50 Most-Visited Cities in the World

Which cities in the world are the most often visited? That is a question Euromonitor International asks — and answers — each year.

Researching the arrival records of more than 400 cities around the globe, the organization determines the most popular destinations on Earth. Form historic centers in Europe to up-and-coming hot spots in Asia to long-time favorites in the United States, find out which places top the 2019 ranking.

How many will you be adding to your bucket list?

50: Dublin, Ireland

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2019 Arrivals: 5.5 million*

Year-Over-Year Growth: 4.8%

It’s easy to see why this city remains one of Europe’s, and the world’s, biggest draws. Here, you can walk along brick-lined streets and still see pubs and shops that have existed for generations, interspersed with hot new restaurants and fast-paced businesses.

This combination of old and new lends Dublin a quaintness not found in many of the cities on this list. Even in the face of a 4.5 percent VAT increase that’s affected the hospitality industry, Dublin isn’t going anywhere.

*Numbers reflect visitors staying a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of less than 12 months.

49: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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2019 Arrivals: 5.5 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 3.5%

Euromonitor found an increased focus on tourism offerings in the Middle East, and highlighted Riyadh as a city in the region investing heavily to lure travelers.

Riyadh witnessed a decline in arrivals between 2017 and 2018 due to an exodus of oil and energy expats and rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Visa fees for pilgrims to visit Mecca and Medina also increased.

To combat the decline, the country offered a new visa to open the country to more international leisure travelers and pushed for more entertainment options, even hosting the first WWW wrestling match to help shake its image as a conservative country.

Healthy growth in 2019 makes it clear the efforts worked.

48: Ha Long, Vietnam

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2019 Arrivals: 6.2 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 18%

For years, Vietnam was hidden behind a Communist cloud, which kept tourists from visiting. With new visa programs, however, it showed it was ready to welcome travelers with open arms. The result? A robust 18 percent growth in arrivals in 2019.

Ha Long, or Halong, has become especially popular with the Chinese, as it’s close to the border and easy to get to for weekend jaunts and excursions. The bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 1,600 limestone islands that jut from a green-blue sea. Plus, travelers from the west who fly into Hanoi can easily get to Ha Long by bus in less than two hours.

47: Madrid, Spain

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2019 Arrivals: 5.6 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 2.9%

As its sister sister of Barcelona decries an influx of tourists, Madrid, Spain’s largest city and capital, has remained quiet, happily accepting those who want to experience its amazing culture, food and nightlife that goes well into the wee hours.

Madrid did impose a ban earlier in 2019 to prevent Airbnb rentals to apartments and homes without private entrances, shutting down more than 10,000 units, but that change was more a safety and hospitality business alteration that had little impact on travelers.

Not only did Madrid experience minor growth this year, but Spain as a country is set to break tourism records with 83.4 million visitors, according to “The New York Times.”

46: Venice, Italy

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2019 Arrivals: 5.6 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 1.6%

Although Venice did experience growth in 2019, it was extremely mild for the Italian canal site, which dropped two ranking points since 2018. Venice’s decline may be attributable to a travel term that’s nabbed headlines in recent years: “overtourism.” Even Bloomberg said in November, “Tourists ruined Venice.”

The group of islands that make up Venice, connected by bridges, is just 160 square miles — pretty small for taking in 5.6 million people. The population of the city is under 300,000, meaning tourists outnumber locals to a staggering degree in the 1,200-year-old city.

What will happen to tourism in 2020 as the sinking city that is just 3 feet above sea level continues to experience massive floods?

45: Moscow, Russia

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2019 Arrivals: 6 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 8.3%

Trapped behind the Iron Curtain for more than 45 years when it was part of the Soviet Union, Russia continues to fascinate people today, drawing curious travelers who want to glimpse cities once forbidden to outsiders.

Moscow is the economic, historic and cultural center of what is today the world’s largest country, attracting both leisure and business travelers, including many from China.

