(CNN) – There are many ways to measure a city’s success as a tourist destination beyond the number of visitors it receives.
Have infrastructure, sustainability and economics; how it copes with the challenges of attracting and providing accommodation to tourists while maintaining the quality of life for its residents; and then the effectiveness of its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
UK-based market research firm Euromonitor used to be known for its annual Top 100 Cities Destinations list, until Covid gets it all done in 2020 – has ranked the top destinations by number of international visitors.
Like the pre-pandemic list, the 2021 index is a summary of time. Last year, cities stabilized after the global crisis, with some cities opening up to the world faster than others. Next year’s list is sure to be different again, amid the rapid Covid recovery.
Then here are the first travel heroes of the pandemic era.
Paris leads the world
Paris has been named the world’s most attractive city destination for 2021. Globally, it ranks highest in the “tourist activity” pillar and second highest in “tourism policy and facilities” infrastructure.”
However, it ranked low for health and safety, which the report said was “despite increased efforts to increase vaccination rates among a population that is hesitant to receive vaccines.”
France is one of the European countries hardest hit by the Covid-19 disease, and as of earlier this month, there have been nearly 27 million cases in total.
Dubai is sky high
Dubai – 1st in the 2020 index – is second on Euromonitor’s 2021 list and is the only city in an emerging market to make the top 10.
The UAE favorite got off to a good start when it reopened to international tourists in July 2020, and last year it got a boost from the delayed Expo2020, which started in October. 2021.
Dubai ranks fourth globally in the “health and safety” performance pillar, thanks to the strict Covid protocol put in place by the Dubai government.
‘Vibrant and inclusive’
EU residents are now allowed to enter Amsterdam freely, but restrictions apply to countries outside the region.
Figurniy Sergey / Adobe Stock
The Dutch capital is now tackling over-tourism with technology: Euromonitor praises the crowd-monitoring project Public Eye, which uses AI technology to help navigate large crowds and reduce congestion.
The report also notes that Amsterdam, along with Barcelona and Oslo, has “taken measures to reduce car parking,” as well as introducing “extensive bicycle infrastructure to revolutionize the transport network”. their own and create a more livable and inclusive place.”
Population growth, improved unemployment and rising disposable income mean it’s doing well in terms of economic and business performance, Euromonitor said, coming sixth in its operating pillar, Euromonitor said. that move globally.
Viva Espana
Madrid is fourth on the overall ranking and number one worldwide for the “sustainable” performance pillar. It also ranks third worldwide for “tourist policy and attraction.”
Thanks to Spain’s easing of entry requirements for some markets, Barcelona has also moved up six places to 10th place in 2021.
New York is the highest ranked city in the United States, at number 7 overall. Its success was boosted by inbound tourism, while Orlando (22nd) and Las Vegas (28th) also improved their rankings.
Singapore ranks highest globally in the “economy and business performance” pillar, although the city-state comes in at just 24th on the overall ranking.
Asian cities stand out in this pillar, with Taipei and Hong Kong also leading in 2021 in terms of economic recovery, and Macau rising 18 places to seventh worldwide.
The UK’s capital drops in 2021.
Figurniy Sergey / Adobe Stock
Euromonitor also points to the impact of Singapore’s high vaccination levels and “living with Covid” policy, as opposed to the “Zero Covid” approach of Asia-Pacific destinations.
Dublin is ranked highest for tourism policy and attractiveness, and 16th in the overall ranking.
Euromonitor attributes this to the fact that Irish capitals, like France, are open to US tourists from mid-2021, unlike their UK neighbours. London has dropped three places in the overall ranking in 2021, down to eighth place.
However, London won in terms of tourist infrastructure. The report points to the capital’s comprehensive public transport system, six commercial airports and notes that “it has a strong position in terms of culture and entertainment, as well as educational services.”
Euromonitor’s Top 20 City Destinations Index 2021
1. Paris
2. Dubai
3. Amsterdam
4. Madrid
5. Rome
6. Berlin
7. New York
8. London
9. Munich
10. Barcelona
11. Vienna
12. Milan
13. Prague
14. Los Angeles
15. Tokyo
16. Dublin
17. Lisbon
18. Frankfurt am Maim
19. Zurich
20. Istanbul
