Vancouver Joins Quito, Vienna, Singapore, Sydney, Marrakech in Battling for US Tourists in a 2025 Tourism War, Now Who Will Win

Published on November 27, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The tourism war of 2025 is on, and Vancouver joins Quito, Vienna, Singapore, Sydney, and Marrakech for the coveted U.S. tourist dollar. As global tourism rebounds, these cities are locked in fierce competition to capture the attention of American travellers, each offering unique experiences and attractions designed to draw in millions of visitors. With tourism numbers skyrocketing across the globe, these destinations have realised the importance of the U.S. market and are pulling out all the stops to ensure that they win over U.S. tourists.

Vancouver, with its stunning natural beauty and thriving cultural scene, is fighting for its place among heavyweights like Sydney and Singapore, which have long been favourites among U.S. tourists. Meanwhile, cities like Marrakech and Vienna are rapidly growing in popularity, each offering unique charm and unforgettable experiences. So, who will come out on top in this epic tourism showdown? Will Vancouver’s stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures win the hearts of U.S. tourists, or will the allure of Sydney’s iconic landmarks and Singapore’s modern wonders claim victory?

Travel And Tour World urges you to read on to discover which city will reign supreme in this thrilling 2025 tourism battle.

The tourism world is in shock! The 2024‑2025 tourism landscape has exploded with remarkable recoveries, jaw-dropping numbers, and unprecedented growth across several global hotspots. From Vancouver’s astonishing rebound to Rio de Janeiro’s carnival of numbers, these cities have shocked the world with their resilience and irresistible appeal. Buckle up because this dramatic tourism showdown is far from over, and the stakes are higher than ever before.

Vancouver: A Pacific Northwest Shock Recovery That’s Shaking the Tourism Industry

Vancouver, once severely impacted by the pandemic, has made a remarkable comeback in 2024. The city’s tourism numbers have rocketed, leaving tourism boards worldwide in awe. According to Destination Vancouver‘s Visitor Volume Model (VVM), over 2.6 million U.S. visitors flocked to the city in 2024. That’s a staggering 7% increase from the previous year! Americans, especially from Washington, California, Oregon, and Texas, are flocking north to experience Vancouver’s rich cultural tapestry, stunning waterfronts, and vibrant festivals. The early 2025 figures are even more jaw-dropping, with Vancouver welcoming 504,795 U.S. visitors just in the first three months.

The U.S. market has firmly anchored Vancouver’s recovery, contributing significantly to tourism revenue. In 2024 alone, Vancouver generated a shocking CAD 8.4 billion in tourism revenue, creating 66,000 jobs! Vancouver International Airport saw an all-time high of 26 million passengers, with cruise terminals handling a jaw-dropping 1.3 million passengers. This explosive growth has caught the attention of both tourists and investors alike. Vancouver’s tourism board continues to target the U.S. market with irresistible nature adventures and iconic festivals, further fuelling the shock surge.

Sydney: Shock and Awe Down Under with a Surge Like Never Before

If you thought Sydney couldn’t get any more iconic, think again! Sydney’s tourism numbers have exploded in 2024 and 2025, with a staggering AUD 53.2 billion in visitor expenditure. That’s a jaw-dropping 21% increase from the previous year. The city welcomed a record 3.8 million international visitors in 2024, generating an overwhelming AUD 12 billion in revenue. But the shock doesn’t stop there. Domestic tourism has skyrocketed, with 15.5 million Australians visiting Sydney in just one quarter of 2025 alone, injecting a further AUD 4.2 billion into the local economy. This is a triumph that has left tourism experts in absolute awe.

Sydney’s success is partly driven by its bold investment in new attractions and events that have captured the imagination of tourists from around the globe. The U.S. market has been a huge contributor to this surge, drawn in by the city’s world-famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and its stunning harbour. The city has even opened new cruise terminals, adding another layer of allure for international tourists. The results are shocking: occupancy rates in Sydney’s hotels hit a staggering 87% in November 2024, an incredible sign of recovery. Sydney’s tourism boom is proving to be a shock for the entire southern hemisphere, and the competition for tourist dollars is only intensifying.

Marrakech: Morocco’s Explosive Rebound Shocks the World

Morocco has delivered a shocking tourism rebound that’s leaving global travel analysts speechless. In 2024, the country welcomed a record 17.4 million visitors, a massive 20% increase over 2023. The tourism revenue surged to 112 billion dirhams, and overnight stays soared to 28.7 million, a shocking 12% increase from the previous year. Marrakech, in particular, is leading this phenomenal growth, with 10.1 million overnight stays in 2024, a 12.66% jump from 2023.

