2016, Bangkok Received the Highest Number of Overnight International Tourist Arrivals

Bangkok is the world's most visited city by overnight international tourists. The Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index recorded 21.47 million overnight stays by international tourists in the Thai capital in 2016. This figure represents a 9.59% increase compared to the previous year and is the highest in the last five years.

86% of foreign tourists visiting Bangkok are there for leisure, with the remainder visiting for business purposes. The number of overnight stays by international tourists in Bangkok surpasses other major cities such as London (19.88 million) visits, Paris (18.03 million), Dubai (15.27 million), and New York (12.75 million).

However, the highest international tourist spending was not in Bangkok, but in Dubai. No less than US$30 billion was spent by foreign tourists in the United Arab Emirates city. Meanwhile, the highest growth in overnight international tourist arrivals (2012-2016 period) was recorded in Casablanca at 15.38%, followed by Abu Dhabi (15.02%), Osaka (13.41%), and Tokyo (12.18%). Jakarta ranked 13th with 7.64% growth.