Dubai, Mecca among top 10 most visited cities in 2025

Dhaka: Global tourism rebounded in 2025, with Bangkok retaining its position as the world’s most-visited city, attracting 30.3 million international visitors. 

The Thai capital’s vibrant nightlife, iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace, and popularity as a filming location for The White Lotus contributed to its top ranking.

Hong Kong followed in second place, drawing 23.2 million tourists, while London secured third place with 22.7 million visitors, making it Europe’s most visited city. 

Visitors to London enjoyed famous sites such as Buckingham Palace and the British Museum, as well as the cultural neighborhoods of Camden and Shoreditch.

Macau, known as the "Las Vegas of Asia," saw 20.4 million visitors, placing it fourth, while Istanbul ranked fifth with 19.7 million visitors. 

The city’s strategic location across two continents and iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace continue to attract tourists.

Dubai, with 19.5 million visitors, took sixth place, impressing with its futuristic skyline, the Burj Khalifa, and luxury resorts. 

Mecca, a spiritual center for millions, ranked seventh with 18.7 million visitors, while Antalya in Turkey came eighth with 18.6 million, thanks to its Mediterranean beaches and historical sites.

Paris, the cultural capital of France, remained a top destination, ranking ninth with 18.3 million visitors. Kuala Lumpur rounded out the top 10 with 17.3 million, famed for its towering Petronas Towers and vibrant street markets.

-B