The city’s Festival Journey to Christmas has become a wildly popular winter celebration, but Moscow is an interesting place to explore year-round and is pacing to continue to grow in arrivals in 2020.

44: Orlando, Florida

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2019 Arrivals: 5.7 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 3.1%

The Land of the Mouse, Orlando is home to the world’s most popular theme park — Walt Disney World — where five Disney theme parks are all in place alongside two Universal Orlando theme parks, numerous water parks, and plenty more family fun and entertainment. Add in the fact that Orlando calls sunny Florida home, offering warm temperatures for anyone wanting a break from snow in the winter months, and it’s not hard to grasp why it remains one of the most-visited cities in the United States.

But it’s not all fun and games! Orlando attracts big business in the form of conferences and events, enticing companies with low prices and direct flights from multiple cities. And when workers come for business, many tack on additional days for the pleasure portion, even bringing their families in what has been coined “bleisure” travel.

43: Athens, Greece

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2019 Arrivals: 6.3 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 10%

Greece has witnessed a wild decade of economic tribulations following a financial and government-debt crisis that hit hardest in 2010, when the country had to ask for its first bailout. Troubles continue, yet tourism is on the rise. Part of the EU, Greek’s currency is the Euro, but as the residents of the country struggle, prices on hotels, restaurants and shops have dropped. And tourists are taking advantage.

But this is a mutual benefit: Tourism is found to make up nearly 25 percent of Greece’s gross domestic product. Centuries later, the place that gave birth to Western civilization remains as intriguing to travelers as ever.

42: Cairo, Egypt

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2019 Arrivals: 6.8 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 18.3%

Egypt’s tourism experienced a major slump in 2018, which the country used as a driver to improve for 2019. Euromonitor called the tourism turnaround impressive, as Cairo jumped eight places to its No. 42 ranking.

Cairo’s strong investment in the restoration of its historic sites and development of current infrastructure is paying off: It is the fourth most-visited city in the Middle East and Africa region. Join the growing throngs if you want to experience an intriguing mix of chaotic big-city action and ancient landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza.

41: Berlin, Germany

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2019 Arrivals: 6.2 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 4%

As French Culture Minister Jack Lang once said, “Paris is always Paris, and Berlin is never Berlin.” This is due to the city’s fast-paced growth and ever-changing offerings, as it continues to evolve into a major player on the global stage.

Few cities can match Berlin’s mix of history — dark and traumatic at many turns — and progressive spirit, with a nightlife scene that rarely stops buzzing and a flair for bold, thought-provoking art.

40: Cancun, Mexico

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2019 Arrivals: 6.2 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 1.8%

The most visited city in Mexico, Cancun is also Latin America’s most-visited destination.

This beach destination on the Yucatan is perhaps best known for its posh resorts and hotels. But travelers from around the world also come to enjoy the city’s nightlife, water sports, historical ruins and year-round warm weather. Tourists from the neighboring United States are particularly keen to venture to Cancun’s sandy shores.

39: Jaipur, India

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2019 Arrivals: 7.6 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 18.5%

The capital of India’s Rajasthan state, Jaipur is nicknamed the “Pink City” for its pink-hued buildings, including majestic sites like City Palace (circa 1732 AD), Nahargarh Fort (circa 1734; shown) and Hawa Mahal (circa 1799). More than awash in pink, Jaipur also touts the golden Jal Mahal (circa 18th century), Albert Gall Museum (1887) and Galtaji (circa 15th century).

Jaipur moved up five spots in the rankings over 2018, and has increased 29 places since 2013. This is, clearly, a tourist city very much on the rise.

38: Johor Bahru, Malysia

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2019 Arrivals: 7.2 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 13%

Separated by Singapore by just 14 miles, Johor Bahru is quickly making a name for itself as a destination worth visiting in its own right, climbing three spots from 2018 and eight places since 2013. Johor Bahru is touted for being a cheaper version of Singapore, which continues to grow more and more popular — a game of supply and demand, so to speak.

