Euromonitor International has just released its Top 100 City Destination Ranking report. The travel trends assessment is now in its 10th year, and says ‘cities are not only a major catalyst for economic and tourism growth, but are also hotbeds of innovation, new business models and start-ups. We have therefore decided to combine our cities research with travel trends to provide the most forward-looking perspective on the future growth in the travel industry.’ The rankings are based on the number of international arrivals that spend 24 hours or more in a city, and based on part year data for 2017.

The top positions of the Top 100 City Destinations were taken by the usual contenders of Hong Kong, Bangkok, London, Singapore and Macau. Dubai came in at 6th position, with a huge 11.2% growth in visitors since the previous year. Following Dubai was Paris and New York respectively.

The report shows the Middle East in particular has the strong legacy airline players, Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, but low-cost carriers are performing strongly, showing 13% growth in 2017. 

Dubai has become synonymous with tourism and technology

Dubai's tourism industry is booming, and it is adopting new technologies at a rapid pace. The Dubai Tourism Vision 2020 aims to welcome 20 million visitors by the year 2020, when it will host Expo2020, with Euromonitor International's forecast showing this target is set to be met. The Dubai 2030 transport strategy aims to make 25% of all transportation in Dubai smart and driverless by 2030. This includes separate lanes for driverless buses and passenger drones able to carry a single rider. Eight drones have been test-run over the Burj Al Arab. The city also signed a deal with Hyperloop One, set to launch a hyperloop train with a speed of 500mph to run from Dubai City to the capital of Abu Dhabi, covering the 150km distance in 12 minutes. With feasibility studies in place, Hyperloop One expects project completion by 2020. Dubai Electric and Water Authority began to install electric charging stations, EV-Green Chargers, in Dubai in 2015 and plans to increase the number up to 200 stations, to promote the use of electric cars and a sustainable environment.

The stunning coastline of Antalya, Turkey- Image credit Alex Kulikov via Flickr

Two Turkish cities asserted their position on the list, with Istanbul coming in high on the list at 15th and Antalya at 29th position. In Turkey, Antalya is high on traveller density, but low for population, while Istanbul is high on population density and low for travellers. Locals’ perception and traveller management play an important role in managing overcrowding. Part of the reason for Antalya’s success is the variety of its coastal resorts, as well as being home to many state-of-the-art golf courses. The Antalya city centre offers lively nightlife and shopping as well as being a hub of the Turkish Riviera. Part of the reason for Istanbul’s placement at number 15 in the Top 100 may be the wonderful climate that has made Istanbul a year-round destination, historic sights, vibrant nightlife and designer shopping that is on offer at Turkey’s largest city. The country’s image as a safe and welcoming destination might have suffered a dent, with a decrease in the total amount of travellers visiting this year. However, in recent information released by the Turkish Statistical Institution, Turkish property sold to foreigners in September reflected a 75% increase on figures from the same time last year, reflecting confidence in Turkey and its foreign investment plan. 

Click here to read more about property sales to foreigners in Turkey

The Hajj, Mecca- Image credit Al Jazeera English via Flickr

Coming in at 19th position was Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Hajj is a major draw for arrivals to the country, but the kingdom is looking to ensure it is not just Mecca that benefits. The Post-Umrah Programme, an initiative that allows pilgrims to convert their Umrah visas into tourist visas, was launched to allow pilgrims to extend their stays in the country. Better dispersion should also come with the first high-speed train between Mecca and Medina, set to launch in 2018.

Click here to read about Saudi Arabia's tourism and technology mega-project, NEOM

To see the full report, visit the Euromonitor website.

See also:

The iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi’s grand opening

Award-winning, sustainable AHK KNDU villas in Antalya

Saudi’s NEOM project “good for Dubai”