15 Best-Performing Tourism Cities

When assessing the many benefits of travel, it’s easy to forget how important it is to the economy. In fact, tourism is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, supporting nearly 1 in 10 jobs on the planet.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in 72 major cities around the world, tourism generates an astounding $625 billion.

Here, based on findings from a recent WTTC report, are the 15 cities whose tourism industries contribute the most to the GDP.

How many have you been to?

If you’re into trying out your luck on occasion, you need to check out Macau. This city — billed as the “gambling capital of the world” — puts Las Vegas to shame.

Thanks in large part to its expansive casino-resort scene, the territory’s economy hinges on tourism. A full third of Macau’s GDP comes from tourism, and almost a third of all workers in the city are employed in the tourism industry.

The city relies heavily on wooing international visitors in particular, with 97 percent of Macau’s tourism dollars coming from foreign tourists. Most of these tourists come from China and Hong Kong, which are very close. But the region will welcome anyone as long as they’ve got some money to spend.

What to do in Macau

Macau has a reputation as one of the gambling capitals of the world, so the city is naturally dominated by the area’s many casinos. Try staying at the Venetian Macau casino resort — modeled after the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas — for a stay that reflects the city’s modern feel.

There’s more to the city than its gaming centers, however. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you’ll have to check out the Macau Tower, which boasts a Skywalk and even a bungee-jumping platform. If your nerves have recovered, check out the nearby Taipa Village for a taste of what the city was like in the colonial era, when it was a part of Portuguese territory. Make sure to grab a bite of Lord Stow’s famous Portugese egg tarts while in the neighborhood.

Finally, to wrap up the evening, check out the House of Dancing Water, a Cirque du Soleil-esque show featuring acrobatics and dancing water fountains.

There’s one big reason why Miami’s on this list: cruises. This port city is the cruise capital of the world, thanks primarily to Americans’ penchant for traversing the tropical seas on giant ships. The city is also located near Fort Lauderdale, another popular cruise port.

Add in a thriving convention and conference industry, and it’s easy to see why Miami is such a tourism hot spot.

What to do in Miami

A great place to stay is at the award-winning Acqualina Resort & Spa, which is situated right on the beach. The resort itself is quite secluded from the bustling city, but if you feel the need to escape further, Everglades National Park is just a short drive away.  

If you don’t spy any alligators while at the park, head over to the Miami Zoo, which is home to over 3,000 animals (including alligators) and is spread out across 750 acres. To cap off your day, make sure to visit the streets of Little Havana and eat at the Versailles restaurant, which boasts decor modeled after the French palace and serves just about any Cuban food your heart could desire. (The city has one of the largest Cuban populations in the world outside of Cuba.)

And of course, the city is home to some of the world’s most dazzling white-sand beaches.

Thanks to its unique geography, extensive trade network and recent British colonial rule, this is one of the most distinctive places in the world. It’s Chinese, but designated as a Special Administrative Region with its own semi-autonomous government. It’s one of only two SARs, along with Macau (also found on this list). Its in-between status allows it to thrive as an interesting multicultural melange to this day.

The destination is such an attractive cornucopia, in fact, that it sees more international visitors who spend more money than in any other place on Earth. In 2017, 27.9 million people visited Hong Kong, and spent a whopping $39.2 billion. That’s $1,405 per person.

What to do in Hong Kong

The best way to experience Hong Kong right from the get-go is by heading to Victoria Peak, its highest point. This peak provides great views of the entire city and offers many options for not only hiking, but also dining and shopping, thanks to The Peak mall that’s situated on top of the summit.

Once you get an idea of the layout of the city, it’s time to head down. Make sure to visit Tim Ho Wan, a Michelin-star-awarded restaurant serving authentic dim sum. If you need a quiet break from Hong Kong’s legendary hustle-and-bustle, check out the Man Mo Temple, a place where locals still worship the god of literature and the god of war in an incense-y haze.

Given that London is one of the world’s most influential cities, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Since the number of UK residents is also relatively small in the grand scheme of things, it’s also not shocking to learn that most of London’s tourism economy — 86 percent — comes from international visitors.

Globe-trotters travel to London for its vibrant nightlife, storied ancient history (the city was founded by Romans about 2,000 ago), cultural attractions, English pub fare and so much more. As with all the best cities on Earth, there’s something here for everyone.

Just make sure to save up in advance — this is also one of the most expensive cities in the world.

What to do in London

It’ll cost you a pretty penny, but if you can spare it, try to stay at The Dorchester hotel in London. Followers of the royal family will especially appreciate this historic hotel, as it famously hosted Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on the night of his bachelor party before his marriage to Queen Elizabeth II (who was then still just a mere princess).

From there, you can visit any number of historical attractions. The notorious Tower of London now offers fun day tours. Westminster has a bevy of tourist attractions, including prime spots to snap a selfie with Big Ben in the background. Another great spot for a selfie is at King’s Cross Station’s Platform 9 ¾ from the famous Harry Potter series, which actually exists. For a (real) authentic British experience, try the afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer restaurant at the Savoy Hotel.