Top Travel Destinations for International Visitors
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1. Bangkok, Thailand
1. Bangkok, Thailand: Political unrest has impacted visitor numbers in recent years, but they’ve been surging back since attracting 19.41 million visitors in 2016. In 2017, more than 20 million are expected.
2. Istanbul, Turkey
10. Istanbul, Turkey: Istanbul still makes the list, albeit lower than its previous No. 8 place. The city welcomed 9.16 million overnight international visitors in 2016 and expects 9.24 million in 2017.
3. Tokyo, Japan
9. Tokyo, Japan: The Japanese capital received 11.15 million visitors in 2016 and is forecast to receive 12.51 million visitors in 2017.
4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Home to the tallest twin towers in the world, the Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur received 11.28 million visitors in 2016 and expects to welcome 12.08 million in 2017.
5. Seoul, South Korea
7. Seoul, South Korea: One of many reasons tourists are attracted to Seoul is its historic palaces. The city received 12.39 million visitors in 2016 and expects 12.44 million in 2017.
6. New York City, USA
6. New York City: New York is expected to draw 12.36 million visitors in 2017. With 12.7 million in 2016, it is the only city expected to see a year-over-year decrease in arrivals, potentially being edged out of its No. 6 position by Seoul.
7. Singapore
5. Singapore: The second most popular city in Asia, Singapore saw 13.11 million visitors in 2016 and is expected to see 13.45 million in 2017.
8. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai outshines its Middle Eastern neighbors in visitor arrivals. The city expects to host 16.01 million international visitors in 2017, an increase from 14.87 million in 2016. It’s also the top-ranked global city for visitor spending.
9. London, UK
2. London, UK: London has often topped the index, but the UK capital has been edged out the past two years by a top destination in Asia. In 2016, it received 19.06 million visitors, and in 2017, it expects to welcome 20 million.
