Asia Cities Surge In 2025 Global Tourism, Euromonitor International Finds

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- Asia strengthened its global tourism presence in 2025, with Tokyo and Singapore maintaining top-10 positions and Seoul entering the top tier for the first time, according to Euromonitor International.

The data analytics firm’s Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025 shows Asia Pacific as the world’s second-largest region for international arrivals, growing the fastest with a 10 per cent rise to more than 350 million inbound trips. The Middle East and Africa followed with seven per cent growth.

According to the firm in a statement, Bangkok led global arrivals with 30.3 million visitors, followed by Hong Kong, London and Macau.

Euromonitor International global head of loyalty, Nadejda Popova said despite economic and geopolitical pressures, global travel showed strong resilience.

“International arrivals to the top 100 cities climbed eight per cent to 702 million, highlighting the ability of cities to adapt, innovate and deliver experiences that travellers continue to find irresistible,” said Popova.

In the annual report published by the firm in partnership with data company Lighthouse, Tokyo secured third place, and Singapore retained ninth place. Seoul made its debut in the top 10, fuelled by surging global demand for K-culture.

Asia dominated the broader top 20 as well, with Osaka (11), Taipei (15), Hong Kong (17), Kyoto (19) and Bangkok (20) strengthening the region’s position as a tourism powerhouse.

Visa relaxations, major infrastructure upgrades and major events supported the momentum by strengthening connectivity and enhancing visitor experiences.

The top five cities remain unchanged, with Paris leading for the fifth year, followed by Madrid, Tokyo, Rome and Milan. Paris welcomed over 18 million international visitors driven by strong tourism infrastructure, vibrant culture and sustainability efforts.

-- BERNAMA