Euromonitor International's Top 10 Cities for International Tourists in 2025

Euromonitor International has released its latest ranking, which analyzes the performance of global cities over the past twelve months. This assessment considers several crucial factors, including the sheer volume of international arrivals, the quality of local tourism infrastructure, economic growth momentum, and overall sustainability efforts. A notable trend emerging from this year's results is the clear dominance of major Asian metropolitan areas, signaling a significant shift in global traveler preferences toward Eastern cultural hubs and burgeoning commercial centers.

Leaders in International Arrivals

Bangkok, Thailand, firmly secures the top position based on visitor volume, welcoming an impressive 30.3 million international guests. The city maintains this leading edge through a combination of strategic tourism planning, excellent accessibility, and a vast array of experiences on offer. Its vibrant street life, world-renowned culinary scene, and rapidly expanding hotel capacity continue to draw travelers, cementing its status as a premier destination across Asia.

Hong Kong (China) follows closely in second place, recording 23.2 million international arrivals—a figure that remarkably triples its resident population. This demonstrates the city’s enduring appeal as a global financial and travel gateway.

London, United Kingdom, rounds out the top three, claiming the title of Europe’s most visited destination with 22.7 million visitors. Its magnetic pull stems from a rich tapestry of cultural activities, iconic historical landmarks, and a year-round calendar of engaging festivals.

Further down the list, Macau (China) registers 20.4 million visits, largely driven by its reputation as a global epicenter for high-end gaming and luxury resort experiences. Following closely is Istanbul, Turkey, which hosted 19.7 million travelers. Istanbul captivates guests with its unique geographical position straddling Europe and Asia, its deep historical roots, and its famed Eastern hospitality.

Dubai, UAE, continues to impress with 19.5 million tourists, showcasing its commitment to futuristic architecture, exemplified by structures like the Burj Khalifa, alongside its massive, world-class shopping malls. Mecca, Saudi Arabia, recorded 18.7 million arrivals, a number heavily influenced by religious tourism and substantial governmental investment aimed at enhancing pilgrimage infrastructure.

Antalya, Turkey, remains a Mediterranean favorite, attracting 18.6 million visitors, primarily recognized for its superb beach resorts and family-oriented vacation offerings. Paris, France, lands in the ninth spot with 18.3 million arrivals. While its raw arrival numbers are slightly lower, Paris scores exceptionally high on the overall index due to its flawless tourism infrastructure, dedication to sustainable practices, and the timeless cultural allure of sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.

Completing the top ten is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, hosting 17.3 million tourists, drawn by its striking skyline featuring the Petronas Twin Towers, lush tropical parks, and a dynamic urban environment.

Global Trends and Ranking Significance

The strong showing of Asian cities, securing three of the top five spots, underscores the success of proactive measures taken by nations like Thailand, China, and Malaysia in areas such as visa liberalization policies and targeted international marketing campaigns. These efforts are clearly paying dividends in attracting global travelers.

Europe maintains a robust presence, largely thanks to the cultural diversity represented by Turkey, which features two cities in the ranking, alongside the consistent popularity of perennial favorites London and Paris. Analysts anticipate that the trend toward experiential travel—journeys focused on deep personal engagement—will accelerate in 2026. Furthermore, increased emphasis on digital booking technologies and sustainability initiatives is expected to shape future travel patterns.

For the everyday traveler, this ranking serves as a practical guide. Bangkok offers energy and local color, Dubai provides an atmosphere of opulence, and Istanbul delivers cultural authenticity and immersion. Analysts attribute the overall 8 to 10 percent increase in international arrivals compared to 2024 figures to a combination of more affordable air travel options and the strong resurgence of organized group tourism.