- Tokyo and Singapore retain top 10 positions, with Tokyo securing third place
- Singapore retained the nineth place, Seoul enters the top 10 for the first time
- Asia Pacific leads global tourism with a 10% rise in international arrivals, inbound trips surpassing 350 million
Asia shines this year as Tokyo and Singapore stay in the top 10 and Seoul makes its debut in the ranking, revealed data analytics company Euromonitor International.
According to Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025, Asia Pacific stands out as the world’s second-largest region for international arrivals in 2025, recording the fastest growth globally with inbound trips rising 10% to surpass 350 million, followed by the Middle East and Africa at 7%. Bangkok topped the list with 30.3 million visitors, followed by Hong Kong, London and Macau.
Nadejda Popova, global head of loyalty at Euromonitor International, said: “Even amid economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty, global travel proved exceptionally resilient in 2025. International arrivals to the top 100 cities climbed 8% to 702 million, highlighting the ability of cities to adapt, innovate and deliver experiences that travellers continue to find irresistible.”
Asia Pacific solidifies its position as a global tourism powerhouse
In the annual report published by Euromonitor International in partnership with data company Lighthouse, Tokyo secured in third place, Singapore retained the nineth places.
Seoul has entered the top 10 for the first time, climbing two spots from last year. The global popularity of K-culture continues to act as a major driver of tourism to the city.
Asia also features strongly in the top 20, including Osaka (11), Taipei (15), Hong Kong (17), Kyoto (19) and Bangkok (20).
This momentum was driven by visa relaxations, major infrastructure upgrades and high-profile cultural and sporting events, which strengthened connectivity and enhanced visitor experiences.
Top 5 cities remain unchanged, with Paris leading for the fifth year, followed by Madrid, Tokyo, Rome and Milan. Paris received over 18 million international visitors in 2025, driven by strong tourism infrastructure, vibrant culture, and focus on sustainability.
Sustainability and innovation drive urban competitiveness
Sustainability remains a priority in tourism strategies, with Spanish cities such as Madrid and Seville leading eco-friendly initiatives, joined by Nordic leaders Helsinki and Oslo.
Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is reshaping tourism management and visitor experiences, from New York’s smart city platforms to Bangkok’s digital arrival cards.
Infrastructure investment continues to underpin growth, with Rome, Tokyo and Paris advancing through luxury hotel developments and airport expansions, while São Paulo stands out for rapid progress in metro and logistics upgrades.
Popova commented: “City destinations are entering a pivotal new era, marked by ambitious investment, rapid innovation and the widescale integration of AI. As cities compete for visitors, the focus is shifting towards sustainability, resilience and delivering meaningful, personalised experiences. The 2025 Index highlights those destinations that are not only thriving today but also setting the standard for the future of urban tourism.”
