Travel Spending in Cities

International travel to the 340+ cities covered in the Global City Travel (GCT) service will account for 41% of global international overnight stays this year—but capture 49% of total international travel spending.

City visitors spend more, making spend allocation analysis critical for destinations that want to maximize tourism’s economic impact. Urban travel demand also continues to accelerate. International arrivals to GCT cities are projected to grow 6.1% annually over the next five years, outpacing the global average of 5.3%. As a result, total international visitor spending across GCT cities will rise from $931 billion this year to $1.36 trillion by 2031.

Key Regional Findings in 2026

• Europe: International visitors to European cities spend 32% of their travel budget on accommodation, more than any other region outside of the Middle East.
• Asia Pacific: Visitors to Asia Pacific cities spend a smaller share on food & beverage compared to other regions, with more affordable street and market food options available.
• Americas: Visitors to US cities typically spend more on retail especially in major shopping destinations like New York and Los Angeles.
• Middle East & Africa: MEA cities report the largest share of spending on both accommodation and retail of any region. MEA destinations – especially in the GCC – attract higher net worth visitors that tend to indulge in luxury brands.

To provide greater insight into spending patterns across cities, Tourism Economics’ Global City Travel service has published international and domestic spending by category at the city level. Learn more about how GCT can help you build a stronger foundation for strategy, investment, and sustainable growth.