European Cities Strengthen Their Tourism Presence with Paris Ranking Second Globally
European Cities Shine in Global Tourism Rankings
In a striking development within the travel and tourism sector, recent research conducted by Yanolja Research has highlighted the remarkable performance of European cities in the newly released "Yanolja Attractiveness Index." This index evaluates the charm and appeal of key tourism cities globally based on real traveler experiences and perspectives.
During the 2025 Global Tourism City Attractiveness Evaluation Seminar, Yanolja Research unveiled this innovative approach to measuring urban tourism appeal. A collaboration with Purdue University’s CHRIBA and Kyung Hee University’s HT Analytics Center led to the examination of 191 tourism cities, where Osaka, Japan grabbed the top spot, while Paris, France confidently secured the second place, marking a significant achievement for European destinations.
The European Tourism Dominance
The Yanolja Attractiveness Index 2025 emphasizes Europe’s profound influence over the global tourism landscape. This year's index showcased multiple European cities within the top 50. London was ranked sixth, followed by Rome at eighth, and Berlin at twenty-second. The impressive standings reflect the unique blend of historical heritage and urban vibrancy found in these cities, highlighting their global appeal.
Further down the ranks, notable mentions include Barcelona (25th), Madrid (29th), Venice (32nd), Florence (34th), Milan (37th), Brussels (42nd), and Nice (44th). These rankings collectively demonstrate that the allure of urban tourism in leading European countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Belgium is widely acknowledged.
What Makes This Index Unique?
Unlike traditional measures of tourism competitiveness, the Yanolja Attractiveness Index distinguishes itself by centering on the perspective of actual visitors. It evaluates the attractiveness of tourism cities through two primary pillars: the city’s tourism appeal and its reputation. This inclusive assessment encompasses four critical areas: natural beauty, cultural and historical significance, experiential offerings, and hospitality.
Dr. SooCheong Jang, a professor at Purdue University and the leading mind behind the Yanolja research, stated, “The Yanolja Attractiveness Index represents the inaugural attempt to analyze the appealing attributes of a tourism city through the genuine feedback from tourists, surpassing infrastructure-related ratings. The positive performance of cities across various regions, including Europe, illustrates the dynamic evolution of tourist preferences. For tourism cities to maintain their leadership in the global market, uncovering and promoting their distinct charms will be crucial.”
Future Outlook and Significance
Yanolja Research aims to publish the Yanolja Attractiveness Index annually, providing continuous insights into the shifting trends of urban tourism. This endeavor reinforces the necessity for cities to adapt and communicate their unique narratives in a competitive market.
For further details and in-depth analysis, individuals can visit the official website of Yanolja Research to explore comprehensive results from this landmark study, solidifying the prominent positioning of European cities in the global tourism milieu.