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