How Schengen Country Including France, Italy, Spain, Turkey And Germany Boosting The Travel Industry With New Visa-Free Entry Policy For 91 Countries?

How Schengen Country Including France, Italy, Spain, Turkey And Germany Boosting The Travel Industry With New Visa-Free Entry Policy For 91 Countries?

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The Schengen Zone’s visa-free access for 91 countries boosted tourism in 2023, welcoming 395.9 million visitors. France led with 100 million tourists, showcasing its allure.

The Schengen Zone, encompassing the member countries, allows travelers from 91 countries including the Schengen countries to visit without a visa, significantly boosting regional tourism. In 2023, Schengen countries collectively welcomed over 0.3959 billion international visitors, with a substantial contribution from these visa-exempt nations. France led the way, attracting a remarkable 10,00,00,000 tourists. This influx highlights the enduring allure and cultural richness of the Schengen countries on the global tourism stage.

Among top 10 countries, 7 Schengen countries top the list as the most number of tourist arrivals globally

Country Tourists (in millions) France 100.0 Spain 85.1 Italy 57.2 Turkey 55.2 Germany 34.8 Greece 32.7 Austria 30.9

France with over 100 Million tourist is poised to retain its top spot as the world’s most popular destination for international arrivals this year. Research by WTTC and ForwardKeys shows that arrivals in the first half of 2024 are at 93% of 2019 levels, underscoring France’s leading position. The surge in international arrivals boosts the sector, which at its peak contributed €220 billion to the economy and supported 2.7 million jobs. Orly Airport saw a 28% increase in passenger capacity, while Charles de Gaulle remains the busiest airport with 18.5 million passengers. France is particularly popular among Spanish and Canadian travelers, with arrivals exceeding 2019 levels by over 64% and 54%, respectively. Irish and South Korean visitor numbers have also risen, up by 19% and 16%, respectively. Additionally, travelers are spending more, with premium cabin bookings up 21% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

In addition to the leading Schengen countries, the United States attracted 66.5 million tourists, showcasing its popularity as a top global destination. Mexico followed with 42.2 million visitors, and the United Kingdom welcomed 37.2 million tourists, emphasizing their strong presence in the international tourism market.

Countries That Can Visit Schengen Countries Without a Visa

Argentina North Macedonia Timor-Leste United States of America Trinidad and Tobago Georgia Barbados South Korea Uruguay Peru Albania New Zealand Venezuela Honduras Brazil Antigua and Barbuda Paraguay Taiwan Serbia Japan Canada Colombia San Marino El Salvador Andorra Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Mexico Seychelles Saint Kitts and Nevis Solomon Islands Malaysia Bosnia and Herzegovina Palau United Kingdom Guatemala Vatican City Kosovo* (*Kosovo passport holders should be exempt starting in 2024) Bahamas Israel Saint Lucia Australia Costa Rica Chile United Arab Emirates Micronesia Samoa Marshall Islands Montenegro Singapore Brunei Darussalam Panama Dominica Moldova Monaco Kiribati Grenada Mauritius Nicaragua Tuvalu Fiji Turkey Ukraine

The Schengen Area, consisting of 29 European countries, is a prime destination for travelers worldwide. Among these nations, you will find a blend of rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. The Nordic countries boast breathtaking natural beauty and a reputation for high quality of life. Several countries are known for their vibrant cities and impressive architecture, while others provide a mix of historical landmarks and world-renowned cuisine. Unique landscapes, historical significance, and cultural richness further enhance the appeal of the Schengen Area. With picturesque settings, distinctive heritage, and unique cultural experiences, these countries attract millions of tourists annually. Many are known for their beautiful coastlines and historic towns, sustainable living, and intriguing histories.

The diverse and inviting Schengen countries are

Austria Portugal France Greece Latvia Finland Germany The Netherlands Belgium Italy Iceland Czechia Estonia Slovakia Norway Switzerland Spain Lithuania Luxemburg Hungary Sweden Malta Bulgaria Poland Croatia Slovenia Denmark Romenia Liechtenstein

According to the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer for this year, global tourism in 2023 reached 88% of the levels seen before the pandemic, with approximately 1.3 billion international arrivals. In 2023, Schengen countries collectively welcomed over 0.3959 billion international visitors, showcasing their continued appeal and resilience in the tourism sector.

