Cities in Asia are projected to challenge London, New York and Paris as tourism powerhouses over the next decade.
The forecast came in new research by the World Travel & Tourism Council showing that city holidays are back and growing in popularity following the pandemic.
Covid-19 had a devastating impact on travel and tourism and in particular major cities around the world as countries closed their borders in response.
As borders reopened, many leisure travellers swapped city visits for less-populated destinations such as coastal and rural destinations, according to the WTTC.
However, the study which analysed key indicators such as travel and tourism’s contribution to GDP, employment and traveller spend, indicates a recovery.
Paris was ranked as the world’s most powerful city destination with a travel and tourism sector worth almost $36 billion in 2022, in terms of direct GDP contribution to the city.
The WTTC now predicts the French capital will drop down to third place, although its value will rise to more than $49 billion.
Beijing, currently the second biggest city destination in the world with a travel and tourism sector worth nearly $33 billion, is predicted to leapfrog Paris within the next 10 years, growing to $77 billion.
Orlando’s travel and tourism sector was valued at $31 billion in 2022, but despite predictions suggesting it will grow by almost 50% to $45 billion by 2032, the US theme park centre will drop down to become the fourth biggest city destination.
WTTC president and chief executive Julia Simpson said: “Major cities such as London, Paris and New York will remain global powerhouses but over the next few years, Beijing, Shanghai, and Macau will be moving up the list of top city destinations.
“Tourists will always have favourite cities that they will return to, but as other countries prioritise travel and tourism, we are going to see new and emerging destinations challenging the traditional favourites.”