Why Paris, Madrid, Tokyo, Rome, Milan, and New York Will Dominate Global Tourism in 2026 – Top Destinations According to Euromonitor Index

Published on December 24, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index is widely regarded as one of the premier benchmarks for global tourism. It evaluates cities based on 55 metrics spread across six crucial pillars: Economic and Business Performance, Tourism Performance, Tourism Policy and Attractiveness, Tourism Infrastructure, Health and Safety, and Sustainability. The latest rankings for 2026 have been unveiled, and the top 10 cities provide fascinating insights into the future of global tourism.

The latest data highlights Paris, Madrid, Tokyo, Rome, Milan, and New York as the standout cities that will lead the tourism charge in 2026. These cities are not just tourism powerhouses but are also evolving to offer unique experiences that blend historical charm with cutting-edge infrastructure, sustainable practices, and economic growth.

How Cities are Ranked

The Euromonitor Top 100 City Destinations Index uses 55 metrics under the following six pillars:

1. Economic and Business Performance
2. Tourism Performance
3. Tourism Policy and Attractiveness
4. Tourism Infrastructure
5. Health and Safety
6. Sustainability

Each city is assessed based on how well it performs in these categories, and the rankings are based on both current data and future projections for 2026.

Top Global Destinations for 2026

The table below provides a snapshot of the top 10 global destinations in Euromonitor’s 2026 rankings:

1. Paris, France

Key Factor for 2026 Success:
Paris’ success in 2026 is largely attributed to the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Olympic legacy infrastructure resulting from the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Tourism Overview for 2026:

• Projected International Arrivals: 18.5 million
• Air Traffic: Paris handled 109.9 million passengers in 2024. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is Europe’s busiest hub.
• Hotel Booking Stats: Paris maintains a high Average Daily Rate (ADR) of €250+, with an occupancy forecast of 82% for 2026.
• Top Attractions:
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral: Fully restored and reopening in 2026.
  • Centre Pompidou: Final opportunity to visit before renovations begin.
  • Fondation Cartier: New flagship location at Place du Palais-Royal.

Key Metrics:

• Economic and Business Performance: Paris reached a record 100 million international visitors in 2024 (Source: INSEE).
• Tourism Infrastructure: The city’s airport system remains the busiest in Europe.

2. Madrid, Spain

Key Factor for 2026 Success:
Madrid’s leadership in sustainability and commitment to digital “smart tourism” make it a rising star on the global tourism stage.

Tourism Overview for 2026:

• Hotel Revenue Growth: 14% growth in 2024.
• Air Traffic: Madrid-Barajas (MAD) handled 60.1 million passengers in 2024.
• Top Attractions:
  • Nuevo Santiago Bernabéu Complex: A new entertainment hub.
  • Galería de las Colecciones Reales: Showcasing the Spanish monarchy’s artistic legacy.

Key Metrics:

• Sustainability: Ranked #1 for sustainability in Euromonitor’s index.
• Tourism Infrastructure: Madrid is positioning itself as a leader in digital and smart tourism technologies.

3. Tokyo, Japan

Key Factor for 2026 Success:
Tokyo’s weak yen and expanded airport capacity have made it a strong contender for the top spot, with 2026 expected to see even more growth in international arrivals.

Tourism Overview for 2026:

• Projected International Arrivals: 20 million
• Air Traffic: Haneda and Narita handled 125.5 million passengers in 2024.
• Top Attractions:
  • TeamLab Borderless: A newly relocated immersive digital art museum.
  • Shiba Park District: A revitalized district showcasing Tokyo’s blend of tradition and innovation.

Key Metrics:

• Economic and Business Performance: Tokyo benefits from a favorable exchange rate.
• Tourism Policy: The Japanese government has focused on boosting tourism through infrastructure investments.

4. Rome, Italy

Key Factor for 2026 Success:
Rome excels in historical preservation and tourism policy, ensuring its continued dominance as a must-visit destination.

Tourism Overview for 2026:

• International Visitors: Approximately 10 million annually.
• Air Traffic: Fiumicino (FCO) handled 44.4 million passengers in 2024.
• Top Attractions:
  • The Colosseum: Remains one of the world’s most visited landmarks.
  • Pantheon: A symbol of Rome’s rich history.
  • Jubilee 2025 Legacy Projects: Focusing on religious and historical tourism.

Key Metrics:

• Tourism Policy: Rome’s focus on heritage preservation and eco-tourism keeps it relevant in the 2026 rankings.

5. Milan, Italy

Key Factor for 2026 Success:
Milan’s host city status for the 2026 Winter Olympics has led to massive investments in infrastructure and events, making it an exciting destination for tourists.

Tourism Overview for 2026:

• Hotel Revenue Growth: 20% increase expected for 2025/2026.
• Air Traffic: Milan’s airports handled 51.4 million passengers in 2024.
• Top Attractions:
  • Stadio San Siro: The iconic stadium will host major Olympic events.
  • Fondazione Prada: Contemporary art meets fashion in Milan.

Key Metrics:

• Economic and Business Performance: Milan’s reputation as a hub for business-leisure travel drives a significant portion of international tourism.

6. New York City, USA

Key Factor for 2026 Success:
New York’s role as the host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and its 250th anniversary celebrations are pivotal in boosting its tourism appeal.

Tourism Overview for 2026:

• Projected International Visitors: 12.1 million.
• Air Traffic: JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia handled 149.3 million passengers in 2024.
• Top Attractions:
  • The High Line: A public park atop a historic freight rail line.
  • Statue of Liberty: A symbol of freedom and a must-visit landmark.
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art: A global cultural treasure.

Key Metrics:

• Tourism Infrastructure: The busiest airport system in the world ensures accessibility.

Comparative Metrics for 2026

The following table outlines the projected international arrivals and key metrics for each city:

Conclusion

The Euromonitor International Top 100 City Destinations Index for 2026 reveals an exciting and dynamic future for global tourism. Cities like Paris, Madrid, Tokyo, Rome, Milan, and New York are leading the way, offering a mix of rich cultural heritage, cutting-edge infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and major international events. With projected growth in international arrivals, these cities are poised to shape the tourism industry in 2026 and beyond.