Due to exchange rates, a U.S. dollar is worth 50 cents more in Johor Bahru than in Singapore. And who doesn’t love a good deal?

37: Vienna, Austria

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2019 Arrivals: 6.6 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 3.5%

Though Vienna is still growing in visitors year-over-year, it’s been losing some ground to destinations like Croatia, Slovenia and Sweden. According to Euromonitor, this is because travelers are desiring a “newer, more localized” experience and fewer crowds. Airlines are making it easier to visit these destinations, as well.

As a result, Vienna has slipped two spots since 2018 and eight spots since 2013. Still, 6.6 million people is a good amount of people coming to take advantage of the city’s many offerings, which range from the historic (a.k.a old) Hapsburg palaces and structures to modern restaurants on the cutting edge of cuisine.

36: Chennai, India

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2019 Arrivals: 5 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 23.5%

Chennai is yet another Indian city shooting up Euromonitor’s list, climbing five spots over last year. The city is located on the Bay of Bengal, which supplies miles and miles of beaches on its Coromandel Coast, the most popular of which is Marina Beach at 8.1 miles.

Cultural tourism is credited with the rise in visits, as people descend upon the 400-year-old city to experience its temples and churches. With a population of more than 47 million people, 5 million visitors is just a drop in the bucket for this destination referred to as the “Gateway to the South.”

35: Milan, Italy

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2019 Arrivals: 6.6 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 1.9%

The northern Italian city of Milan is known as one of the world’s fashion capitals. It’s also a metropolis filled with business and convention travelers alongside the many leisure visitors who just want a glimpse at its iconic gothic cathedral, the Duomo di Milano.

Travel growth to Milan is slight, just 1.9 percent in 2019 and 2.1 percent in 2018, but it’s there. In addition to its cathedral, the city is home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting, “The Last Supper,” which is safely preserved for viewing at Santa Maria delle Grazie.

34: Las Vegas, Nevada

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2019 Arrivals: 6.6 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: .7%

After years of head-spinning growth, Vegas tourism is slowing down a bit. Yet still, it remains a powerhouse: The majority of visitors to Las Vegas occupy hotel rooms at a 94.5 percent capacity, and the room taxes for overnight guests alone account for $282.6 million!

While new mega-resorts are fewer and farther between these days, the Strip is poised to welcome a splashy addition next year: the multi-billion-dollar, Asian-themed Resorts World Vegas. Perhaps it’ll lead to more robust growth for the city in the coming years.

33: Barcelona, Spain

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2019 Arrivals: 7 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 4.5%

In the face of an overtourism crisis, Barcelona has fully been on the attack as of late, placing restrictions on attractions and accommodations.

In 2013, the city began charging admission to Parc Guell, a World Heritage Site, in an effort to control the crowds. (It remains free for residents of the city.) In 2019, it banned Airbnb rentals to rooms that did not have a private entrance, to prevent citizens from renting out rooms and to further keep numbers down.

The efforts are working: Tourism may be up this year, but it’s cooled off a bit since last year, when it grew by 6.8 percent.

32: Denpasar, Indonesia

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2019 Arrivals: 8.6 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 19.4%

Denpasar is the hub and capital of Bali, the Indonesian island that has long been a dream trip for tourists. Even if the city isn’t where the majority of the people are headed — that would be the beaches — it still manages to draw sizable crowds to experience its temples, museums, entertainment avenues and assault of colors, scents and sounds. It’s a big mover and shaker on the list, rising four spots in 2019 and 13 places in 2018.

Alas, while exciting, this tourism boom has resulted in some concerns over sustainability, leading Bali to make changes to try to protect its natural assets.

31: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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2019 Arrivals: 8.2 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 14%

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City was once off-limits to many travelers, especially those from the United States following the Vietnam War. It took nearly 10 years for the country to change its visa policy and to welcome tourism dollars, and still more time for U.S. citizens to consider it as a worthy travel destination.

