Where Money Travels: Countries Generating the Highest Revenue per Tourist

The Continents Generating the Most Money per Tourist

At a continental scale, the world's tourism economy shows its diversity. Tourist spend can reflect how much visitors are spending within the country, affected by the cost of living in each location, types of vacations such as luxury experience or budget travel, and how long those tourists stay. 

Countries Generating the Highest Revenue per Tourist

Although the total number of international visitors to a country gives us a good indication of how much money is going towards the economy, the amount each tourist is spending when on the ground is also important to consider. This helps us see how much is going directly into the economy through hospitality, attractions and local businesses.

The study reveals that the most expensive countries for tourists tend to be resort islands where spending is high for visitors such as Saint Lucia, the Bahamas, Maldives and Seychelles. All of these locations are popular for honeymoon travel or luxury travellers looking for all inclusive experiences.

Countries with large economies and a high cost of living also feature prominently. Of these, Australia is the first on the list, followed by other economic powerhouses like the United States, New Zealand and Switzerland.

Read on below to find the top 10 countries where tourists spend the most.

The Countries Where Tourists Spend the Most

​​Not all countries are equal when it comes to how much each tourist spends. Some destinations earn top dollar not because they see the most arrivals, but because they attract high-value travelers, offer premium experiences, or cater to luxury, business, or specialized tourism.

From European financial hubs to tropical islands, these countries turn every visitor into a significant contributor to the local economy. Whether it's business travelers in Luxembourg, honeymooners in the Maldives, or culture seekers in Israel, high per-visitor spending reflects both exclusivity and a willingness to invest in unforgettable experiences.

1. Luxembourg – $5,112

The country where tourists spend the most when they visit is Luxembourg, a small country in the middle of Europe. Visitors spend a whopping $5,112 throughout the year on their visits, likely down to the country being a global financial hub, meaning that many visitors are on short, high-budget business trips or official meetings, spending heavily on hotels, dining, and transport.

2. Lebanon – $4,155

In second place is Lebanon where tourists spend an average of $4,155 on their visits to the country. This diverse country attracts visitors who are affluent, often coming for short, high-value trips rather than mass tourism. However, its exceptionally high spend is also likely influenced by Lebanon's ongoing economic challenges and high inflation rates, which have sharply increased the cost of goods and services for visitors and locals.

3. Saint Lucia – $2,984

Many countries with a high spend per tourist are those which are resort islands, popular for cruise holidays, all-inclusive resorts and honeymoons. Saint Lucia is at the top of the list of these destinations where tourists spend an average of $2,984. Travel to the island is often longer and experience-driven, including excursions, spa treatments, and premium activities.

4. Bahamas – $2,842

The average tourist spend in the Bahamas of $2,842 amid generating $5.4 billion in inbound tourist receipts reflects premium, leisure-focused tourism rather than mass-volume arrivals. With a mix of upscale resorts, cruise passengers, and experience-focused leisure travel, the islands attract affluent visitors who prioritize comfort, exclusivity, and unforgettable experiences. Numbeo, which uses crowdsourced data, ranked the Bahamas as the country with the 4th highest cost of living for 2025.

5. Australia – $2,748

Australia ranks among the top countries for visitor spending, with each tourist spending an average of $2,748. The country is popular for its metropolitan cities renowned for their creative restaurants and nightlife, as well as iconic natural landscapes from Uluru to the Great Barrier Reef. Longer stays and well-developed tourism infrastructure encourage travelers to spend more, combined with the country's strong economy and high-quality services.

6. Maldives – $2,736

The Maldives follows close behind with an average tourist spend of $2,736 and total visitor expenditure of $5.6 billion. As one of the most popular destinations for honeymooners, the Maldives is the king of high-value accommodation and experiences where 70% of visitors stay in resorts making it one of the most expensive countries to visit in the world, although the country has recently seen a boom in budget travelers.

7. Antigua and Barbuda – $2,664

Another Caribbean island comes in the top 10 with Antigua and Barbuda seeing an average spend of $2,664 per visitor. The twin-island nation attracts travelers seeking luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and exclusive leisure experiences. High-end accommodations, private tours, and premium dining options contribute to elevated per-visitor spending, making it a notable example of small-scale, high-value tourism.

8. Seychelles – $2,636

The African island country of the Seychelles is in eighth place as one of the most valuable tourist markets in the world, with each visitor spending an average of $2,636. While it ranks high in per-tourist spend, it often represents better value than pricier tropical destinations like the Bahamas or the Maldives. Much of this spend supports ecotourism initiatives, including environmental levies and marine conservation which helps maintain the islands' crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.

9. United States – $2,500

There's no surprise that the United States is one of the most expensive countries for tourists. The largest hubs for visitors such as New York City and Los Angeles carry the highest prices in the country, from expensive hotels to high-priced groceries. Tourists can expect to spend an average of $2,500 when visiting the country, a number that goes towards some of the best hotels in the world and experiences that can be found nowhere else.

10. Israel – $2,393

Israel sees visitors spending an average of $2,393 per trip, placing it among the higher-value tourism markets globally. The country draws travelers for its rich history, religious landmarks, and vibrant cultural experiences, from Jerusalem's sacred sites to Tel Aviv's beaches and nightlife. While spend per tourist is still high, tourism revenue reportedly fell by $6.5 billion in 2024 due to the ongoing war.

The Countries Where Tourists Spend the Least

Some countries earn far less per visitor, not because they lack appeal, but because the travel experience is fundamentally different.

In places like Vatican City or Eswatini, many tourists arrive for a few hours or a single-day visit, keeping spending low. Elsewhere, such as Malawi or Kyrgyzstan, the destinations are affordable, remote, or largely undiscovered by global tourism, meaning visitors engage deeply with culture and nature without the price tag of more commercialized hotspots.