The U.S. market has played a pivotal role in Marrakech’s explosive growth, with direct flights from major cities like New York and Washington contributing to the city’s rise. The demand for luxury riads, desert adventures, and high-profile events such as the Marrakech International Film Festival has been nothing short of staggering. With Morocco’s tourism industry still recovering from the 2023 earthquake, these shocking numbers prove the country’s resilience and ability to attract millions of Americans seeking exotic destinations. Marrakech’s stunning return has made it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for 2024 and beyond.

Quito: The Andean Capital’s Quiet but Explosive Shock Surge

While not a global tourism powerhouse, Quito has made its mark with an astonishing surge in visitors. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the Andean capital welcomed 143,311 international visitors, with monthly figures steadily rising. By January 2025, Quito recorded 50,309 international visitors, with hotel occupancy jumping from 34% to nearly 51% by February 2025.

The U.S. market has been a driving force behind this quiet yet shocking growth, with Americans representing 40% of all international visitors. Quito has capitalised on its rich cultural heritage and adventure tourism offerings, including the Andes-to-Amazon ecotourism packages that have proven to be irresistible to travellers. This surge in arrivals highlights a shift in the tourism industry, as smaller cities like Quito use strategic marketing to capture a growing slice of the American tourist market.

Rio de Janeiro: A Carnival of Tourism Numbers that Shocks and Delights

Rio de Janeiro is back in a big way, and the numbers are absolutely shocking. In the first half of 2025 alone, the city welcomed 6.8 million visitors, a 20% increase from the previous year. The biggest shock? The city saw a massive 52.1% increase in international arrivals, with Argentina and Chile topping the charts. U.S. visitors also contributed to this surge, with a shocking 54.4% increase in American tourists heading to the iconic beaches and samba festivals of Rio.

The city’s tourism strategy has been nothing short of brilliant, with investments in security, new digital tourism passes, and a revitalised Copacabana promenade. With the 2025 New Year’s Eve celebrations and Carnival expected to break attendance records, Rio de Janeiro’s tourism boom is set to continue with no signs of slowing down.

Singapore: Shock Records and Ambitious Growth Expectations

Singapore has shocked the tourism world with a staggering 21% increase in international visitors, reaching 16.5 million in 2024. Tourism receipts also broke records, reaching S$22.4 billion in the first nine months of 2024 alone. The city is on track to surpass its previous records and expects 17 to 18.5 million arrivals in 2025.

The United States has been a significant contributor to Singapore’s surge in visitors, with U.S. tourists flocking to the city for world-class events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix and blockbuster concerts by global superstars like Taylor Swift. With new attractions like the Mandai Rainforest Resort, Singapore is positioning itself as a premier destination for long-haul travellers. The city-state’s tourism boom has been nothing short of shocking, and with its ambitious projections for 2025, it’s clear that the city is on track for continued success.

Vienna: A Shock Recovery and Impressive Tourism Boom in the Heart of Europe

Vienna’s tourism has surged to new heights, with the city recording 27.48 million overnight stays in 2024, marking a 9.3% increase from the previous year. U.S. visitors have also been contributing to this growth, with 122,000 Americans staying in the city in May 2025 alone, a 4% increase.

Vienna’s success can be attributed to its strong marketing strategies, focusing on classical music anniversaries and the U.S. market. The city has also expanded its hotel capacity, with around 6,700 new beds added in the past year. The combination of these efforts has placed Vienna back at the top of European tourism, and with its record-breaking tourism receipts and growing occupancy rates, it is set for an even more shocking future.

Comparative Insights: A Global Tourism Race Like No Other

As we compare these tourism powerhouses, it’s clear that each city has something special to offer. Singapore and Sydney lead in absolute numbers, with each surpassing 16 million international arrivals. Meanwhile, cities like Marrakech and Vienna are breaking records for overnight stays and revenue. The U.S. market remains a dominant force, with Vancouver, Quito, and Rio de Janeiro all seeing significant growth in American visitors.

With tourism revenue hitting new highs in cities across the globe, the competition for American tourist dollars is only going to intensify. As each city invests in new attractions and experiences, the future of global tourism promises to be full of shocking moments and unexpected winners.

The Shocking Future of Global Tourism: What’s Next?

The 2024‑2025 tourism boom shows no signs of slowing down. Vancouver, Sydney, Marrakech, Quito, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, and Vienna are all vying for the attention and wallets of American tourists. With each city investing heavily in new experiences, events, and attractions, the race for tourism supremacy is on, and it’s clear that shockwaves will continue to reverberate across the travel industry.