Good news for Filipino favorite Singapore. The city-state has entered the top 10 for the first time, ranking ninth among the world’s most attractive city destinations, data analytics company Euromonitor International revealed.

Euromonitor International Top 100 City Destinations Index 2024 delivers actionable insights into the performance, appeal, and potential of urban markets. It compares 55 different metrics across six key pillars for 100 city destinations, to create an overall city attractiveness score. The six key pillars include: (1) economic and business performance, (2) tourism performance, (3) tourism infrastructure, (4) tourism policy and attractiveness, (5) health and safety, and (6) sustainability.

Nadejda Popova, global head of loyalty at Euromonitor International, said, “Despite positive recovery projections, challenges like labor shortages, geopolitical tensions and a sluggish economy will persist, limiting city growth. Less-travelled destinations and third-tier cities are expected to rise in popularity as travellers seek hidden gems, off-season experiences, and responsible tourism. Consumers will prioritize culturally enriching, personalised experiences, making them the new travel currency.”  

Asia stands out in the top 10 with representation from Tokyo and Singapore

The annual report issued by Euromonitor International in partnership with data company Lighthouse revealed that Asia stands out in the top 10 cities; Tokyo is among the top three cities and Singapore has entered the top 10 for the first time, driven by strong economic and business performance and enhanced tourism policies attracting consumers.

Asia saw strong representation in the rest of the top 20 as Taipei (11), Seoul (12), Osaka (16), and Bangkok (17) all made the list.  

Paris retained the title of the world's leading city destination, followed by Madrid in second place and Tokyo in third. Sydney secured in eighth place, achieving a remarkable growth by climbing 14 steps up.

Singapore has dominated the Economic and Business Performance pillar since the introduction of the Top 100 City Destinations Index and is renowned as the world’s freest economy. Bangkok tops the tourism policy and attractiveness pillar, moving up eight places, followed by Singapore in second place and Paris in third.

Cities in developed markets thrive from growing travel demand in 2024

 Global international arrivals saw a 19 percent increase in 2024, driven by strong tourism demand. Europe remained the most popular region, reaching 793 million international trips in the same year.

Bangkok topped the list of international arrivals by city with 32 million trips in 2024. The city surpassed pre-pandemic level of international tourism flows in 2023 and continued dynamic growth of over 30 percent in 2024.

International tourism spending totalled $1.9 trillion in 2024. The global average spend per arrival will reach $1,264 by 2030. Between 2024-2030, inbound average spend per trip is expected to show the highest growth in markets such as the Netherlands, China and Poland.

Popova added, “In 2024, global cities increasingly leveraged sports and cultural events to boost tourism revenues. Infrastructure improvements and continuous marketing have attracted travellers' attention, opening further growth opportunities.

“The renewed concern about overtourism is on the rise. In response to overtourism, destinations continue to impose higher taxation and entry fees, promoting year-round tourism, rewarding sustainable actions and adopting GenAI solutions.”

The cities that wowed the world

Europe leads other regions with nine cities making the top 20 rankings, followed by Asia Pacific with six cities, two in North America, one in Middle East and Africa, and two in Australasia. Paris has unmatched global dominance in 2024, registering over 17 million inbound arrivals.

Singapore has dominated the Economic and Business Performance pillar since the introduction of the Top 100 City Destinations Index and is renowned as the world’s freest economy.

In the AirBNB or hotel business? Short-term rentals posted eight percent value growth globally in 2024, almost exceeding the $1 trillion mark. The growth rate will slow down to be in line with availability in the housing market over the forecast period. Short-term rentals category is expected to face the highest number of new regulations to combat overtourism and housing shortages.62 cities in developed markets feature in the top 100 ranking in 2024.

Biggest markets? US, Turkey, and China are expected to be the destinations with the highest volume growth of international arrivals by 2030.