London is most popular city – again

London has been crowned the world’s most popular city for the fifth time in seven years.

A table compiled by MasterCard found that the UK capital is set to welcome 18.82 million overseas visitors staying at least one night this year, putting it at the top of a 132-city table compiled by MasterCard.

Bangkok, with 18.24 million over-night stay visitors expected, was in second place, with Paris third and Dubai fourth.

Turkey’s largest city Istanbul was fifth with 12.56 million over-night stay visitors.

Visitors to London are set to spend £13.3 billion in 2015, while international travellers will make 382.9 million visits by air to the world’s top 132 cities, collectively spending £236 billion.

London mayor Boris Johnson said: “I’m delighted that London has proudly held on to this coveted title, as we celebrate another triumphant and record-breaking year for tourism in the city.

“With London’s unrivalled mix of history, culture, culinary gems and cutting-edge creativity, I’m confident that these accolades will keep coming as the capital continues to surprise and excite visitors from all over the world.”

Top ten cities by overnight trips

 City                                      Visitors (millions)

1. London                             18.82

2. Bangkok                           18.24

3. Paris                                  16.06

4. Dubai                                14.26

5. Istanbul                           12.56

6. New York                        12.27

7. Singapore                       11.88

8. Kuala Lumpur              11.12

9. Seoul                              10.35

10. Hong Kong                 8.66