Bangkok Becomes the World’s Most Visited City in 2025

 In 2025, the global tourism landscape has shifted once again - and at the top of the ranking stands a familiar name. Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, has officially become the world’s most visited city, welcoming more than 30.3 million international travelers this year.

According to the annual report released on December 2 by Euromonitor International, Bangkok has outperformed other powerhouse destinations such as Hong Kong and London, securing the No.1 spot despite a slight decline from the 32.4 million visitors recorded in 2024.

Why Bangkok Leads the World

Experts attribute Bangkok’s success to its open and tourism-friendly policies. The city’s mix of cultural depth, nightlife energy, diverse cuisine, and affordability makes it a magnet for travelers from every continent. Whether it's temples, street food, or shopping districts, Bangkok offers something compelling for every type of tourist.

Even with a nearly 7% drop in visitor numbers, the city remains ahead of its global competitors.

Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World (2025)

Euromonitor’s ranking for 2025 reveals a dynamic shift in international travel patterns:

RankCityCountry/RegionVisitors (Millions)
1BangkokThailand30.3
2Hong KongChina23.2
3LondonUnited Kingdom22.7
4MacaoChina20.4
5IstanbulTürkiye19.7
6DubaiUAE19.5
7MeccaSaudi Arabia18.7
8AntalyaTürkiye18.6
9ParisFrance18.3
10Kuala LumpurMalaysia17.3

Bangkok stands strong at the top, but the rest of the list highlights an interesting variety: mega-cities, pilgrimage centers, beach destinations, and global business hubs.

But “Most Visited” Isn’t the Same as “Most Attractive”

Euromonitor also introduced another ranking - the Top 10 Most Attractive Cities of 2025 - based on six pillars:

  • Economic performance

  • Tourism business environment

  • Infrastructure

  • Policy environment

  • Safety

  • Sustainability

In this category, Paris claims the No.1 spot, followed by Madrid and Tokyo. Despite leading in international arrivals, Bangkok does not appear in the top 10 for overall attractiveness.

Top 10 Most Attractive Cities (2025):

  1. Paris, France

  2. Madrid, Spain

  3. Tokyo, Japan

  4. Rome, Italy

  5. Milan, Italy

  6. New York, USA

  7. Amsterdam, Netherlands

  8. Barcelona, Spain

  9. Singapore

  10. Seoul, South Korea

This split between “most visited” and “most attractive” reflects a growing trend: cities are now judged not only by popularity, but by quality, sustainability, and long-term resilience.

A Global Shift Toward Sustainable Tourism

Euromonitor notes that in 2025, many destinations are changing strategies. Instead of focusing on crowds, cities are prioritizing high-value travelers - visitors who stay longer, spend more, and show greater respect for local culture and the environment.

At the same time, rising concerns about safety, inflation, and over-tourism are pushing governments to update policies.

Examples of Upcoming Changes:

  • The UK and USA are increasing entry fees.

  • The EU is preparing to implement its new electronic travel authorization system (ETIAS), with higher costs.

  • Japan is considering raising visa fees and developing a new e-travel authorization system set to launch by 2028.

These changes could reshape tourism flows in the coming years, influencing which destinations grow -and which fall behind.

Bangkok’s victory as the world’s most visited city in 2025 highlights its enduring appeal, energetic tourism culture, and strategic openness to international travelers.

But the global tourism industry is evolving. With rising fees, new digital entry requirements, and increased focus on sustainability, cities worldwide are shifting from quantity to quality.

For now, Bangkok reigns at the top - buzzing, flavorful, and unmistakably alive - a city that continues to capture the world’s imagination.

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