HONG KONG — Hong Kong has firmly re-established itself as a global travel powerhouse, securing the position of the world’s second most-visited city, according to findings from the Euromonitor International’s 2025 Top 100 City Destinations Index. Projecting 23.2 million international arrivals for the year, the ranking signals a powerful resurgence for the dynamic urban center, confirming its magnetic appeal to worldwide travelers and adding to a year already marked by prestigious recognition in hospitality and nightlife.

The annual Euromonitor index rigorously evaluates global urban centers across metrics ranging from tourism infrastructure and economic resilience to sustainability and health security. While European metropolises like Paris, Madrid, and Rome dominated the overall top rankings, the Asia-Pacific region demonstrated significant strength, primarily in sheer visitor volume. Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul all featured prominently in the overall destination index, but Hong Kong excelled by drawing massive numbers of international tourists.

Sustained Global Appeal

Hong Kong’s impressive placement—just behind perennial leader Bangkok, which registered 30.3 million international trips—underscores its successful revitalization efforts. Hong Kong outpaced other major global hubs, including London, which ranked third with 22.7 million arrivals, and nearby rival Macao, which secured 20.4 million visitors.

This significant influx of tourists is attributed to Hong Kong’s deliberate strategy of capitalizing on its unique blend of urban energy, accessible nature, and world-class attractions. Experts suggest that renewed investment in nightlife, thriving dining scenes, and ambitious cultural campaigns have effectively leveraged the city’s strengths, creating a sensory overload experience highly sought after by global travelers.

“For a city defined by both its steadfast history and its capacity for rapid evolution, this ranking is a clear indicator that Hong Kong is undeniably back in the limelight,” said one tourism analyst familiar with the Asian market. “The simultaneous acclaim for the city’s top hotel and best bar this year only amplifies the message: Hong Kong offers unparalleled quality alongside massive appeal.”

Asia’s Tourism Landscape

Beyond the top two spots claimed by Bangkok and Hong Kong, the Euromonitor breakdown of international arrivals revealed a vibrant Asian sector. Notably, Kuala Lumpur entered the top ten list for visitor numbers, receiving an estimated 17.3 million overseas travelers in 2025.

The complete list of cities ranked by the absolute number of international arrivals for 2025 highlights the enduring power of Asian and Middle Eastern hubs:

• 1. Bangkok (30.3 million)
• 2. Hong Kong (23.2 million)
• 3. London (22.7 million)
• 4. Macao (20.4 million)
• 5. Istanbul (19.7 million)
• 6. Dubai (19.5 million)
• 7. Mecca (18.7 million)
• 8. Antalya (18.6 million)
• 9. Paris (18.3 million)
• 10. Kuala Lumpur (17.3 million)

While the sheer volume of visitors demonstrates Hong Kong’s capacity to draw crowds, the city also performed well in the broader overall destination index, which ranks cities based on quality factors beyond just headcounts.

Looking Ahead

Hong Kong’s achievement as the second most-visited city in the world confirms the success of its post-pandemic travel promotion and the intrinsic allure of its unique cultural and natural offerings. As connectivity continues to expand and new developments come online, the city is poised to sustain its trajectory as a leading global tourism destination, building on a foundation of world-class infrastructure and dynamic urban life. Companies operating in the hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors should view this data as a strong indicator for continued investment and expansion within the Hong Kong market.