Euromonitor 2025 Ranking Reveals Asia Pacific Cities Driving Global Tourism Growth: Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul Shine in Top Ten Cities

Published on December 4, 2025

Asia Pacific has emerged as a dominant force in global tourism, with the region recording remarkable growth in international arrivals in 2025. According to the Euromonitor International Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025, the region saw a 10% increase in inbound trips, surpassing 350 million visitors. The growth underscores Asia Pacific’s growing influence on the global travel landscape and highlights its ability to attract international travellers even amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

Leading this surge are top Asian destinations that continue to captivate global tourists. Tokyo secured third place in the ranking, while Singapore retained its position at ninth. Seoul has made a notable debut in the top 10, climbing two spots from the previous year, driven by the continued global popularity of K-culture. The city’s vibrant cultural, entertainment, and culinary offerings have strengthened its appeal to international travellers, enhancing Asia’s presence on the world tourism stage.

Top Cities Driving Asia’s Tourism Momentum

Asia Pacific cities dominate the Top 20 list of the Euromonitor International report. Osaka occupies the 11th position, Taipei 15th, Hong Kong 17th, Kyoto 19th, and Bangkok rounds out the top 20. Bangkok remains a standout destination, welcoming 30.3 million international visitors and topping the global city ranking. Hong Kong, London, and Macau follow closely, reflecting a combination of cultural appeal, urban infrastructure, and connectivity that continues to draw global travellers.

This momentum has been fueled by several strategic developments. Visa relaxations across the region have made travel more accessible, while major infrastructure upgrades, including airports, public transport, and urban facilities, have improved visitor experiences. High-profile cultural, sporting, and entertainment events have further strengthened Asia Pacific’s appeal as a world-class tourism destination.

Global Tourism Trends in 2025

Despite economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty, global tourism has proven resilient. International arrivals to the top 100 cities grew by 8% in 2025, reaching a total of 702 million visitors. Cities worldwide have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and innovation, providing experiences that continue to captivate travellers.

The top five cities remain unchanged, with Paris leading for the fifth consecutive year. Madrid, Tokyo, Rome, and Milan follow in the ranking. Paris attracted over 18 million international visitors, benefiting from its strong tourism infrastructure, vibrant cultural offerings, and sustainability-focused initiatives. These factors continue to reinforce its position as a top global tourism destination, demonstrating that established cities maintain a strong appeal alongside emerging destinations in Asia.

Factors Driving Asia Pacific’s Growth

Asia Pacific’s remarkable performance in the 2025 ranking can be attributed to several key drivers. Strategic visa policies have simplified travel for international visitors, encouraging both short-term tourism and longer stays. Infrastructure investments have improved airport connectivity, public transportation, and urban amenities, ensuring smooth experiences for tourists.

Cultural and sporting events have played a significant role in attracting visitors to cities across the region. From international sports tournaments to high-profile cultural festivals, these events showcase the region’s diversity and strengthen its position as a top travel destination. The combined impact of policy, infrastructure, and cultural programming has reinforced Asia Pacific’s growing reputation as a global tourism leader.

The Rise of Seoul and the K-Culture Effect

Seoul’s entry into the top 10 highlights the increasing influence of K-culture on global tourism. International travellers are drawn to South Korea’s music, television, fashion, and culinary experiences, which have become cultural phenomena worldwide. Seoul’s climbing position in the Euromonitor ranking demonstrates the city’s ability to leverage cultural exports into tangible tourism growth. This phenomenon underscores the interconnectedness of entertainment, culture, and tourism in shaping modern travel trends.

Asia Pacific in the Broader Global Context

Asia Pacific now ranks as the second-largest region for international arrivals, following Europe, and records the fastest growth globally. The Middle East and Africa achieved 7% growth in inbound trips, trailing behind Asia’s remarkable 10% increase. These figures highlight the dynamic nature of global tourism and the increasing influence of emerging regions in shaping international travel trends.

The strength of Asia Pacific as a tourism powerhouse has implications for both economic growth and cultural exchange. The influx of international visitors contributes to local economies, supports employment in the hospitality and service sectors, and promotes cross-cultural engagement.

About Euromonitor International

Euromonitor International is a leading provider of data analytics and market research, offering global insights into markets, industries, economies, and consumers. The organization works with clients worldwide to help identify opportunities, inform strategic decisions, and unlock potential in diverse sectors. With 16 offices globally and over 1,000 analysts covering 210 countries, Euromonitor leverages the latest data science and market research techniques to deliver actionable insights.

In partnership with data company Lighthouse, Euromonitor International produces the Top 100 City Destinations Index, tracking trends in international arrivals and global tourism performance. The report serves as a benchmark for cities and regions seeking to enhance their tourism appeal, attract visitors, and capitalize on emerging trends.

Conclusion

The Euromonitor International Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025 demonstrates the rising significance of Asia Pacific in global tourism. With Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul shining among the top 10 cities, the region’s growth is driven by visa reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and high-profile cultural events. Asia Pacific’s dominance highlights the potential of emerging tourism markets to complement established destinations, shaping the future of international travel.

Global tourism in 2025 has proven resilient, and Asia Pacific’s rapid growth reinforces the region’s status as a powerhouse capable of attracting millions of international travellers while offering world-class experiences that blend culture, entertainment, and modern infrastructure.