Bangkok, Paris, London: World's most visited cities revealedSeptember 4, 2019 - 13:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The world's appetite for travel is voracious. Since 2009, the number of international overnight visitors has grown by 76% globally, according to third-party research and proprietary analysis by financial services company Mastercard. For the fourth year in a row, Bangkok is the No. 1 most popular city on Mastercard's Global Destination Cities Index, CNN reports. In 2018, the Thai capital welcomed 22.78 million international overnight visitors, with 3.34% growth forecast for 2019. Many of Bangkok's visitors originate from these top five destinations, listed in order: Mainland China, Japan, South Korea, India and the United Kingdom. Popular attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and for a day trip outside the city, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Paris and London rank No. 2 and No. 3 for visitors, both welcoming more than 19 million international visitors for overnight stays in 2018. Mastercard's index ranks 200 cities based on proprietary analysis of visitor volume and spending data that is publicly available. All but one of the top 10 cities for visitor numbers in 2018 saw an uptick in international overnight visitors, with increases predicted across the board for 2019. Top 10 cities ranked by 2018 visitor numbers 1. Bangkok, Thailand: 22.78 million international overnight visitors 2. Paris, France: 19.10 million international overnight visitors 3. London, England: 19.09 million international overnight visitors 4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 15.93 million international overnight visitors 5. Singapore: 14.67 million international overnight visitors 6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 13.79 million international overnight visitors 7. New York City, USA: 13.60 million international overnight visitors 8. Istanbul, Turkey: 13.40 million international overnight visitors 9. Tokyo, Japan: 12.93 million international overnight visitors 10. Antalya, Turkey: 12.41 million international overnight visitors Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |