Given that so many of us are permanently on the move globally, have you ever stopped and wondered where the most visited cities in the world are? Well, Wise Traveller has the answer, and it might surprise some.
No 1 – Istanbul: 20.2 million
Based on the findings and global travel trends from Euromonitor International, Istanbul in Turkey was ranked the World's Most-Visited City of 2023. A staggering 20.2 million visitors arrived at the city, which is unique given it is the only city in the world that straddles two continents – Europe and Asia.
It witnessed a 26 percent growth year on year for foreign arrivals. And it is, perhaps, no surprise this city, formerly known as Constantinople, remains an alluring bucket list destination for many travellers due to its storied past, culture, gastronomy, people and historic sites.
The surprise
While more established cities, such as London, UK, followed Istanbul in second place with 18.8 million tourists thanks to its iconic landmarks and vibrant scene, and Dubai, UAE in third with 16.8 million visitors, the appearance of Antalya caught many by surprise in fourth.
Antalya, on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, attracted 16.5 million tourists. Yes, that's more than Paris, France, which even with its timeless landmarks, fashion and art, could only muster 15.5 million visitors in fifth place.
Antalya, which experienced a 29 percent year-on-year increase, has been a popular resort for many nationals, including Britons, Germans and Russians. Many travellers are lured by the city's sprawling coastal region, mild winters, and many days of sunshine throughout the year.
In fact, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, once said: "There is no doubt that Antalya is the most beautiful place in the world."
Best of the rest
Euromonitor International revealed that Hong Kong (14.7 million) and Bangkok, Thailand (12.2 million) remain popular for their urban vibrancy and cultural experiences, with New York City, USA landing in seventh, drawing 11.7 million tourists.
Cancun, Mexico, and Mecca, Saudi Arabia, tied for ninth place with 10.8 million visitors. Cancun is a tropical hotspot, while Mecca draws millions for religious pilgrimages.
Travellers now seek providers that offer high-speed internet, flexible booking options and comfortable work environments to accommodate remote working.
Building a strong digital transformation with the help of disruptive technology, improving sustainability, transportation networks, and social impact are some of the key goals cities are embracing today to increase competitiveness, improve their tourism offer and deliver a seamless customer journey.
Nadejda Popova, Senior Manager (Loyalty) at Euromonitor International, said: "Rising cost of living, which triggers lower consumer confidence, and fluctuating inflation are expected to be the biggest challenges for the growth of the industry in 2024 and 2025, especially if global recession unveils. Geopolitical volatility represents another risk for the travel industry."
"Consumers are expected to look for value for money travel propositions when booking travel. This, in turn, will drive consumer demand for intraregional travel, especially as travel purchases are frequently discretionary."
"Travellers will continue to favour authentic and local experiences in addition to sustainable tourism alternatives."
Popova added: "Overtourism is one of the challenges cities are facing, impacting local communities and the environment as tourism rebounds from the COVID-19 crisis."
"Some destinations are imposing restrictions, steep taxation or reduction of hotel capacity to help limit the influx of tourists and preserve cultural heritage, while others embrace dispersion strategies that promote alternative or off-the-beaten-path destinations. Overtourism underscores the importance of implementing sustainable practices to help drive more responsible tourism over mass travel."
Andy Probert is an independent journalist and PR writer. He writes about travel, aviation, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Telegraph, Hurriyet Daily News and other newspapers worldwide.
