France attracts at least 16 million more visitors than the United States in second place, with China, Spain and Italy completing the top five most visited countries.

Yet despite its overwhelming popularity as a holiday destination it seems that the French have a problem convincing visitors to part with their cash.

Some 83% of France's visitors come from other European countries, which may explain the relatively low amount spent per head. A lot of them come from neighbouring countries and often choose to camp and buy food from supermarkets, rather than filling the coffers of hotel and restaurant owners.