Global tourism is experiencing a rapid recovery, with global megacities competing for supremacy in quality of life and traveler appeal. Find out which cities topped Euromonitor International's 2025 rankings, why Paris remains at the top, what trends are shaping the future of travel, and how the world's tourism strategies are changing

The world of urban tourism is experiencing a new wave of growth: after several difficult years, cities are competing for travelers again, investing in infrastructure, digitalization and sustainable development. Euromonitor International has released the updated 2025 World's 100 Best Cities Index, which analyzes more than 50 parameters - from tourist attractiveness and economic opportunities to safety and sustainability. Read more about the most interesting trends from the world of tourism.

List of cities with the best quality of life in Europe in this article.

Which countries are considered the most peaceful and reliable for living and traveling in 2025: rating according to the Global Peace Index.

Planning a trip to any country in the world? The travel guide from Visit World will help you prepare without wasting time and contacting travel agents. It contains entry rules, a full list of documents, visa requirements and current advice for travelers. You will receive step-by-step instructions in PDF format immediately after payment.

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Paris is the best city in the world for the fifth year in a row

In 2025, Paris again topped the ranking of the best cities in the world. The French capital welcomed more than 18 million international tourists, and the reopening of Notre Dame and post-Olympic infrastructure only strengthened its position. Tourism policy, transport and innovation are key factors that keep Paris ahead of its competitors.

However, popularity has a downside: starting in the new year, the Louvre is raising ticket prices for tourists from outside the EEA by 45%.

Asia regains the tourism crown

The Asia-Pacific region shows the most dynamic growth - +10% in international arrivals.

- Tokyo - 3rd place in the overall ranking and 3rd place in the world in terms of tourism infrastructure.

- Singapore - 9th place.

- Seoul – 10th.

- Bangkok – the world’s most visited city in 2025

With 30.3 million international trips, Bangkok retained its top spot in terms of tourist arrivals. This influx poses challenges: the region is increasingly suffering from tourists behaving inappropriately, forcing authorities to review their rules of conduct and tourism strategies.

Top 10 cities by international tourist arrivals 2025

1st place – Bangkok, Thailand – 30.3 million

2nd place – Hong Kong – 23.2 million

3rd place – London, United Kingdom – 22.7 million

4th place – Macau – 20.4 million

5th place – Istanbul, Turkey – 19.7 million

6th place – Dubai, UAE – 19.5 million

7th place – Mecca, Saudi Arabia – 18.7 million

8th place – Antalya, Turkey – 18.6 million

9th place – Paris, France – 18.3 million

10th place – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 17.3 million

Hong Kong and Macau are showing record-breaking recovery rates as new terminals, stadiums and simplified multiple-entry schemes attract millions of visitors.

America: New York holds its position, Orlando is the new tourism leader

Only one US city made it into the top 10 – New York (6th place).

However, it was Orlando that became the leader in tourism efficiency in 2025: a strong domestic market, the opening of the Epic Universe theme park and football events contributed to the rapid growth of attendance.

Los Angeles also rose in the ranking due to infrastructure upgrades.

Cities review tourism strategies: what trends will shape 2025

Euromonitor highlights several key trends:

1. Reorientation to “value, not quantity”

Cities are trying to attract tourists who: stay longer, spend more, do not create excessive pressure on infrastructure.

2. Sustainability as a priority

The leaders of environmental initiatives have become Madrid, Valencia, Helsinki, Oslo.

3. The introduction of artificial intelligence

AI is transforming tourism: digital arrival maps in Bangkok, smart city systems in New York, automated services at Abu Dhabi airports.

4. Rising prices and new entry rules

The UK, US and EU have already raised or plan to raise tourist fees. Japan could introduce its own electronic travel authorization system by 2028.

Infrastructure of the Future: Record-breaking World Projects

Among the most striking infrastructure events of the year:

- The launch of the world's tallest hotel in Dubai - Ciel Dubai Marina;

- The opening of the highest bridge in China;

- The completion of work on the longest and deepest underwater railway tunnel in Norway;

- The opening of the world's highest railway bridge in Kashmir.

The ranking of the best hotels according to The World's 50 Best Hotels is here.

These projects demonstrate how cities compete not only for tourists, but also for the status of innovation centers.

In 2025, global tourism demonstrates growth and radical transformation. Cities are investing in transport, safety, sustainability, innovation and are more actively introducing artificial intelligence into the travel industry. Paris maintains its status as a world leader, Asia regains its tourism dominance, and megacities are reviewing their hospitality policies, focusing on quality, responsibility, and comfort. The Euromonitor ranking shows the main thing: the future of urban tourism is intelligent solutions, balanced development, and growing competition between cities for travelers' attention.

Are you planning to visit one of the world's top cities in 2025 - Paris, Tokyo, Barcelona, ​​or Bangkok? The Visit World travel guide will prepare you for your trip, taking into account all the current requirements: from visa-free rules and visa processing to the intricacies of staying in a particular country. In the guide, you will find life hacks, visa instructions, sample documents, and recommendations for a comfortable and safe trip.

Get the guide now and prepare for a trip to one of the 100 best cities in the world!

We remind you! The most desirable countries to move to in 2025 - find the TOP 10 destinations for living, working and studying here.

Photo - Freepik

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