Beijing ranks among the world’s top cities for tourism in comprehensive strength, according to a major industry report released on Thursday at the World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development 2025.

The World Tourism Cities Development Report (2024-2025)—a flagship publication of the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), which has been published annually since 2014—ranked Beijing in seventh place globally following a comprehensive evaluation of cities over the last year, moving the Chinese capital up one place from the last report.

Shanghai ranked ninth and Hong Kong came in 11th, with New York, Tokyo and Paris taking the top three spots.

Five Chinese cities—Macao, Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing—were listed among the top 10 globally in terms of city intelligence, per the report, underscoring the country’s progress in smart city development, digital infrastructure and AI-driven travel services.

Notably, Beijing also claimed fifth place on the World Tourism Destination Potential Competitive Index Report (2025), which was released by WTCF and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The report evaluated cities based on 10 criteria, including cultural appeal, livability and safety, tourism infrastructure and accessibility, and smart tourism and sustainability. It also ranked Shanghai in ninth place.
Wei Xiaodong, chairman of the Beijing municipal committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, highlighted the city’s rising appeal to international visitors. From January to July 2025, Beijing received approximately 2.92 million inbound tourists—a year-on-year increase of 46.2 per cent.

PATA Chairman Peter Semone praised Beijing’s blend of cultural heritage and modern technology, as well as its leadership in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism, emphasising its strategic vision as a global tourism hub.

“Beijing now boasts more world heritage designations than any other city in the world,” Semone said. “This is not just a badge of honour. It is the result of long-term, deliberate policy to preserve, protect and promote cultural assets.”

Themed ‘Smart Tourism for a Win-Win Future’, the conference, which is part of the ongoing 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services, brought together nearly 400 delegates from 66 countries and regions to explore trends and cooperation in the smart tourism era.