Lisbon and Porto among the World’s Top 100 Cities for Tourism
The latest edition of the “Top 100 City Destinations Index 2024,” compiled by Euromonitor International, includes two Portuguese cities among the most attractive urban destinations for tourists: Lisbon and Porto.
The ranking, which assesses various performance metrics, places the Portuguese capital in 29th position, while the Invicta appears in 75th place.
Ranking evaluation criteria
The list, created in partnership with Lighthouse, analyzes 100 urban destinations based on 55 distinct indicators distributed across six key pillars: Economic and Business Performance, Tourism Performance, Tourism Infrastructure, Tourism Policy and Attractiveness, Health and Safety, and Sustainability. These factors help determine the overall attractiveness of cities.
At the top of the ranking, Paris holds the first position, followed by Madrid and Tokyo. The French capital particularly stands out in Tourism Infrastructure, boosted by major sporting events held throughout the year, including the Summer Olympic Games. Madrid, on the other hand, is recognized for its commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Tourism, while Tokyo excels in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment, combined with accessibility and high-quality infrastructure.
Global tourism trends
Euromonitor highlights that, despite the recovery of global tourism, challenges such as labor shortages, geopolitical tensions, and economic instability may affect sector growth. Meanwhile, lesser-known destinations are gaining popularity, with travelers seeking authentic and culturally enriching experiences away from traditional circuits and peak seasons.
In terms of numbers, the report indicates a 19% growth in international arrivals in 2024, with Europe remaining the most sought-after region, recording 793 million international trips. By 2030, the U.S., Turkey, and China are expected to lead growth in the volume of international tourists, while global tourism spending has already reached $1.9 trillion (approximately €1.8 trillion) in 2024.
In the coming years, average spending per trip is expected to increase significantly in markets such as the Netherlands, China, and Poland. New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo are projected to lead absolute tourist spending levels by 2040.
The impact of major events on Urban Tourism
Euromonitor also highlights the growing investment by global cities in sports and cultural events as a strategy to boost tourism revenue. Infrastructure improvements and marketing campaigns have captured travelers’ attention, creating new growth opportunities. However, with increasing concerns about over-tourism, several destinations are implementing higher taxes, promoting year-round tourism, and encouraging sustainable practices. Additionally, the adoption of generative artificial intelligence solutions is becoming an essential tool for optimizing urban tourism management.
The inclusion of Lisbon and Porto in this prestigious list reinforces Portugal’s position as one of the world’s most desirable destinations, solidifying its reputation for high-quality tourism and authentic experiences.