by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:25 AM ET, Mon February 12, 2024
The world’s most-visited destination of the year might not be the city you’d expect.
A December analysis by Euromonitor International identified the top ten most visited destinations of the past year. The analysis looked at international arrivals only, according to CNBC. TravelPulse covered the list of best city destinations of 2023 back in December.
Istanbul, Turkey welcomed 20.2 million international travelers in 2023, making it the most-visited destination among international travelers in the world. It also saw a 26 percent year-over-year growth in international arrivals. The city, known for its UNESCO-designated historic city center and incredible markets and culinary culture has long been an emerging destination among younger travelers, especially.
London was the second most-popular destination for international travelers, welcoming 18.8 million international arrivals in 2023. The city, known as one of the best destinations for international travelers in the world and as the most-visited in Europe, offers a plethora of historical, cultural and entertainment offerings, besides its being an economic powerhouse. Its arrival numbers grew 17 percent from 2022.
New York City was the only city in the United States to be included in the most-visited by international travelers list. It ranks eighth, having welcomed 11 million international visitors in 2023; an increase of 24 percent from 2022.
The full list is as follows:
- Istanbul, Turkey
- London, U.K.
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Paris, France
- Antalya, Turkey
- Hong Kong
- Bangkok, Thailand
- New York, U.S.A
- Cancun, Mexico
- Mecca, Saudi Arabia
“Consumers are expected to look for value for money travel propositions when booking travel. This, in turn, will drive consumer demand for intra-regional travel, especially as travel purchases are frequently discretionary,” said Nadejda Popova, Senior Manager at Euromonitor International. “Travelers will continue to favor authentic and local experiences in addition to sustainable tourism alternatives.”
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