Global market research company Euromonitor International has just announced the Top 100 most visited cities in the world in 2019. This report is based on statistics in 2018 and predictions for this year. Accordingly, Hong Kong topped the list with 26.7 million arrivals, followed by Bangkok (Thailand), Macau, Singapore, London (UK)...
Prosperous Hong Kong retains top spot on list
The report’s lead author, Rabia Yasmeen, a senior analyst, said the current tensions in Hong Kong have led to an 8.7% drop in tourist arrivals – from 29.2 million in 2018 to 26.7 million this year. However, the city is still expected to retain its top spot in 2019.
While Asia-Pacific cities dominate this year’s rankings, Europe remains the second most popular destination for global travelers. In the face of competition from Asian and European cities, U.S. cities have been falling further down the rankings, despite rising visitor numbers. Trade tensions with China are a concern for many U.S. cities’ tourism industries.
London (UK) ranked 5th with 19.6 million visitors
In the Middle East and Africa, Euromonitor recorded a steady growth rate compared to other cities in the world. In particular, Cairo and Hurghada (Egypt) regained their ranking in the top 100, thanks to a strategy of restructuring the tourism industry.
“As tourism becomes a cornerstone of economic growth and receives greater government attention, cities will become hubs of innovation and attract technology investment, and sustainable development will be the focus in the coming years,” Yasmeen commented.
Yasmeen’s research analyzed the statistics of foreign visitors who arrived and stayed in a city for more than 24 hours. Incoming visitors included those traveling for business, leisure, and visiting family or friends, but did not include people employed abroad or studying abroad, military personnel, transferees, passengers, and migrants due to war or natural disasters.
LIST OF TOP 10 DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD IN 2019
1. Hong Kong - 26.7 million
2. Bangkok - 25.8 million
3. Macau - 20.6 million
4. Singapore - 19.8 million
5. London - 19.6 million
6. Paris - 19.1 million
7. Dubai - 16.3 million
8. Delhi - 15.2 million
9. Istanbul - 14.7 million
10. Kuala Lumpur - 14.1 million
