[Global Travel]The global market research firm Euromonitor International (Euromonitor International) annually compiles a list of the world’s most visited cities, providing a useful reference.2018Taiwan’s Taipei secured17th place?9,783,300visitors in the annual ranking. With Lunar New Year approaching, it means Taiwanese people will soon have a long holiday—have you decided where to go yet?! Based on the top20cities from this market survey, I’ve personally picked out a few destinations for your travel inspiration. Keep reading to follow along!
First up is Hong Kong, which has claimed the top spot for8consecutive years. For us Taiwanese, traveling to Hong Kong is extremely convenient—not only is the language widely understood in most areas, but the distance is also short, making it just a quick flight away.
Hong Kong offers delicious clay pot rice, egg waffles, traditional dim sum, the uniquely charming Ocean Park, and globally renowned Disneyland. When you’re short on time and can’t take a long vacation, a three-day, two-night mini trip is a great choice—especially since flights are relatively affordable, perfect for budget travelers.
★ Recommended Attractions: Mount Tai Ping, Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong Ocean Park
If you have a bit more time, you can also plan a trip to Macau, which ranks5th. While many may first think of casinos, food lovers must not miss Taipa’s Rua da Cunha or the breathtaking city views from Macau Tower. And for the thrill-seekers, don’t overlook the daring bungee jump from a height of338meters.
★ Recommended Attractions: Taipa Village
In Europe, the UK’s London ranks the highest, coming in at3th place. Although one of its iconic landmarks, Big Ben, has been undergoing a2017-year renovation starting from8,4it doesn’t seem to have dampened global enthusiasm for visiting London. Even without Big Ben, there’s the Iron Bridge from nursery rhymes, the majestic Westminster Abbey, the award-winning London Eye, and—I’d personally recommend—the aquarium near the London Eye, which recreates the diverse aquatic environments of the five continents and seven oceans, letting you experience multiple wonders in one go (laughs).
Additionally, if you’re a history buff, mystery fan, or Muggle dreaming of becoming a wizard, London even offers day tours related to Jack the Ripper, Sherlock Holmes, and Harry Potter.
★ Recommended Attractions: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Harry Potter Studios
New York, known as the world's cultural capital, ranks8this year and is also the only city in the Americas to make the list this time. Since2012when visa exemption was implemented, it has become quite convenient for people from Taiwan to travel to the United States. The Lunar New Year period is the only long holiday of the year — why not take this opportunity for a short but fulfilling trip to fully experience the thrill of Broadway, the charm of Times Square, and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge on foot?
★ Recommended Attractions: Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge
Additionally, if you’d like to experience island vibes, aside from Taiwan itself, another entry on the list is Phuket, Thailand — the largest island in Thailand.2004After being hit by the tsunami following the Indian Ocean earthquake in11, many coastal areas suffered severe damage. However, thanks to the Thai government’s efforts in revitalization and rebuilding tourism, it is now ranked as the
▲ Phang Nga Bay / Photo by5Phuket enjoys summer-like weather all year round, making it perfect for those who love sunshine, beaches, and bikinis (lol). However,10to
are the months when it rains more frequently, so planning your visit outside of that period may lead to a more perfect holiday.007Downtown Phuket is rich in local culture, allowing you to fully enjoy traditional heritage and experience Thai urban life. Alternatively, drive to the famous Patong Beach to enjoy the healing power of its crystal-clear waters, or choose to head to Phi Phi Island in Phang Nga Bay to see the filming locations of the
movie series — both are great options.
Seeing this, don’t you feel like you haven’t planned your next trip yet?! Without further ado, I’m ditching you all to go book my flight now (?)TOP20 #Global Visitor Arrivals
1Full rankings are as follows:29,827,200, Hong Kong:
2visitors23,688,800, Bangkok, Thailand:
3visitors 20,715,900, London, United Kingdom:
4visitors18,551,200, Singapore:
5visitors 18,931,400, Macau:
6visitors 16,863,500, Paris, France:
7visitors 16,658,500Number of visitors
8, New York City, USA: 13,500,000Number of visitors
9, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 13,434,000Number of visitors
10, Shenzhen, China: 12,437,300Number of visitors
11, Phuket, Thailand: 11,945,500Number of visitors
12, Istanbul, Turkey: 12,121,100Number of visitors
13, Delhi, India: 12,505,300Number of visitors
14, Tokyo, Japan: 9,896,300Number of visitors
15, Rome, Italy: 9,703,200Number of visitors
16, Antalya, Turkey:10,729,300Number of visitors
17, Taipei, Taiwan: 9,783,300Number of visitors
18, Guangzhou, China: 9,392,000Number of visitors
19, Mumbai, India: 10,670,100Number of visitors
20, Prague, Czech Republic: 9,038,900Number of visitors
Source:Hong Kong, Phuket, and Taiwan all made the list – how many of the top 20 most visited cities in 2018 have you been to?
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