The most visited cities in the world
MasterCard has released the annual Global Destination Cities Index, which shows the popularity of cities, countries and regions among travelers. The index tracks the growth and decline in demand for destinations and allows you to evaluate the results of local tourism development activities and industry prospects.
In 2018, Bangkok headed the list, which was the leader in the last ranking. Most likely, in 2019, the position of the Thai capital will not change. An obvious leadership among the territories remains in the Asia-Pacific region, which is an area of interest for both lovers of traditional holidays and business travelers. Next comes Europe. It remains the center of all varieties of tourism. In terms of visitor spending, Dubai came first. The average visitor to this city spends $ 537 per day.
So, in this article you can see the most visited cities in the world that are most in demand among foreigners according to MasterCard.
20. Bali (Indonesia) – 8.3 million guests
The island of Bali is a kind of tourist and economic miracle that has “jumped out” to the first position in terms of attendance in recent decades. In the absence of a wide historical baggage, Bali is saved by the first-class infrastructure, financial accessibility of the island and the continuing trend for exotic travel.
19. Osaka (Japan) – 8.42 million guests
Osaka is the 14th most populated city in the world. It is located on the shores of Honshu Island, and locals welcome guests from other countries with energy, optimism, sociability and cheerfulness. There is enough hospitality for everyone, because for every foreign guest, according to official figures, there are 2 residents of the city.
18. Pattaya (Thailand) – 8.67 million guests
Pattaya is simple: azure water, pristine beaches, the brightest nature and exotic atmosphere. This place is popular all over the world. Extended rating data suggests that Pattaya’s position is partly due to Russian tourists. Here, as well as in Phuket and Antalya, guests from Russia are the most generous.
17. Barcelona (Spain) – 8.69 million guests
Barcelona continues the trend of traditional tourist centers. 8 million people come here annually to visit historical and cultural centers, attend Barcelona matches, get acquainted with Catalan traditions and immerse themselves in Mediterranean life. Barcelona remains an affordable option. It is not included in the top 10 in the total volume of visitors’ expenses for the year..
16. Palma de Mallorca (Spain) – 8.78 million visitors
Another super popular resort all over the world. This 16th most visited city is ahead of the total amount of money that tourists spend in it, Phuket, Pattaya and Bali. An average day in Palma de Mallorca costs a guest $ 220. Over the year, an amount of $ 11.96 billion is gained.
15. Milan (Italy) – 8.81 million guests
Milan holds the status of the European capital of fashion, culture and sports, but due to a shift in business interest in favor of London and non-European capitals, it occupies only 15th place in the ranking. Given the abundance of traditional resources for recreation and the stable demand for Italy among tourists, it is not worth expecting a big change in indicators next year.
14. Hong Kong (China) – 9.03 million guests
A city with the largest economy, its own laws, a gambling zone and a rich history does not remain aloof from world attention. Despite the expensive life in Hong Kong, he does not make it to the top 10 cities in terms of the total cost of guests examined by MasterCard.
13. Mecca (Saudi Arabia) – 9.18 million guests
Mecca is a special city on this list, which has become one of the most popular among foreigners due to its own cultural status. Millions of Muslim pilgrims annually go to the holy city, and, according to the forecast of the compilers of the index, their number in 2018 will grow by 7.4%. Mecca is the second city after Dubai in terms of the total amount of money spent – $ 18.45 billion. But the daily expenses of a tourist here are much more modest – only $ 135.
12. Phuket (Thailand) – 9.29 million guests
The Thai province, which has become one of the symbols of exotic beach vacations in recent decades, is one of the twenty most visited cities and holds the 10th place in terms of the total amount of money spent by guests – $ 10.46 billion per year. This is $ 239 per day per person..
11. Antalya (Turkey) – 9.42 million guests
Antalya is one of those cities that “makes cash” due to its relatively narrow specialization. Beach tourism has such a role in the economy that other industries are invisible. Given the numbers received by MasterCard, we can say that Antalya is the main resort in the world for those who want to spend a vacation under the Mediterranean sun.
