The country whose citizens spend the greatest amount on holidays abroad is Germany. In 2009, Germans spent $81 billion (then £51 billion) while on holiday in foreign countries according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The USA was second, with $73 billion (then £46 billion), and the UK third with $50 billion (then £31 billion).

The top 10 ranking by international tourism spenders shows one remarkable change in 2009, with China ($44 billion, £27.5 billion) overtaking France ($38 billion, £23.8 billion) and thereby moving into fourth position in the overall ranking.