London has been ranked the World's Best City for the 11th year, while Dubai is ranked 8th in new research by Resonance, supported by Ipsos, revealed at WTM London.
New York came second
in the report and Paris third. Overall, the US had the most cities in the 2026
Top 100 with 19, followed by Germany with eight and China with seven.
The 2026 World’s
Best Cities Report scored global cities for their liveability -
including access to green spaces, public transport and clean air; lovability -
considering culture, nightlife and social media engagement; and prosperity -
incorporating economic strength, educational attainment and air connectivity.
The report, presented
by Resonance and Ipsos, was exclusively launched at WTM London during a press
conference conducted by Chris Fair, Resonance President and CEO, and creator of
World’s Best Cities.
It combines global
user-generated data, core statistical performance, and new proprietary research
- including a landmark Ipsos survey of more than 21,000 respondents across 30
countries, to create the world’s most comprehensive cities ranking.
London secured its
first place by scoring first for prosperity, second for lovability and third
for liveability in the research.
New York was helped to
second place by its ongoing investment in its cultural economy, massive urban
infrastructure projects, and the continued global infatuation with the city,
despite the US political shift from globalisation affecting ‘brand perceptions’.
Third placed Paris is
meanwhile noted to be thriving as a future-focused city with an historic
backdrop.
The Top 10 World's
Best Cities for 2026 are:
1. London
2. New York
3. Paris
4. Tokyo
5. Madrid
6. Singapore
7. Rome
8. Dubai
9. Berlin
10. Barcelona
The report also
highlights issues currently affecting cities. These include the climate effects
of extreme heat, urban wildfires and water shortages and the need for energy
transition.
The uneven post-covid
rebound of international demand was another challenge as were, for some
countries, shifting global perceptions.
Chris Fair, President
& CEO of Resonance Consultancy said: “For leaders shaping tomorrow’s urban
landscape – whether through capital allocation, location strategy,
infrastructure development, or destination marketing – this report offers more
than rankings.
“It provides strategic
intelligence, risk assessment, and a roadmap to the cities and opportunities
defining the next decade of global growth.”
Chris Carter-Chapman,
Event Director at WTM London said: We’re delighted to hear London has once
again been named the World’s Best City. This recognition reinforces why WTM
London, the most influential travel and tourism event globally, is proudly
hosted here. London’s status as a global hub for industry innovation,
deal-making and strategic partnerships makes it the perfect home for shaping
the future of travel.”
There was more city
trends news in this year’s WTM Global Travel Report, produced in
association with Tourism Economics, which was unveiled on the opening day of
WTM London.
Cities are seeing
particularly strong growth for international tourism, the report says,
reversing a shift to more rural destinations during and following the pandemic.
The world’s 50 largest
city destinations will this year see international visits exceed 2019 volumes
by almost one-quarter. This compares to growth of 5% for all country
destinations.
In fact, the world’s
100 largest city destinations are seeing similar overperformance and the trend
is expected to continue through to the end of the decade.
A recovery in business
travel, a renewed interest in cultural tourism and events, and improved
connectivity are all credited with contributing to the recent boom.
By 2023 the 50 largest
city destinations are predicted to see additional arrivals of more than 40%
compared to this year, while globally, country destinations are expected to
record an increase of one-third.
Dubai and Bangkok are
particularly highlighted by the trends report. Both are expected to see growth
of 50% or more in leisure arrivals in the next five years.
New York and Los
Angeles are meanwhile predicted to see around 30% more arrivals and London,
Istanbul and Tokyo 20% or more. The trend is similar for several smaller cities
including Tunis and Sydney (both +50%) and Lima and Cape Town (both +40%).
WTM London, the most influential travel and tourism event in the world, has its own impact on the UK’s largest city, having contributed approximately £200 million ($ 260, million) to the London economy over last year’s event according to data from VisitBritain and research by Deloitte. -TradeArabia News Service