Dubai has been named the world’s second most attractive city destination for 2023, according to the latest report from Euromonitor International. This prestigious recognition is part of the annual Top 100 City Destinations Index, which evaluates cities based on a variety of metrics.
The emirate’s success is attributed to several factors, including its robust business environment, high demand for international travel, continuous development of infrastructure, and innovative marketing strategies. Euromonitor’s comprehensive report compares cities across six key pillars: economic and business performance, tourism performance, tourism infrastructure, tourism policy and attractiveness, health and safety, and sustainability.
Senior Research Manager at Euromonitor, Vitalij Vladykin, praised Dubai for its exceptional economic and business performance. He highlighted the city’s appeal to both repeat and first-time international visitors, as well as those seeking a unique stopover experience. Dubai’s efforts in expanding airport capacity and developing new attractions are notable contributions to its infrastructure.
In addition to physical developments, Dubai’s creative marketing and simplified visa policies have significantly enhanced its global appeal. The city is also making strides in sustainability, with initiatives like the ‘Year of Sustainability’ and a ‘Sustainable Tourism’ stamp for hotels.
Globally, Paris retains its position as the number one city destination, with Dubai following closely. The top ten list also includes Madrid, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, New York, Barcelona, and London.
In terms of international trips, Dubai is expected to welcome 16.8 million visitors in 2023, an 18% increase from the previous year. This places the city third in global rankings, behind Istanbul and London. Key cities like Antalya, Paris, Hong Kong, Bangkok, New York, Cancun, and Makkah also feature prominently.
The global travel market is witnessing a strong recovery in 2023, with a 38% growth in the number of trips, projected to hit 1.3 billion by year’s end. An important factor in this resurgence has been the return of Chinese international travel following the lifting of quarantine requirements. Overall, global tourism spending is expected to reach $1.7 trillion in 2023, marking a significant milestone for the industry’s recovery.