Dubai has been ranked 12th as per to Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025, supported by high visitor numbers, international events, and strong occupancy in affordable luxury hotels.
Paris, meanwhile, retains its crown as the world’s top city for tourism for the fifth consecutive year, revealed the data analytics company. Paris welcomed over 18 million international visitors in 2025, driven by its strong tourism infrastructure, vibrant culture and focus on sustainability.
The annual report published by Euromonitor International, in partnership with data company Lighthouse, indicates that as Paris leads the global city rankings, it is followed by Madrid, Tokyo, Rome and Milan. These cities are recognized for their strong tourism appeal and standout initiatives.
Euromonitor International index: Middle East tourism landscape
Eight cities in five Middle Eastern and African countries made the top 100 destinations in the Euromonitor International index, highlighting the region’s strategic progress. Dubai led as the top city, attracting visitors from India, the UK, Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Abu Dhabi and Doha are in the forefront due to their regional growth in tourism and infrastructure, while the unified GCC tourist visa is set to improve connectivity and reinforce the region’s tourism leadership.
International arrivals: Asia Pacific leads global growth
International arrivals continued to grow in 2025, led by strong regional performance. Asia Pacific recorded the highest rise at 10 percent, followed by the Middle East and Africa at 7 percent. Bangkok topped the list with 30.3 million visitors, followed by Hong Kong, London and Macau.
This momentum was driven by visa relaxations, major infrastructure upgrades and high-profile cultural and sporting events, which strengthened connectivity and enhanced visitor experiences.
Nadejda Popova Global head – Loyalty Euromonitor International
“Even amid economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty, global travel proved exceptionally resilient in 2025. International arrivals to the top 100 cities climbed 8 percent to 702 million, highlighting the ability of cities to adapt, innovate and deliver experiences that travelers continue to find irresistible. 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, personalized experiences. The 2025 Index highlights those destinations that are not only thriving today but also setting the standard for the future of urban tourism.”
Sustainability, the top priority
Sustainability remains a priority in tourism strategies, with Spanish cities such as Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia 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 and Abu Dhabi’s AI-powered services.
