According to a recent Euromonitor International report, Bangkok has ascended to the top of the global tourism ladder, surpassing London and Istanbul as the world’s most visited city.
Other notable Asian cities in the top 10 include Hong Kong (4th), Macau (8th), Kuala Lumpur (10th), and Singapore (9th). The annual report, conducted in partnership with data company Lighthouse, analysed 100 cities across six key pillars, including performance, appeal, and potential.
While Bangkok welcomed approximately 32.4 million international visitors in 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and showcasing over 30 percent growth, Istanbul secured second place with 23 million travellers, followed by London.
With Thailand’s visa-friendly policies, strong tourism strategies, and general appeal, Bangkok is quickly becoming a global favourite.
[Hero Image Credit: Robert Eklund/Unsplash; Featured Image Credit: Mos Sukjaroenkraisri/Unsplash]
Top cities of the world: Parameters, predictions, and more
The leading cities for international arrivals in 2024 include:
- Bangkok: 32.4 million visitors
- Istanbul: 23 million visitors
- London: 21.7 million visitors
- Hong Kong: 20.5 million visitor
- Mecca: 19.3 million visitors
- Antalya: 19.3 million visitors
- Dubai: 18.2 million visitors
- Macau: 18 million visitors
- Paris: 17.4 million visitors
- Kuala Lumpur: 16.5 million visitors
Although Bangkok recorded the highest number of visitors, it did not rank among the top 10 cities evaluated based on six pillars: economic and business performance, tourism, infrastructure, policies and appeal, health and safety, and sustainability. With Paris retaining its number one spot from 2023 on this list, the other top 10 cities in the world include:
- Madrid
- Tokyo
- Rome
- Milan
- New York
- Amsterdam
- Sydney
- Singapore
- Barcelona
The Euromonitor International report states that by 2030, the US, Turkey and China will witness the highest volume growth in international arrivals. Check out all the details on their official website.
This story first appeared on Travel + Leisure Thailand.
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Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked with TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found downing endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon.
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