Travelers from different backgrounds and different tastes are drawn to world-class destinations like Paris or Bangkok because these cities manage to cater to their unique needs while maintaining what makes themselves unique. The Pandemic has changed global travel but, according to Mastercard’s Global Destinations City Index, Bangkok was the most visited city in the world in 2019, followed by Paris and London. The rankings were based on the total number of international visitors in each city, with Bangkok receiving 22.78 million visitors, Paris receiving 19.10 million visitors, and London receiving 19.09 million visitors. All evidence shows that once again Paris and Bangkok are competing for the world’s most visited city. But it’s important to note, Thailand and France, and in fact all countries, count domestic tourists and international arrivals slightly differently, so it’s hard to really determine which city actually has the most travelers.
Why Do These Cities Attract So Many People?
It’s simple, people from across the globe want to visit Bangkok and Paris. Both cities have the unique ability to cater to the individual needs of travelers from different regions, cultures and backgrounds, while also providing a truly distinct and authentic experience. That’s a difficult feat to pull off.
Bangkok is a bustling metropolis that is known for its vibrant street life, delicious food, and rich culture. Visitors to Bangkok can explore ancient temples, sample delicious street food, and shop for a wide range of products at its many markets and shopping centers. With its mix of modernity and tradition, Bangkok is a truly cosmopolitan city that attracts visitors and more importantly, repeat visitors from all over the world.
Meanwhile, Paris is known for its cosmopolitan vibe that offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to different tastes and interests. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-renowned cuisine, Paris is a truly international city that has something to offer everyone.
How Different Are Travelers From Different Countries?
The travel industry has known since before the days of Marco Polo that tourists (or explorers if you like) from different background want, need and desire different things. The real trick is to understand what each traveler wants and then to find a way to provide it, while remaining true to the host’s own distinct character. No one wants to travel halfway across the world just to have the same experience they’d have at home. Likewise, nobody wants to arrive at a destination and feel unwelcome or misunderstood.
So to demonstrate this, we’ll look at some ways in which travelers from Germany, the United States, and India are different and how cities like Paris and Bangkok cater to their unique needs. We’ve picked these groups of travelers because they are among the largest and most influential groups of travelers that DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations) often want to travel.
Travelers from Germany are known for their love of outdoor activities, sightseeing, and history. According to a report by the German National Tourist Board, the average German traveler spends about €1,000 per trip and their top activities include visiting museums, galleries, and historical sites. In contrast, American travelers are known for their love of theme parks, shopping, and food. According to a report by the US Travel Association, the average American traveler spends about $2,900 per trip and their top activities include visiting amusement parks, shopping centers, and restaurants. Meanwhile, Indian tourists tend to travel in groups, seek spiritual experiences, and enjoy shopping. According to a report by the Indian Ministry of Tourism, the average Indian traveler spends about INR 60,000 per trip and their top activities include visiting religious sites, shopping, and sightseeing.
How Do Destinations Balance These Differences?
Despite these differences, world-class destinations like Paris and Bangkok have managed to attract travelers from all over the world by catering to their unique needs. For instance, Paris is known for its fashion, art, and culinary scene, which appeals to travelers from all backgrounds. According to a report by the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city typically welcomes over 30 million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited cities in the world. To cater to the diverse interests of its visitors, Paris has developed a robust travel infrastructure that includes high-end boutiques, luxury hotels, world-class museums, and fine-dining restaurants, as well as more affordable options like bistros and cafes. This infrastructure caters to different styles and cultures of travelers, making Paris a truly cosmopolitan city… and yet it remains quintessentially French.
Similarly, Bangkok has managed to respect individual traveler’s needs while still offering an authentic Thai experience. According to a report by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the city typically welcomes tens of millions of visitors each year, also making it one of the most visited cities in the world. To cater to its diverse visitors, Bangkok has developed a travel infrastructure that includes halal food options for Muslim travelers, vegetarian and vegan food options for health-conscious travelers, and international cuisine for those who want to try something different or something familiar. Additionally, the city is home to many religious sites that cater to different faiths, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, making it a popular destination for spiritual tourism. It of course also offer amazing Thai found from street eats to Michelin-starred restaurants.
The Bottom Line
World-class destinations like Paris or Bangkok are successful in attracting people from all over the world because they manage to cater to travelers from different backgrounds and different tastes, while maintaining what makes themselves unique. By developing robust travel infrastructures that cater to different styles and cultures of travelers, these cities have become truly cosmopolitan destinations that offer something for everyone. As travelers, it is important to appreciate and respect the unique qualities of these destinations while also taking advantage of the diverse experiences they offer.
