France is still the most popular tourist destination in the world

France has managed to stay the most popular holiday destination in the world, despite challenges like recent terrorist attacks.

More than 82.5 million tourists visited France in 2016, meaning it kept its most popular title, despite visitor figures being down from 85 million in 2015.

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A number of high profile attacks in Paris, Nice and Rouen contributed to the decrease. And, just last week an Egyptian man carrying a machete was shot after he attacked soldiers outside the Louvre, the world's most-visited museum.

According to Travel and Leisure, the French government last year announced that it planned to spend 10 million euro on a tourism advertising campaign to battle negative effects from attacks, and aimed to attract 100 million tourists by 2020.

According to The Local, foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned that "a great deal of work remains to be done to ensure France remains a global destination."

He added: "France has suffered as a destination. 2016 was an exceptional year, with attacks, storms and strikes.

"There was a definite impact, especially on Japanese tourists."

On Thursday, officials in Paris announced plans to build bullet-proof glass walls to protect the Eiffel Tower from potential attacks.

Despite this, the beauty of the country is still attracting visitors more than any other destination globally. And it's no surprise; One of the most stunning, culturally rich and well-known countries of the world, France offers something for everyone any time of year. Whether you fancy a city break in Paris or Marseille, a ski holiday in the French Alps, a relaxing rural escape in Bordeaux or Brittany, or soaking up the sun in the glamour of the Riviera, the country is diverse enough to give you any type of holiday you wish.

The United States was the second most popular destination in the world.