#USA #New York #Osaka #Kyoto

U.S. Cities Rank High in Global Tourism Appeal

The inaugural "Yanolja Attractiveness Index" recently released by Yanolja Research highlights the competitive tourism landscape, showcasing the appeal of major cities globally, with U.S. cities performing particularly well. The index evaluates the attractiveness of cities from the perspective of travelers, focusing on various aspects that contribute to each city's unique allure.

Overview of the Yanolja Attractiveness Index

The index, developed with the collaboration of Purdue University and Kyung Hee University's HT Analytics Center, analyzed the appeal of 191 cities worldwide using social media data across 14 languages. The evaluation goes beyond traditional metrics, incorporating tourists' sentiments about the cities they visit. This approach centers on measuring how positively a city is regarded, emphasized through metrics of both appeal and reputation.

In the 2025 rankings, Osaka, Japan, took first place, followed by the iconic city of Paris, with Kyoto securing third. Notably, New York City was the standout in the U.S., achieving fourth position – a testament to its cultural vibrancy and iconic landscape.

The Impact of U.S. Cities on Global Tourism

The results indicate a robust performance from U.S. cities, thereby underlining their global tourism strength. New York’s rank echoes its reputation as a premier destination, drawing visitors with its famed skyline, cultural institutions, and diverse offerings. Washington, D.C. came in 13th, recognized for its rich history and political significance, while Los Angeles and Chicago followed closely at 14th and 17th, respectively, with Los Angeles famed for its entertainment industry and Chicago known for its architecture and cultural richness.

Other cities like Boston, San Francisco, Miami, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Orlando also made the list, affirming the diverse experiences the U.S. offers to global travelers. Each city contributes to the broader narrative of American culture, from the innovative tech landscape of San Francisco to the vibrant nightlife in Miami.

Understanding the New Metrics

The Yanolja Attractiveness Index is distinct from traditional tourism competitiveness evaluations that primarily assess infrastructure and supply-side data. Instead, it seeks to understand a city's appeal directly from the consumer's viewpoint. By doing so, it captures the essence of what makes a city desirable to visitors. This evaluation comprises four dimensions: Urban Aesthetics and Natural Scenery, Culture and History, Experiential Tourism Contents, and Hospitality.

The Global Landscape

While Asian cities such as Seoul and Bangkok also performed admirably, it's clear that the U.S. continues to hold significant sway in the global tourism sector. Cities like New Orleans and Honolulu, though ranked outside the top 50, still underscore the country's diverse attractions, catering to niche markets and unique traveler preferences.

The ongoing evolution of tourism trends and preferences further challenges cities to adapt and market their unique experiences, ensuring they remain competitive in capturing the attention of global travelers.

Expert Insights

Experts from the academic community assert that the Yanolja Attractiveness Index provides a groundbreaking perspective on tourism evaluation. Prof. SooCheong Jang of Purdue University noted that this innovative approach reflects a significant understanding of tourist preferences, emphasizing the need for cities to communicate their unique characteristics effectively. Meanwhile, Kyu-wan Choi from Kyung Hee University pointed to Osaka's success as a case study on engaging experiential content that resonates with today’s travelers.

Conclusion

Yanolja Research intends to make this index an annual report, promising to map the evolution of global tourism trends and city competitiveness moving forward. As cities adapt to changing consumer demands, the index offers valuable insights into prioritizing their development strategies, ultimately enhancing their global tourism appeal.

For more detailed results and insights, visit the official Yanolja Research website.

Overall Rankings Summary:
1. Osaka, Japan
2. Paris, France
3. Kyoto, Japan
4. New York, USA
5. Seoul, South Korea
6. London, UK
7. Bangkok, Thailand
8. Rome, Italy
9. Dubai, UAE
10. Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. cities continue to resonate with international travelers, showcasing a vibrant mix of culture, history, and modern allure.