These days, though, American tourists are arriving in droves as they look to learn about the war from a new perspective while experiencing staggering natural landscapes and interacting with famously friendly locals.

30: Shanghai, China

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2019 Arrivals: 7.7 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 3.5%

Shanghai is a draw to both Chinese and international visitors. The Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration is actively chasing larger destinations like Paris and Tokyo in an effort to become one of the most-visited cities in the world.

Besides its role as a thriving business center, the city touts the Shanghai Disney Resort, which welcomed 10 million visitors within the first year after it opened (in 2016) and continues to draw crowds.

29: Los Angeles, California

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2019 Arrivals: 7.7 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 3%

L.A. lands high on the list despite Euromonitor only accounting for the city proper. If one were to add the Greater Los Angeles area that includes parts of Orange County, San Bernardino County and Riverside County, it surely would be in an even higher position.

Still, the city itself offers plenty for tourists to love, especially following recent developments in the downtown area. Once overlooked, this neighborhood is now home to some of the region’s most interesting restaurants and nightlife venues.

28: Osaka, Japan

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2019 Arrivals: 9 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 14.5%

Tokyo may be the more famous and most-visited of Japan’s cities, but pacing not far behind is the country’s “second city” of Osaka. Not only does Euromonitor record more than 14 percent growth over last year, but according to Reuters, foreign visitors to Osaka increased five-fold between 2012 and 2017. Impressive!

With restrictions on visas lifted, the Chinese and other foreign tourists are enjoying their chance to see this charming city, and to explore the nearby Buddhist temples of Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. (It ranks No. 67 on this list.)

27: Miami, Florida

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2019 Arrivals: 8.3 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 2.7%

When Henry Flager took the railroad to Miami in 1896, he opened the United States to the Caribbean. Ever since, the city has remained hot as a leisure destination.

With its close proximity to the islands of the Caribbean, especially Cuba and Puerto Rico, Miami became a Latin American hub and is today the state capital. Its white-sand beaches, considered among the best in the country, pair beautifully with an exciting nightlife and live-music scene, not to mention some seriously flavorful cuisine.

Not only is Miami a gateway to Central and South America, but its Latin culture has made it a leading city for Hispanic business. The growth here may seem slight, but it is steady.

26: Agra, India

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2019 Arrivals: 10.1 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 24.4%

The Taj Mahal is one of the word’s most romantic gestures, built by an emperor as a tribute to his lost love. The towering mausoleum, constructed in the 1600s, is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre and is considered one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It happens to be located in Agra, a city about two hours south of New Delhi.

New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur make up what is considered the Golden Triangle of India, which is the most popular tour route in India, further helping Agra to land high on this list.

25: Amsterdam, Netherlands

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2019 Arrivals: 8.8 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 5.8%

Amsterdam considers itself to be a Dutch Silicon Valley, as it’s home to nearly 600 companies in the tech field. But even as it grows as a business hub, it hasn’t forsaken its identity as a major player in tourism.

A growing number of direct flights to Amsterdam are making it easier than ever to explore the city’s pedestrian- and bike-friendly transportation, as well as its myriad nightlife and entertainment options.

Things may slow down a bit soon, though: In 2019, the Netherlands Tourist Board announced it will stop promoting Amsterdam — and the country — as a vacation destination, in part due to travelers getting a little too into the party scene, and irritating locals as a result.

24: Seoul, South Korea

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2019 Arrivals: 9.1 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 8%

South Korea’s travel boom stems from the country opening its borders, not only to international travelers but to its own people who were not allowed to come or go without government approval until 1988. By 2018, nearly 28.7 million South Koreans traveled abroad as 15.3 million people from around the global headed into the country.

In 1988, the country also opened its doors to the Summer Olympics, which took place in the capital of Seoul. Today, the city remains an enticing option for travelers, marrying ancient shrines and temples with modern shopping, exciting dining and big-city bustle.

