Bangkok has claimed the title of the world’s most popular tourist city for 2024, attracting a record-breaking 32.4 million visitors, according to Euromonitor International.
One of the key factors behind Bangkok’s success as the number-one global tourist city in 2024 is its progressive visa policies. These include a 60-day visa waiver program for 93 countries and expanded visa-on-arrival options, significantly simplifying travel for international visitors.
Explore Bangkok, Hassle-Free
According to Travelandtourworld.com, these policies streamline the travel process, saving time often lost in navigating bureaucratic hurdles. This is a significant advantage for short-term travelers prioritizing convenience when choosing their destination.
The 60-day visa waiver and expanded visa-on-arrival program reflect Thailand’s commitment to understanding the needs of travelers while creating a smoother travel experience. With these policies in place, tourists can spend more time exploring Bangkok without administrative obstacles.
Thailand’s appeal has also grown due to its post-pandemic resilience. In 2023, Bangkok surpassed its pre-pandemic tourism numbers and achieved an impressive 30% growth in 2024. This highlights Thailand’s ability to recover and innovate, successfully addressing global challenges.
Shifting Focus from Major Destinations
Although Bangkok remains a popular destination, it did not make it into the top 10 most attractive cities overall, a list dominated by Paris. The rankings considered factors such as economic performance, infrastructure, policies, health, safety, and sustainability. Bangkok's absence from the list highlights the need for improvements, particularly in sustainability and long-term planning.
The report also revealed challenges facing the tourism sector, including labor shortages, geopolitical tensions, and economic instability. These factors are encouraging travelers to explore secondary cities and quieter destinations, reflecting a shift in global travel trends.
Global Tourism Rankings for 2024 by Euromonitor:
Top 10 Cities by Arrivals:
- Bangkok: 32.4 million
- Istanbul: 23 million
- London: 21.7 million
- Hong Kong: 20.5 million
- Mecca: 19.3 million
- Antalya: 19.3 million
- Dubai: 18.2 million
- Macau: 18 million
- Paris: 17.4 million
- Kuala Lumpur: 16.5 million
Top 10 Most Attractive Cities:
- Paris
- Madrid
- Tokyo
- Rome
- Milan
- New York
- Amsterdam
- Sydney
- Singapore
- Barcelona