These countries reveal a different side of travel, intimate, authentic, and often surprisingly rich in experiences, even if they're light on expense.

1. Vatican City – $15

Vatican City's low per-visitor spend of $15 reflects its unique nature as a tiny, pilgrimage-focused destination. Most visitors spend just a few hours touring iconic religious sites like St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, often without overnight stays or major dining expenditures, keeping overall spending minimal to just the entrance ticket. This didn't stop the country from receiving $100 million in tourism receipts in 2024.

2. Eswatini – $21

Eswatini attracts budget-conscious travelers drawn to cultural festivals and national parks, but infrastructure for high-end tourism is limited meaning it only gains $21 per visitor each year. Most visitors engage in short excursions or day trips to local markets resulting in low per-visitor expenditure despite the country's rich cultural offerings.

3. Algeria – $37

Algeria sees modest tourist spend because much of its visitation is brief, either transit-focused or cultural exploration in cities like Algiers. The average tourist here spends just $37. Limited luxury accommodations and travel infrastructure mean most tourists stay on tight budgets, keeping average spending per visitor low.

4. Malawi – $55

Malawi's low per-visitor spend reflects its appeal to eco-tourists and budget travelers. Popular for lakefront stays and wildlife experiences in national parks, the country offers affordable accommodations and activities, so even extended visits remain relatively inexpensive.

5. Kyrgyzstan – $111

Kyrgyzstan attracts adventure tourists seeking mountains, trekking, and nomadic cultural experiences. Low-cost local services, modest accommodations, and off-the-beaten-path experiences keep per-visitor spending low despite the country's growing popularity among intrepid travelers. Skyscanner cites “mountain tourism” as a key travel trend in 2026, showing that hiking locations such as Kyrgyzstan are booming in popularity.

6. Moldova – $137

Moldova's modest tourism infrastructure and low cost of living keep visitor spending low with the average tourist spending just $137 in the country. Tourists often explore wineries, historic villages, and small cities on budget-friendly day trips, visiting from neighbouring countries Romania and Ukraine, with fewer high-end lodging or luxury experience options available.

7. Angola – $155

Angola's tourism is limited by infrastructure and accessibility challenges, meaning visitors tend to stay in major cities or for short trips. Those who do visit spend moderately on accommodation and guided tours, but the overall market remains niche and cost-conscious. Guesthouses and local lodges are popular and can go for as low as $20-$40 per night.

8. Kazakhstan – $170

Kazakhstan draws adventurous travelers to its vast steppes and historic Silk Road cities. While rich in natural and cultural attractions, affordable local services, mid-range hotels, and budget-friendly transport keep the average spend per visitor relatively low. However, spend per tourist is likely to increase with the Stans becoming a more popular destination, encouraged by influencers on TikTok.

9. Mozambique – $179

Mozambique is a paradise for beach and marine tourism, yet most visitors engage in affordable eco-tourism and coastal activities. The average tourist here only spends $179 in the country. Limited luxury infrastructure outside select resorts means that per-visitor spending remains modest despite the country's natural beauty.

10. Brunei – $192

Brunei's low per-visitor spend reflects its status as a small, quiet nation with limited tourist infrastructure. Visitors often spend just $192 on average on short city tours, mosques, and cultural experiences, with few high-end accommodations or large-scale leisure options available. Many also travel to visit Ulu Temburong National Park, a key eco‑tourism destination.

How Tourist Dollars Shape the Future of Conservation

Tourism's true value can't be measured by arrivals alone. Behind every visitor receipt lies a ripple effect that can strengthen ecosystems, sustain wildlife, and empower communities, especially in Africa, where nature-based tourism is a cornerstone of both economy and conservation.

Across the continent, high-value travel funds everything from anti-poaching efforts to community conservancies. According to The Nature Conservancy, around 80% of the internal revenue for protected-area authorities in southern and eastern Africa comes from tourism, while German Corporation for International Cooperation estimates that protected areas attract 69 million visitors a year, generating over $50 billion in revenue.

At Go2Africa, this link between travel and positive impact is at the heart of what we do. Our goal is to ensure tourism creates resilient ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods that support both people and nature. Through our parent company Nawiri Group, we work with lodges, camps, and conservation organisations that share this mission, with our most recent Impact Report revealing that we generated $9.8 million for impact and nature funding in a single year.

African safari experiences are often considered expensive when compared to other types of travel because they directly fund conservation and community initiatives. Luxury lodges and camps include environmental levies and support local conservancies, anti-poaching efforts, and community projects. In this way, every dollar a visitor spends helps protect wildlife, maintain habitats, and provide sustainable income for local communities.

So while high-spend destinations may stand out on the economic charts, their true worth lies in what that money makes possible, by contributing to thriving ecosystems and empowering local communities.

Discover Destinations Where Your Visit Truly Counts

By choosing the right experiences, your travel can do more than create memories, it can leave a lasting impact on the places and people you visit.

Explore Go2Africa's tailored safaris and curated wildlife experiences, where every adventure is unforgettable and every visitor truly makes an impact.

Methodology

This analysis evaluates the economic value of inbound tourism by assessing average visitor spending rather than relying solely on arrival volumes. While international tourist arrivals are a common measure of tourism performance, they provide limited insight into the actual financial impact of travel on a destination's economy.

To capture a more accurate picture, we analyzed inbound tourism receipts, defined as the total expenditure by international visitors within a country, by looking at official tourism boards and government reports. We compared these figures with total tourist arrivals to determine the average revenue generated per tourist. This “earnings per visitor” metric highlights destinations with high-value tourism models as opposed to those driven primarily by visitor volume.

Some countries were removed due to lack of data for 2024. Data collected and analyzed in October 2025.