23: Medina, Saudi Arabia

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2019 Arrivals: 8.8 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 3.2%

Medina is the birthplace of the first Muslim community following Muhammad’s flight from Mecca. It is also home to Muhammad’s tomb, within the Prophet’s Mosque. Although only Muslims are allowed into the city’s central area, many travelers still make a pilgrimage here.

Ramadan, taking place during the ninth Islamic calendar month, is a month-long period of prayer, reflection and fasting. This time draws millions to both Medina and Mecca every year.

22: Prague, Czech Republic

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2019 Arrivals: 9.2 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 1.6%

Along with the other Communist countries held behind the Iron Curtain was the Czech Republic. At that time, it was conjoined with Slovakia as Czechoslovakia, and it’s only been its own country since 1993.

We’re not saying it was Tom Cruise who spurred travel to the capital city of Prague, but ever since the movie star launched his “Mission: Impossible” franchise in the haunting setting of Old Town and the Charles Bridge, tourism has been on the rise. Prague may have had only minor growth in 2019, but it’s consistently held its ground as one of the world’s most-visited cities.

21: Guangzhou, China

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2019 Arrivals: 9 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 0%

Guangzhou, or Canton, is China’s third-largest city and its busiest trading center due to its location on the Pearl River Delta. In order to reach Guangzhou by boat, travelers have to pass Macao and Hong Kong, both of which are among the most-visited cities in the world. (We’ll get to them later.)

More than just a thriving port, Guangzhou lures visitors with its sleek skyscrapers and top-notch food scene. The dim sum in particular is not to be missed!

20: Mecca, Saudi Arabia

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2019 Arrivals: 9.8 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 2.8%

For Muslims, Medina is considered the second holiest city and this is considered the holiest, hence its slightly higher placement on the list. Here, Muslim travelers from around the world come to celebrate the Prophet Muhammad at his place of birth.

Again, only Muslims may enter Mecca to pray at its massive mosque, Masjid al-Haram, and at the Kaaba, the cube-shaped building that contains a sacred black stone. The Kaaba is so spiritually significant that Muslims face its fixed direction when praying.

19: Taipei, Taiwan

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2019 Arrivals: 9.9 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 4%

This modern city is dominated by the Taipei 101 skyscraper (it actually has 106 floors) and is filled with upscale shopping, fantastic street food and ancient Chinese museums and buildings. It’s also considered the friendliest city in the world. No wonder it cracks the top 20!

18: Pattaya, Thailand

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2019 Arrivals: 9.6 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 3.6%

If you haven’t heard of the city of Pattaya, despite its spot as the 18th most-visited city, perhaps explaining its location will help: It’s nestled on the same bay as Bangkok and is renowned for its beaches. While Bangkok may provide streets bustling with street vendors and shops, Pattaya is a laidback destination where visitors can enjoy the sun, golf courses and luxury resorts.

This area has grown with the influx of Chinese tourists, who love the high-end shops and resorts here, such as Tiffany’s. But don’t get too distracted by the shopping: The city’s floating market (shown) and the Sanctuary of Truth wooden temple are throwback highlights well worth exploring as well.

17: Tokyo, Japan

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2019 Arrivals: 10.4 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 4.6%

Japan’s tourism growth has been very calculated by the government, which has been setting tourism targets for years — and, often, exceeding them. Growth has been especially robust following the relaxing of visa requirements for Southeast Asian countries and China.

At the center of this interest is world-class Tokyo, a leading business center and tourism hub that hosts more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else on Earth and welcomes the throngs during its spectacular cherry-blossom season. Set to host the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tokyo is poised to lure even more travelers in the coming year.

16: Rome, Italy

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2019 Arrivals: 10.3 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 2.5%

Rome’s 2.5-percent growth may seem small and for the Italian capital, it is.

In the past two years, Rome has fallen in the rankings, which could be due to the fact that it — and its separate city-within a-city, Vatican City — have scared off travelers due to reports of hours-long lines to see the biggest attractions and headline-grabbing accounts of tourists behaving badly.

