Bangkok, Thailand is expected to be the number one tourist destination in the world in 2013, according to MasterCard's Global Destination Cities Index. It is anticipated to welcome 15.98 million international visitors this year, beating out other top cities like London, Paris, and New York. The index forecasts tourist arrivals and spending for 20 of the most visited cities based on data from tourism boards, flight numbers, and hotel reservations. Bangkok is expected to see over 15 million visitors spending $14.3 billion.

1. The 20 New Most
Popular Cities for Tourist
WWW.BUSINESSINSIDER.COM
2013

2. Megan Willett
For the first time in three years, an
Asian city is expected to welcome
more tourists than any other city in
the world.
Bangkok, Thailand will be the number
one destination for tourists in 2013,
according to MasterCard's new Global
Destination Cities Index.
It beat out major destinations like
London, Paris, New York, and Dubai
with an anticipated 15.98 million
international arrivals in 2013.
The annual report forecasts estimated
arrivals of foreign visitors, as well as
how much they are expected to spend
in total. The numbers are based on
data from tourism boards, number of
flights in and out of the country, and
the amount of reservations at paid
accommodations in the city.

3. 20. Los Angeles
4.84 million people are expected to visit LA this year, bringing in $7.8 billion in
visitor spending.

4. 19. Riyadh
Just over 5 million tourists are expected to flood Riyadh's streets in 2013,
spending $3.4 billion.

5. 18. Taipei
An estimated 5.19 million tourists will visit Taipei and spend $8.1 billion in 2013.

6. 17. Vienna
$4.8 billion dollars will be spent by the 5.37 million tourists who are expected to
visit Vienna.

7. 16. Tokyo
The 5.8 million people who visit Japan's capital are expected to spend as much
as $12.7 billion.

8. 15. Amsterdam
2013 is expected to see 6.35 million tourists spend $6.3 billion in Amsterdam.
“Dutch born Stephan Hengst (R) kisses his husband, American-born Patrick Decker, after being married by Amsterdam's
Mayor Job Cohen on an official wedding boat during the Gay Pride Canal Parade in Amsterdam August 1, 2009.”

9. 14. Shanghai
A whopping 6.5 million people will come to Shanghai this year, and spend $6.9
billion during their stay.

10. 13. Rome
Over 6.7 million tourists are expected in Rome this year to spend an estimated
$6.4 billion.

11. 12. Milan
This Italian city could see as many as 6.83 million tourists in 2013 who could
spend $6.6 billion in total.

12. 11. Seoul
South Korea's capital is estimated to attract almost 8.2 million tourists in 2013
who will spend $10.8 billion.

13. 10. Barcelona
Barcelona's 8.41 million visitors are expected to spend as much as $8.9 billion
combined.

14. 9. Hongkong
$6.3 billion is expected to be spent by Hong Kong's 8.72 million tourists this
year.

15. 8. Kuala Lumpur
This Malaysian city will see 9.2 million tourists and $7.8 billion in visitor revenue.

16. 7. Dubai
Almost 9.9 million tourists are estimated to flock to Dubai in 2013, and could
spend as much as $10.4 billion.

17. 6. Istambul
Turkey's capital city could see 10.37 million tourists who will spend $8.6 billion
in 2013.

18. 5. New York
The 11.52 million tourists who will visit NYC this year will spend the most here
than in any other destination — $18.6 billion.

19. 4. Singapore
$13.5 billion in revenue will be made from the 11.75 million tourists who visit
Singapore.

20. 3. Paris
13.92 million people will visit the city of lights, spending as much as $14.6 billion
in 2013.

21. 2. London
15.96 million tourists are expected in London this year, and could spend as
much as $16.3 billion.

22. 1. Bangkok
The number one tourist destination this year, 15.98 million people will visit
Bangkok, spending upwards of $14.3 billion.

23. Thank you