10. Seoul (South Korea) – 9.54 million guests
Seoul is rightfully included in the most visited cities in the world. The tourist traffic of the South Korean capital is formed thanks to visitors with traditional travel goals and business trips. There are many major events, exhibitions and conferences. On average, people come here for 4.2 nights, and daily tourist spending is $ 181.
Seoul is one of the five largest cities in the world and the ranking of the most “smart” metropolitan areas. South Korea is one of the leaders in list of countries with the best conditions for digital entrepreneurship, which we published earlier.
9. Istanbul (Turkey) – 10.7 million guests
As a result of the merger of the two cultures and continents on the shores of the Bosphorus, Istanbul has become a metropolis with a gigantic historical background. The main demand of foreigners is a usual type of recreation, but in the total share there are a lot of business guests.
The capital of Turkey is one of the most affordable cities in the top twenty. The average visitor is late in Istanbul for 5.8 nights, and every day it costs $ 108.
8. Tokyo (Japan) – 11.93 million guests
Tokyo is a business card and the main target of foreign visitors to Japan. Technology, an extraordinary youth culture, mental devotion, respect for history and, of course, the economic miracle of the 21st century – this is one of the successful recipes for a city that wants to attract 12 million tourists a year. Guests stay in Tokyo for 6.5 nights and spend $ 154 daily.
7. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) – 12.58 million guests
Technically, Kuala Lumpur has to be visited by every person who comes to Malaysia, whether it be a resort tourist or a digital businessman. The average visitor takes 5.5 nights and $ 124 per day to solve personal issues, inspect skyscrapers and taste exotic cuisine.
6. New York (USA) – 13.13 million guests
The most visited cities in the world and New York are things that are not separable. The city of dreams, the business center of the USA, the empire of skyscrapers – all this is the “Big Apple”. Whoever doesn’t come to the 8th most populated city in the world and the largest US city: businessmen, artists, ordinary travelers and, of course, hunters for the “American dream”. Stay in New York for 8.3 nights, spending $ 147 per day.
5. Singapore – 13.91 million guests
It is not the first year that Singapore claims to be the business capital of the planet. The economic miracle of the country, futuristic views and attractions contribute to the large tourist traffic. They come to the capital of the same country for 4.3 nights. Guests spend $ 286 per day.
4. Dubai (UAE) – 15.79 million guests
The phenomenal city that has appeared and continues to grow in the middle of the Arabian deserts is one of the main tourist centers of the 21st century. The city combines exotic, luxury and pleasant climate, which is important for vacationers.
Dubai often becomes a platform for discussing major business transactions. True, the capital of the Emirates is the most expensive city for tourists. You have to spend about $ 537 dollars daily. Average stay is 3.5 nights.
3. Paris (France) – 17.44 million guests
The romantic halo of Paris would allow him to take a place in this twenty and without significance for European and world business. Just wanting to see the Eiffel Tower would be enough to cross the threshold of 10 million tourists.
2. London (Great Britain) – 19.83 million guests
The most visited cities in the world can not do without London. This is history, reputable educational institutions, world famous locations, major sporting events, global business meetings and much more. Visitors to the English capital stay for 5.8 nights and spend $ 153 per day, despite the general high cost of living.
1. Bangkok (Thailand) – 20.05 million guests
Bangkok in the 21st century became one of the tourist meccas. This determines the position of Bangkok in the MasterCard ranking. Thailand remains in demand among guests from all over the world. Moreover, the country is making efforts to develop infrastructure and expand the industry. Tourists spend 4.7 nights in the Thai capital and spend $ 173 each day.
Similar entries:
Similar articles
- The safest cities in the world – Top 25
If you do not want to often encounter a gop-stop and constantly check whether your wallet is in place, then for a trip or move you need to choose this…
- The cheapest cities in Europe – infographics and list of cities
If you are looking for a cheap place to go for a weekend break, check out our infographic for the cheapest cities in Europe. This will probably help you….
- The best cities in Europe to visit
The best cities of Europe Despite globalization and the rapid development of cities in all parts of the planet, Europe remains a cultural and historical center….
Which city in the top 20 most visited cities list would you recommend to someone looking for a mix of cultural landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food options?