Lines will always be long, but Rome is starting to crack down on the issues with tourists and still retains the ancient sites and superb food that made it so appealing to begin with. Even in the face of some issues, it won’t likely fall out of the top 20 anytime soon.

15: Phuket, Thailand

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2019 Arrivals: 10.9 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 3.9%

After Leonardo DiCaprio starred in “The Beach” in 2000, the world became privy to the secret of Thailand’s Andaman Sea: Phuket. More than a beach with lushly covered rock formations jutting from the blue water, Phuket City is the hub to the area, filled with restaurants, markets and shops catering to the hordes of tourists that continue to visit.

In 2004, an undersea earthquake sent a tidal wave across the island, killing 250 on Dec. 26, 2004. The islanders pulled together heroically, cleaning up the beaches and city within a year. Ever since, the area’s sunshine, friendly people and cheap prices have continued to draw in crowds.

14: Mumbai, India

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2019 Arrivals: 12.4 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 17.5%

Formerly known as Bombay, India’s west coast city of Mumbai is the largest in the country. Heavily influenced by the British who once governed it on the Arabian Sea, the city is akin to New York City in the United States, London in England and Paris in France — it’s the cosmopolitan hub of its country.

Mumbai is also home to Bollywood, where the Hindi film industry has brought in hundreds of millions of dollars. (The name is a combination of Bombay and Hollywood.)

13: Shenzhen, China

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2019 Arrivals: 12.3 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 17.5%

While Hong Kong was under British control for 100 years, its neighboring area in China, Shenzhen, grew into its mainland counterpart. Today, the city is wildly popular among business and leisure travelers and growing fast.

Shenzhen’s close proximity to Hong Kong makes it easy to experience both destinations. But it also offers the distinct advantage of being the cheaper option of the two.

12: Antalya, Turkey

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2019 Arrivals: 13.3 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 7.2%

It may not be Turkey’s largest city, but it sure does attract the crowds. On the opposite side of the country, Antalya rests on the Aegean Sea and remains as popular a port city as it was during the days of the Roman Empire. You’ll find yachts and sailboats in this seaside city that is experiencing massive growth for good reason.

11: Delhi, India

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2019 Arrivals: 15.2 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 20.2%

Euromonitor lists Delhi as a city to watch, as it jumped to No. 8 in Asian cities in 2019. The city’s rapid development of its tourism infrastructure, combined with a booming wellness scene marked by world-class yoga and Ayurveda centers, has driven its notable growth.

Add in markets, museums, casinos and malls, and it’s easy to see this destination cracking the top 10 in 2020.

10: Istanbul, Turkey

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2019 Arrivals: 14.7 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 9.6%

Despite advisories to exercise a bit more caution in Istanbul, due to political unrest in Turkey, this beautiful city on the Black Sea and the Bosphorus Strait has steadily climbed its way into the top 10.

Turkey’s capital, which rests on both the European and Asian continents, is perhaps best known for its colorful Grand Bazaar and striking Blue Mosque. In addition to luring leisure visitors, corporate travel is also on the rise.

9: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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2019 Arrivals: 14 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 4.8%

Kuala Lumpur has lofty goals: to be the No. 1 tourism city in Asia. As of now, it’s in the top 10, which is a start.

From towering skyscrapers like the Menara Kuala Lumpur and Petronas Twin Towers, to Hindu temples and street markets, this Malaysian city is an enticing juxtaposition of old and new. Travelers looking for excellent shopping, luxury experiences and wellness retreats are all finding themselves booking trips to this city on the rise.

8: New York City, New York

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2019 Arrivals: 14 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 3%

There should be no surprise that New York, New York is in the top 10. The Big Apple remains the most popular city in the United States for business and leisure travel from around the world.

