European Cities Dominate Global Tourism Rankings
Yanolja Research, in collaboration with Purdue University and Kyung Hee University, has unveiled the inaugural Yanolja Attractiveness Index, placing Paris as the second most attractive tourism city in the world, just behind Osaka, Japan. The announcement was made during the 2025 Global Tourism City Attractiveness Evaluation seminar held in Seoul, South Korea.
The Yanolja Attractiveness Index evaluates 191 global tourism cities using social media data in 14 languages, in partnership with Brandwatch UK. The index takes a unique, traveler-centric approach, measuring a city’s appeal based on actual global consumer sentiment and online reputation, rather than infrastructure or policy.
The 2025 results highlight Europe’s dominant role in global tourism, with multiple cities across the continent securing spots in the Top 50. Paris, renowned for its timeless elegance, art, and romance, emerged as the highest-ranked European destination, reaffirming its status as a perennial global favorite.
Other top European performers include London (6th), Rome (8th), and Berlin (22nd), each celebrated for their rich historical heritage, vibrant urban life, and cultural depth. These rankings demonstrate Europe's sustained draw among international travelers across diverse demographics and interests.
Further down the list, Barcelona (25th) and Madrid (29th) showcase Spain’s strong representation, while Venice (32nd), Florence (34th), and Milan (37th) reinforce Italy’s lasting allure. Brussels (42nd) and Nice (44th) round out a continental presence that reflects both traditional charm and modern appeal.
The Index's methodology, focused on Tourism City Attractiveness and Tourism City Reputation, along with four key dimensions—Urban Aesthetics and Natural Scenery, Culture and History, Experiential Tourism Content, and Hospitality—offers destinations clear insights into how they are perceived and celebrated by the global travel community.
