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Paris has once again been named the world’s most attractive urban destination, according to the annual report of global market research firm Euromonitor International.
Created in partnership with data company Lighthouse, the Top 100 Cities Destination Index 2023 examines major cities around the world and ranks them based on criteria including tourism, sustainability, economic performance, and health and safety. did.
Europe accounted for seven of the top 10 cities, with 63 countries in the top 100. The only non-European cities in the top 10 were Dubai in second place, Tokyo in fourth place, and New York in eighth place.
Madrid took third place, followed by Amsterdam, Berlin and Rome in fifth, sixth and seventh place respectively. Barcelona and London are in the top 10.
Asia fared well in the top 20 with Singapore (11th), Seoul (14th), Osaka (16th) and Hong Kong (17th) all making the list.
The report attributes Europe’s success to “rapid urbanization and widespread technology adoption.” Travelers are now demanding high-speed internet, flexible booking options, and space for remote work. Euromonitor International says: “Improving sustainability, transport networks and social impact are key goals cities are working towards today to increase their competitiveness, improve tourism services and offer seamless customer journeys. It is part of the
Tokyo entered the top 10 for the first time. According to the report, this is due to improvements in tourism infrastructure, relaxation of coronavirus-related regulations, and a weaker yen, which provides good cost performance for foreign visitors to Japan.
There are four new entrants in the top 100, all boasting improved tourism performance this year. They are Washington DC at 48th, Montreal at 68th, Santiago at 88th, and Vilnius at 92nd.
International travel continues to recover strongly, with the number of travelers expected to reach 1.3 billion by the end of 2023, and global tourism spending reaching approximately $1.7 trillion.
Alexander Spatari/Moment RF/Getty Images
International arrivals to London will increase by 17% in 2023.
Istanbul topped the list for international arrivals in 2023, followed by London and Dubai. The cities with the highest year-on-year growth rates were Hong Kong (2,495%) and Bangkok (142%), as they were among the last to reopen after the coronavirus pandemic.
However, a surge in tourist numbers can have negative effects on local communities and the environment, and it can also be a blessing. In her statement, Euromonitor International Senior Manager Nadeida Popova discussed how cities are confronting the challenge of overtourism.
“While some destinations have imposed restrictions, high taxes and reduced hotel capacity to limit the flow of tourists and protect cultural heritage, others have Some destinations are adopting a decentralization strategy that promotes remote destinations,” she said.
She predicted that rising costs of living, fluctuations in inflation, and geopolitical instability will be the biggest obstacles when it comes to tourism growth in 2024 and 2025. Consumers are looking for value-for-money travel offers, and many will opt for a satisfying vacation. A little closer to home.
The top 20 cities in Euromonitor’s Top 100 Cities Destinations Index 2023 are:
1. Paris, France
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
3. Madrid, Spain
4. Tokyo, Japan
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
6. Berlin, Germany
7. Rome, Italy
8. New York, United States
9. Barcelona, Spain
10. London, UK
11. Singapore
12. Munich, Germany
13. Milan, Italy
14. Seoul, South Korea
15. Dublin, Ireland
16. Osaka Prefecture
17. Hong Kong
18. Vienna, Austria
19. Los Angeles, United States
20. Lisbon, Portugal