New York’s tourism is one of the city’s top five economic segments and, of its visitors, 51.6 million are domestic travelers. Of the 13.5 million foreign visitors, the U.K., China, Canada, Brazil and France send the majority of people.

7: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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2019 Arrivals: 16.3 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 2.6%

In the Middle East and Africa, Dubai leads in the number of arrivals. Euromonitor notes a free transit visa for spending two days in the city as a driver of its visitor growth.

The city is hard at work to become the biggest and the best city on Earth, having created the world’s largest shopping mall, tallest building, biggest fountains and more. Thanks to its famous ambition, the World Travel and Tourism Council predicts the city will only continue to grow, possibly rising into the top five very soon.

6: Paris, France

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2019 Arrivals: 19 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 8.7%

Paris has held tight to its No. 6 position in spite of terrorist activity continuing to plague the city. Euromonitor found Paris to have one of the highest hotel room rates in Europe, yet that is also not a deterrent — travelers are just turning more toward Airbnb when they visit.

In 2019, Paris witnessed Yellow Vest Protests, which once again didn’t cause its massive travel audience to flinch. As the city gears up to host the Olympic games in 2024, Paris remains on the up and up.

5: Singapore

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2019 Arrivals: 19.7 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 8.7%

Singapore’s steady growth continues, and surely the touting of luxurious shopping, accommodations and dining in the blockbuster film “Crazy Rich Asians” has helped to further drive interest.

Cruise tourism in the Asian market is also growing, according to Euromonitor, and Singapore joins those benefiting. Its most frequent arrivals come from China, Germany, the Philippines, Vietnam, the U.K. and the U.S.

4: Macau, China

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2019 Arrivals: 20.6 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 9%

With the completion of the Hong Kong-Macau Bridge, a 34-mile bridge and tunnel through the Pearl River Estuary, two of the world’s most-visited cities were connected in 2018. This resulted in both growing even more.

Macau is a modern city that combines Chinese and Portuguese cultures due to its position under Portugal rule for centuries. Euromonitor expects the city to move into the top three next year.

3: London, England

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2019 Arrivals: 19.6 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 1.7%

The last of the Western cities to top the most-visited list — and Europe’s No. 1 — London’s minimal growth of 1.7 percent is expected to bring this powerhouse business and leisure city out of the top three in 2020.

Arrivals have been declining in the capital of the U.K. as terrorist and political (Brexit) concerns hover over the monarchy-led capital. The city didn’t move its ranking between 2013 and 2018, then fell in the last year by two spots.

The coming year will most likely see London slip more, unless there is a major event that could lure a bigger audience. (Another royal wedding or baby, perhaps?)

2: Bangkok, Thailand

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2019 Arrivals: 25.8 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: 6.9%

The two biggest cities for tourism in the world are both found in Asia, with Bangkok running neck and neck with its No. 1 competition.

Bangkok’s tourism board and government are capitalizing on the city’s popularity by adding more luxury retail to draw additional high-end spenders. Meanwhile, it continues to appeal to visitors looking for decadent fun and some of the world’s best cuisine.

1: Hong Kong, China

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2019 Arrivals: 26.7 million

Year-Over-Year Growth: -8.7%

The world’s — and Asia’s — most-visited city is Hong Kong. Again, the Hong Kong-Macau Bridge, as well as a high-speed train connecting the city to Shenzhen and Guangzhou, have only increased travel to all four destinations.

Hong Kong’s tourism board is trying something new in the coming years. Rather than spotlight its high-end shopping and business travel, the city will begin appealing to outdoor-loving crowds, promoting more hiking trails and cycling routes to explore the surrounding natural terrain.

The City Destinations By Region

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Euromonitor’s list also singles out the top destinations in each region, which are:

The Americas: New York City
Asia: Hong Kong
Europe: London
Middle East and Africa: Dubai

Of all the cities, the top 100 account for nearly 47 percent of all global arrivals. Nearly half (43) of the top 100 cities are located in Asia — an increase from 34 in 2013.

Download the whole report here.