New York City residents have always believed in the charm of their city, but receiving recognition from international authorities remains exhilarating – especially as in this global competition, New York has triumphed over Paris and Seoul!
According to the latest release of the 2026 Global Tourism City Attractiveness Index by the Korean travel research institution “Yanolja Research,” New York City ranks third globally. The top two spots are claimed by Japan’s two major tourist destinations – Osaka (first place) and Kyoto (second place). Seoul, South Korea, sits at fourth place, while the romantic city of Paris falls to fifth place.
The study emphasizes that “attractiveness” does not merely refer to superficial beauty, but is a comprehensive evaluation combining “awareness” and “positive sentiment” from the perspective of tourists.
This 2026 study surveyed 261 cities globally and selected the top 200. The research team utilized AI technology to analyze internet community data from June 2025 to May 2026, covering 14 languages on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, X, Reddit, Facebook, major blogs, forums, and review websites, excluding news media.
The weight distribution for the evaluation criteria was as follows: city aesthetics and natural scenery at 30%; cultural and historical heritage at 30%; experiential tourism content at 30%; hospitality and service quality at 10%.
Judges highlighted that New York City’s impressive performance can be attributed to its city aesthetics, experiential tourism, and exceptional hospitality. The report describes New York as a fantastic travel destination where the natural landscapes of Central Park, the skyscraper skyline, Broadway musicals, professional sports events, top-notch cuisine, and vibrant nightlife blend perfectly.
As for the champion Osaka, it clinched the first place with high ratings in food, shopping, quality accommodation, theme parks, and nightlife; while the runner-up Kyoto is globally renowned for its traditional culture, historical landmarks, beautiful scenery, and warm hospitality.