France still Europe's top tourism destination

France retained its crown as the number one tourist destination in Europe last year, according to a new report.

The latest study from the European Travel Commission showed that France strengthened its leading position with a four per cent increase in tourist arrivals.

Italy also saw its visitor numbers rise by four per cent, while Germany saw its arrivals and overnight stays increase by more than three per cent.

Europe as a whole saw an increase of around 20 million in arrivals last year, which accounted for nearly half of the total world increase.

The ETC said this was "particularly impressive" as major events as tourism draws across the continent were fairly thin on the ground last year. The main attractions were the rugby World Cup in France and the America's Cup in Spain.

While major destinations continued to attract the most visitors, the strongest levels of growth were seen in Montenegro, Serbia, Iceland and Turkey.

Rob Franklin of the ETC said that emerging countries' governments were recognising the potential of tourism and investing in the industry accordingly.

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