Paris Retains Title of World’s Top City Destination; Madrid and Tokyo Complete the Top Three
Annual index by Euromonitor International highlights tourism, sustainability, and economic performance.
Global Tourism Rebounds in 2024
Global international arrivals surged by 19% in 2024, driven by robust tourism demand. Paris, once again, topped the world’s rankings as the most attractive city destination, maintaining its title for the fourth consecutive year, according to Euromonitor International’s latest report.
The Top 100 City Destinations Index 2024 evaluates cities across six key pillars:
- Economic and Business Performance
- Tourism Performance
- Tourism Infrastructure
- Tourism Policy and Attractiveness
- Health and Safety
- Sustainability
Despite positive recovery trends, Euromonitor cautioned about ongoing challenges such as labor shortages, geopolitical tensions, and a sluggish economy. These factors could cap growth, with travelers increasingly turning to underexplored destinations offering cultural depth and sustainability.
Europe’s Dominance and Rising Non-European Names
European cities maintained their stronghold in the rankings, with six of the top 10 destinations hailing from the continent. However, non-European cities like Tokyo and Bangkok solidified Asia’s presence in the upper tier.
Top 10 City Destinations 2024
- Paris, France
- Tourism Hub: Welcomed over 17 million inbound arrivals.
- Iconic Attractions: The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Seine River continue to attract millions.
- Madrid, Spain
- Cultural Powerhouse: Known for Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and vibrant nightlife.
- Sports Tourism: Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a major draw.
- Tokyo, Japan
- Dynamic Appeal: Combines cutting-edge innovation with traditional shrines.
- Event Host: Continued to thrive as a hub for cultural festivals and sporting events.
- Rome, Italy
- Historic Magnet: The Colosseum, Vatican City, and ancient ruins attract millions.
- Culinary Mecca: Globally famed for its Italian gastronomy.
- Milan, Italy
- Fashion and Design Capital: Hosts renowned events like Milan Fashion Week.
- Art and Architecture: Home to iconic landmarks like the Duomo di Milano.
- London, UK
- Cosmopolitan Appeal: Houses diverse attractions like the British Museum, Tower of London, and West End theaters.
- Economic Hub: A global leader in finance and innovation.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Architectural Marvel: Showcases Gaudí masterpieces, including the Sagrada Familia.
- Coastal Charm: Renowned for its beaches and Mediterranean lifestyle.
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Tourism Giant: Achieved 32 million international arrivals in 2024.
- Vibrant City Life: Famous for street food, markets, and cultural temples.
- Singapore
- Economic Powerhouse: Consistently ranks first in Economic and Business Performance.
- Green City: Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands are iconic attractions.
- Dubai, UAE
- Luxury Destination: Known for the Burj Khalifa, world-class shopping, and extravagant resorts.
- Events Hub: Thrives on hosting global conferences and events.
Tourism Trends and Challenges
The report highlighted trends such as the rise of short-term rentals, which grew by 8% globally in 2024, and increasing concerns about overtourism. Cities are countering these challenges through taxes, entry fees, and sustainable practices.
Future Outlook
Global international tourism spending reached USD 1.9 trillion in 2024, with inbound spending expected to grow significantly by 2030. Cities like the US, Turkey, and China are projected to lead in volume growth.
