Bangkok has reaffirmed its position as a central hub of global tourism. In its latest report, Euromonitor International named the Thai capital the world’s most visited city in 2025 in terms of international arrivals.
Throughout the year, approximately 30.3 million overseas visitors were recorded entering Bangkok, making it the most visited destination worldwide. This achievement placed the city at the top of the list of the world’s most visited cities, ahead of major urban centers across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Asia’s Dominance in the 2025 Global Tourism Landscape
The year 2025 further highlighted Asia’s dominance in international travel flows. Three Asian cities secured positions within the top five most visited destinations globally. Alongside Bangkok in first place, Hong Kong ranked second with an estimated 23.2 million international arrivals.
The surge in visitor numbers to Hong Kong was driven by growth of around six percent compared with the previous year. The city capitalized on improved transport infrastructure and the hosting of large-scale international events as key attractions.
The opening of Kai Tak Stadium, which has hosted major international football matches, as well as the reopening of the expanded Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport, significantly enhanced connectivity and boosted arrival volumes.
In third place, London recorded approximately 22.7 million international arrivals, making it the most visited city in Europe in 2025. However, this figure still trailed behind Hong Kong’s total.
Paris, which has been named the world’s most attractive city for five consecutive years, ranked only ninth in terms of international arrivals, with 18.3 million visitors.
Dynamics of the World’s Most Visited Cities
Bangkok’s popularity did not emerge overnight. The city has long been a favored destination for international travelers, particularly independent and long-haul visitors.
In recent years, this appeal has been further strengthened by the rapid expansion of its hotel sector, a diverse and globally recognized culinary scene, and an increasingly vibrant nightlife.
One of the standout highlights this year is Charoen Nakhon Road, which was named among the world’s most attractive streets. In addition, the so-called “White Lotus effect” has been cited as one factor contributing to the surge in tourist interest in Thailand throughout 2025.
Meanwhile, Macao ranked fourth globally with 20.4 million international arrivals and emerged as the most dynamic city in terms of growth. Inbound travel to the city rose by around 14 percent, with nearly 90 percent of visitors originating from mainland China and Hong Kong.
A range of cross-border travel measures, including multi-entry programs for residents of Zhuhai and Hengqin, has reinforced Macao’s position as a leading regional destination.
Global Trends: Strong Growth Amid Management Challenges
According to Euromonitor International, the world’s top 100 cities are projected to receive a combined total of 702 million international trips in 2025, representing an eight percent increase compared with the previous year.
Collectively, these cities account for approximately 46 percent of global inbound tourism, significantly outpacing overall worldwide tourism growth, which stands at around four percent.
The “Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025” evaluates cities using more than 50 indicators, including tourism performance, economic and business activity, infrastructure, tourism policy and appeal, health and safety, and sustainability.
The Asia-Pacific region recorded the highest growth, with international arrivals rising by around 10 percent year on year. However, the surge in visitor numbers has also introduced new challenges, particularly in destination management and mounting pressure on urban infrastructure.
Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World in 2025
- Bangkok, Thailand – 30.3 million
- Hong Kong – 23.2 million
- London, United Kingdom – 22.7 million
- Macao, China – 20.4 million
- Istanbul, Turkey – 19.7 million
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 19.5 million
- Mecca, Saudi Arabia – 18.7 million
- Antalya, Turkey – 18.6 million
- Paris, France – 18.3 million
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 17.3 million