The Schengen Area allows over 425 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals residing or visiting the EU, to move freely across member states without border checks. This freedom of movement lets EU citizens travel, work, and live in any EU country without special formalities. Schengen ensures this by eliminating border checks within the area.

“I think the Schengen Zone’s visa-free access for travelers from 90 countries has significantly boosted tourism, making it a premier destination. France, in particular, stands out as the most popular, showcasing the cultural richness of the region. However, I believe it’s crucial to recognize that global warming poses a serious threat to this booming industry. If we don’t take action, the adverse effects of climate change could severely impact the travel and tourism sector.” :said TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan

Currently, the Schengen Area includes most EU countries, except Cyprus and Ireland. As of March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania have joined, allowing air and sea border crossings without checks, though a decision on internal land borders is still pending. Additionally, non-EU countries Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are also part of the Schengen Area.

Top Tourist Spot in Schengen Countries

France

Eiffel Tower, Paris: The iconic iron lattice tower in Paris, offering stunning views of the city. Louvre Museum, Paris: The world’s largest art museum, home to the Mona Lisa and countless other masterpieces. Palace of Versailles, Versailles: A grand former royal residence with lavish gardens and historic significance. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy: A breathtaking island commune with an ancient abbey rising above the sea. Côte d’Azur (French Riviera): A glamorous Mediterranean coastline known for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts.

Spain

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona: Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished basilica, a masterpiece of modernist architecture. Alhambra, Granada: A stunning palace and fortress complex showcasing Moorish architecture. Park Güell, Barcelona: A whimsical park designed by Gaudí, featuring colorful mosaics and unique structures. Seville Cathedral, Seville: The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, housing the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Prado Museum, Madrid: Spain’s premier art museum, boasting an extensive collection of European masterpieces.

Italy

Colosseum, Rome: The ancient amphitheater, a symbol of Rome’s grandeur and gladiatorial history. Venice Canals, Venice: A network of picturesque waterways, navigated by iconic gondolas. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa: The famously tilted bell tower, an architectural marvel. Vatican Museums, Vatican City: A treasure trove of art and history, including the Sistine Chapel. Amalfi Coast, Campania: A stunning coastal area known for its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and scenic beauty.

Turkey

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul: A historic basilica-turned-mosque, now a museum showcasing Byzantine architecture. Cappadocia, Central Anatolia: A unique landscape of fairy chimneys and cave dwellings, best viewed from a hot air balloon. Blue Mosque, Istanbul: A stunning Ottoman-era mosque known for its blue tiles and six minarets. Pamukkale, Denizli: A natural wonder featuring terraces of thermal waters cascading over white travertine formations. Ephesus, İzmir: Ancient ruins of a once-great city, including the well-preserved Library of Celsus.

Germany

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin: A neoclassical monument symbolizing German reunification. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria: A fairy-tale castle perched on a rugged hill, inspiring Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Oktoberfest, Munich: The world’s largest beer festival, attracting millions of visitors each year. Berlin Wall, Berlin: Remnants of the historic wall that once divided East and West Berlin. Cologne Cathedral, Cologne: A stunning Gothic cathedral with twin spires and a rich history.

Greece

Acropolis, Athens: An ancient citadel with iconic structures like the Parthenon, overlooking Athens. Santorini, Cyclades: A picturesque island known for its white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets. Meteora Monasteries, Thessaly: Monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, offering breathtaking views. Mykonos, Cyclades: A vibrant island famous for its nightlife, beaches, and charming old town. Delphi, Phocis: An archaeological site with ruins of an ancient sanctuary, once considered the center of the world.

Austria

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna: A former imperial summer residence with beautiful gardens and opulent rooms. Hofburg Palace, Vienna: The former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty, now a museum complex. Salzburg’s Old Town, Salzburg: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its baroque architecture and being Mozart’s birthplace. Hallstatt, Salzkammergut: A picturesque village by a lake, surrounded by mountains, often referred to as the “most beautiful village in the world.” St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna: An iconic Gothic cathedral with a striking multi-colored tile roof.

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