Bangkok has topped the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index for the highest number of visitors — but it’s Dubai where the cashed-up tourists are going.
According to MasterCard, visitors stayed in Bangkok an average of 4.7 nights and spend US$173 per day during calendar 2017. The capital of Thailand attracts an average of 20 million overnight visitors in the year.
However, Bangkok is a low-cost destination — which helps explain its enduring popularity — so it’s only fifth in terms of tourists spend. Dubai, on the other hand, attracts visitors who shell out, on average, $537 a day.
In terms of visitor numbers, Bangkok is followed by London, Paris, Dubai, Singapore, New York, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Istanbul and Seoul.
When it comes to how much is spent by tourists, the leaders are Dubai, Makkah (Mecca), London, Singapore, Bangkok, New York, Paris. Palma de Mallorca, Tokyo and Pukhet.
See also: A behaviour checklist for Thailand
