A recent international ranking highlights Europe as the most attractive continent for tourists. The study, conducted by Euromonitor International, evaluated 55 criteria across six categories: economic and business performance, tourism infrastructure, health and safety, and sustainability. Remarkably, five out of the top seven cities for city trips are located in Europe, with one city securing the top position.
Rome, Italy
The Eternal City of Rome is renowned for its rich art and culture. It boasts iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, magnificent churches, and charming squares. Despite the city’s wealth of ancient relics, Rome continuously offers new attractions for tourists to explore.
In 2019, Rome developed the Plan Futuroma to further enhance its tourism industry. This strategy aims to make the city even more appealing for city trips by 2025 and establish it as one of the world’s most desirable destinations. The plan prioritizes preventing overtourism, protecting cultural heritage, and ensuring sustainable profitability. Ultimately, Rome aspires to become a vibrant, innovative city that harmoniously blends modernity with its historic backdrop.
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Berlin, Germany
Berlin has ascended two places in the latest ranking of the world’s best city trips. Previously, it was the only German city in the top ten, ranked eighth. Recent efforts to improve tourism, including the “Sustainable Tourism Berlin” initiative launched in December 2022, have evidently paid off. Additionally, Berlin has achieved sixth place in the “Global Destination Sustainability Index.”
Berlin is celebrated for its lively party scene and numerous attractions, including Museum Island, the East Side Gallery (the longest surviving piece of the Berlin Wall), and events such as the Berlin Marathon, Berlinale, Carnival of Cultures, and the world’s largest travel trade fair, ITB Berlin.
In the first half of 2023, Berlin’s accommodation establishments welcomed 5.7 million guests and recorded 13.8 million overnight stays, representing a 30.2 percent increase in guests and a 23.9 percent increase in overnight stays compared to the previous year.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, consistently ranks among the top five most attractive city destinations. The city is famed for its picturesque canals, elegant gabled facades, and numerous cyclists, creating a relaxed atmosphere enriched with culture. Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter houses the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, among others.
However, the city has faced challenges with party tourists who visit specifically for activities such as smoking cannabis, drinking, and exploring the renowned red light district. To deter young men seeking wild nights, the city launched the “Stay Away” online campaign at the beginning of 2023. Since May 2023, public cannabis use has been prohibited in the old center. Additionally, tourism taxes will be increased in 2024, leading to higher hotel room prices. The additional revenue will be allocated to social projects and infrastructure improvements. The “Renew Your View on Amsterdam” initiative aims to shift the focus of tourism towards quality experiences rather than quantity.
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Tokyo, Japan
Japan has made a surprising impression, with Tokyo entering the top ten of the annual city trip ranking for the first time. Experts attribute this success to improved tourist infrastructure. Furthermore, the relaxation of COVID-19 measures and the depreciation of the yen have made holidays in Tokyo more affordable, resulting in a surge in hotel bookings.
The cosmopolitan city offers a wealth of attractions, from historic temples and modern skyscrapers to unique sights such as the digital Akita dog at Shibuya Station. Since July, this animated dog has been displayed on eight electronic billboards, reminiscent of Japan’s most famous dog, Hachiko. Hachiko famously waite d at Shibuya Station for his owner every evening for nine years after the man’s death. A statue of the faithful animal has stood at the station since 1934.
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Madrid, Spain
Madrid is a city brimming with culture, a cheerful atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Its popularity has soared, propelling it to third place in the 2023 Index, up one spot from the previous year. The introduction of the Madrid City Card in the spring of 2023 likely contributed to this rise. This tourist card offers free public transport and discounts on museums and other cultural and leisure facilities. Additionally, the Fast Pass included with the card allows holders to skip queues at major attractions such as the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum. The Prado Museum is considered one of the world’s finest art museums, showcasing masterpieces by Spanish, German, Flemish, and Italian artists, including El Greco, Dürer, Rubens, Titian, Velázquez, and Goya.
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai, the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, is the only non-European city to rank among the top three destinations for city trips, maintaining its position from the previous year. This dazzling metropolis attracts countless holidaymakers with its towering skyscrapers, man-made islands, beach resorts, and shopping havens. In 2023, Dubai welcomed 16.8 million international visitors, an 18 percent increase from 2022. This places Dubai third in terms of arrival figures, behind Istanbul (20.2 million, 26 percent growth) and London (18.8 million, 17 percent growth). Overall, international tourism is experiencing significant recovery since the decline of the pandemic, with a global increase of 38 percent.
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Paris, France
The City of Love, Paris, continues to lead the index, holding the top position for both 2022 and 2023. Known for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Élysée Palace, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, and Centre Pompidou, Paris is always a delightful destination. The city’s timeless combination of chic and romance is complemented by the legacy of celebrated figures buried in the Père Lachaise cemetery, including Frédéric Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Colette, Albert Camus, Édith Piaf, Jim Morrison, and many others.
Visitors can also explore the exclusive history of Parisian residents such as Rudolph Valentino, Ernest Hemingway, and Coco Chanel, who lived in the city for over three decades until her death in 1971. Adding to its allure, Paris will host the Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games this year, making it an even more exciting destination.
For more information or to plan your next trip to any fantastic destinations, please contact Star Vacations at +91 95822 54235. Our team is ready to assist you in creating unforgettable travel experiences.
