Paris has been named the world’s most influential city for tourism, according to a new global ranking.

Paris is renowned for its gourmet cuisine, iconic art, and high-end fashion.

A fresh ranking from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals that Paris holds the title of the world’s most dominant city in the tourism sector.

The WTTC, a UK-based nonprofit organization, assessed 2022 tourism data to determine which destinations attracted the most spending from travelers.

The ranking of the top tourism cities was not based solely on ticket sales for attractions and hotel bookings. It also considered the extent of investment from local governments and businesses in promoting these cities as prime tourist hubs.

Take Paris, for example, the leader on the list: the city is gearing up to host the 2024 Summer Olympics. While fewer than 5% of the facilities will be newly constructed, the city is investing heavily in infrastructure, security, and other enhancements to ensure it's ready to welcome the world.

Curious about who else made the cut?

The United States dominates the tourism scene.

Las Vegas generated a total tourism revenue of $23 billion, according to the WTTC’s findings.

Two countries had three cities each represented on the WTTC list. One of them was the United States, with Orlando, New York City, and Las Vegas leading the charge for the nation.

Each city attracts a different type of traveler: Orlando is a family favorite, known for its theme parks, Las Vegas is a global hotspot for gambling and nightlife, and New York draws food enthusiasts, art lovers, and a wide range of other visitors.

China is climbing the ranks.

Three Chinese cities – Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou – made it into the top 10 in 2022.

Other destinations in China are also making moves up the list. Sanya, a beach paradise on Hainan Island, and Macao are emerging as places to watch in the near future.

China has made massive investments in tourism and is now targeting international travelers with its reopened borders. Macao, the only city in China where gambling is legal, offers tourists easier access without the need for a visa, unlike the mainland.

The WTTC forecasts that China will take the top spot in its rankings by 2032.

“While cities like London, Paris, and New York will continue to be global leaders, over the next few years, cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Macao will rise up the ranks of top tourist destinations,” said Julia Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC, in a statement.

Other notable cities.

The WTTC list includes more than just two countries. Tokyo, Mexico City, and London ranked seventh, eighth, and ninth respectively, completing the top 10.

Interestingly, the list also raised questions about which cities didn’t make the cut.

Two unexpected exclusions were from the Middle East, a region that has seen a dramatic rise in popularity over the past decade.

While Dubai, known for its luxury, and Doha, host of the soccer World Cup, topped the tourism revenue charts, they didn’t score as high in other areas, leaving them out of the top 10.

Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Singapore faced the same fate, ranking high for tourist spending but failing to make the overall list of the ‘most powerful’ cities for tourism.