These are the most visited cities in the world, according to FORBES.
10. Seoul
Visitor spending pumps money into Seoul's economy; visitors are expected to spend $11.5 billion there in 2014 – an increase of 6.3% over the previous year.
9. Hong Kong
Its majestic harbor beckons, with 8.84 million visitors expected this year. It's also the third most expensive city in the world.
8. Kuala Lumpur
A construction boom has altered the cityscape of the downtown area of Kuala Lumpur, capital city of Malaysia. It expects 10.81 million visitors in 2014, making it No. 3 of the top 10 Asia/Pacific destination cities (after Bangkok and Singapore).
7. Istanbul
As a travel destination, Istanbul is a rising star, with sights like the Hagia Sophia mosque shown here. Last year's Mastercard survey project that If all top 10 destination cities maintain their current rates of growth in the next few years, then by 2016, Istanbul will surpass Singapore, New York and Paris in terms of international visitor arrivals.
6. New York
In terms of overnight vistor spending, New York switched places with London in 2014. Visitors are expected to spend $18.57 billion in New York, versus $19.27 in London -- perhaps a function of the strength of the British pound right now. Shown here: the landmark Statue of Liberty against the New York City skyline.
5. Dubai
Sometimes called the shopping capital of the Middle East, Dubai Shows strong growth, increasing their arrival numbers by 10.9% in 2013 and 7.5% in 2014.
4. Singapore
With a population of less than 5 million, Singapore expects 12.47 million visitors this year -- a 3.1% increase over last year. Although it is a melting pot of cultures, including Indian, Chinese and Malay, English is the dominant language, and Westerners do not tend to experience the culture shock there that occurs elsewhere in the region.
3. Paris
Never mind that Paris has a slow growth rate in the number of visitors -- just 1.8%. It's still a favorite city of many travelers.
2. Bangkok
Political unrest seems to be hurting Thai tourism. Bangkok only slipped one rank since last year, but experienced an 11% decline in visitors. Shown here: the city's world-famous landmark,Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River.
1. London
Whether it draws visitors for business or pleasure, London regained the top rank this year in the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index, with an 8% growth in visitors.
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