According to data analytics firm Euromonitor International, Paris holds onto its title as the world’s top city destination for the fourth consecutive year. The company’s Top 100 City Destinations Index 2024 analyzed 55 metrics across six key areas for 100 cities. These areas include economic and business performance, tourism performance, tourism infrastructure, tourism policy and attractiveness, health and safety, and sustainability.
Despite a positive outlook, labor shortages, geopolitical tensions, and a slow economy are expected to limit city growth. Less-traveled destinations and third-tier cities are predicted to rise in popularity as travelers seek unique experiences and responsible tourism. The new travel trend emphasizes culturally enriching, personalized experiences.
Euromonitor International’s annual report, prepared with data company Lighthouse, shows six European destinations in the top 10. Following Paris, Madrid took second place, and Tokyo came third. Rome and Milan completed the top five. The top 10 list also saw an increase in non-European cities, with two from Asia.
International arrivals increased by 19% in 2024, with Europe as the most popular region, accounting for 793 million international trips. Bangkok led the list for city-wise international arrivals with 32 million trips in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and seeing over 30% growth.
International tourism spending reached $1.9 trillion in 2024. The global average spend per arrival is expected to reach $1,264 by 2030. The Netherlands, China, and Poland are anticipated to experience the highest growth in average inbound spend per trip between 2024 and 2030.
Cities worldwide leveraged sports and cultural events to boost tourism revenues in 2024. Infrastructure improvements and continuous marketing efforts have drawn travelers’ attention, leading to further growth opportunities. However, concerns about overtourism have led to higher taxation and entry fees, promotions for year-round tourism, rewards for sustainable actions, and the adoption of GenAI solutions.
The top 20 list included nine cities from Europe, six from the Asia Pacific, two from North America, one from the Middle East and Africa, and two from Australasia. Paris led with over 17 million inbound arrivals in 2024. Singapore excelled in the Economic and Business Performance category. Short-term rentals grew by 8% globally in 2024, nearing the $1 trillion mark. The US, Turkey, and China will see the highest increase in international arrivals by 2030.