visitors in vast numbers and the gates have stayed open. This is such a massive country that visitors will be spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding what to do.