Cities from Emerging World top List of Most Important Tourist Destinations

MasterCard recently released its findings from this year’s Global Destination Cities Index, which looks at the flux of total international overnight visitors to 132 of the “most important” cities around the globe. The top tourist destinations are somewhat unsurprising – London, UK was the top-ranked city, with 18.82 million international visitors expected in 2015. Interestingly, five Asian countries made it into the top 10, including Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and Hong Kong.

What’s perhaps more interesting is the study’s ranking of the world’s fastest growing destination cities from 2009 to 2015. According to cumulative annual growth rates, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Chengdu, China, and Abu Dhabi, UAE are the world’s fastest growing destination cities. Below, we’ve put together brief guides for these on-the-rise metropolises.

Colombo, Sri Lanka (1^st fastest growing tourist city)

Colombo used to be an intermediary for travelers getting to the southern Sri Lankan coast, but is quickly becoming an attraction in itself. Once known as “the garden city of the East,” the city is more cosmopolitan now than ever. The presence of the Indian Ocean lends a laidback, tropical vibe, and there’s an interesting display of architecture dating back to the city’s period of Dutch colonization.

Must-Sees and Dos:

• Galle Face Green: This is a stretch of lawn with sea views, where people congregate to relax, jog, and fly kites. Grab a tasty bite at one of the food vendors, and be sure to stay and watch the sunset.
• The Colombo National Museum: If you’re a history buff, you’ll love this museum’s collection of ancient artworks dating back to the 4^th century BCE. Interesting items include royal thrones, palm leaves inscribed in Sanskrit, and antique demon masks.
• Seema Malaka Temple: Geoffrey Bawa, one of Sri Lanka’s prominent architects, designed this modern temple. Many praise its elegant simplicity and array of stunning Buddha statues; its placement atop a lake lends a calming effect.

Chengdu, China (2^nd fastest growing tourist city)

Sichuan culture and cuisine take center stage in Chengdu, the province’s capital city. Chengdu is often heralded for its slow-going pace in contrast to China’s famously bustling cities. Check out one of the city’s magnificent temples, eat a famous Sichuan hot pot, and make sure to bring a raincoat – the region is notoriously humid and wet.

Must-Sees and Dos:

• Tea: Some of the best tea in the world can be found in the Tibetan foothills of Sichuan. Accordingly, the culture surrounding tea in the capital is very distinct: from the ceremony to the pots to the actual tea, every aspect of the experience will wow visitors. There are a myriad of teahouses in Chengdu, from casual to practically royal options.
• Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base: Just 45 minutes from the city is the Panda Breeding Center, a research center renowned for its biological and ecological preservation. Despite the center’s scientific prominence, most tourists go to watch the cute pandas roam through bamboo groves.
• Leshan’s Giant Buddha: Standing at 71 meters tall, this is the largest statue of Buddha in the world. It’s a train ride from the city, but definitely worth a peek – the statue is carved out of a cliff, and rivers flow at its feet.

Panda at the Breeding Center. Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / CC BY-SA-3.0.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (3^rd fastest growing tourist city)

Abu Dhabi is huge, but not quite as overwhelming as its flashy neighbor Dubai. Of course, it still boasts a number of impressive skyscrapers and shopping centers, but it’s also an important religious and cultural center. Having been founded in 1971, it has little history but a bright future.

Must-Sees and Dos:

• The Corniche: This waterfront road spans over eight kilometers, and features parks, fountains, and walking paths. Rent a bike and explore. The Corniche beachfront has also been awarded Blue Flag status, an eco-label that guarantees clean water.
• Sheikh Zayed Mosque: The largest mosque in the Middle East, this structure took almost 10 years to build (it reached completion in 2007). It’s quickly becoming a destination spot for photographers, and, of course, is an incredibly important religious site. It sees more than 40,000 visitors during Eid prayers.
• Desert Safari: SUV drivers will take you out for a ride dipping over desert sand dunes. Once atop a perfectly positioned hill, you can watch the sunset and eat a lavish dinner. ATVs are also readily available to rent for more adventurous types.