Top 10 most attractive cities in the world in 2014

1. As every year for four years, MasterCard Global Destination Cities today unveiled the list of the most attractive cities in the world. Above London. The Olympic effect allows the English capital to become the favorite city for tourists and businessman on the planet (she lost her title in 2013 in favor of Bangkok). Monarchy, tradition and modernity coexist well with a touch of "so crazy" which is part of the soul of the city. London, home to over 8 million people provides a record 18.7 million visitors in 2014.

2. Bangkok lost a place in 2013 but still the second most visited city in the world. The city attracts surprises thanks to clever mix of exoticism, traditions and extreme modernity. Bangkok has more than 10 million people, or 10% of the total population. She expects to receive 18.37 million tourists this year.

3. Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre, Montmartre ... but also cobbled streets, restaurants and rich cultural life of Paris are a must for romantic travelers. Of the 15.57 million visitors expected this year: Japanese, Chinese, Russians and Brazilians reserve to the capital of France a special place in their hearts.

4. Long considered becoming, Singapore has become in recent years an example of architectural, social and economic success. The projects are mushrooming, the standard of living is one of the highest in Asia, so this is one of the first cities in which to emigrate, according to studies of economic magazines like "challenges ". For now fourth in the world, Singapore expects 12.47 million visitors this year.

5. The city of Dubai gains three places from the previous survey. Economic heart of the emirate eponymous futuristic city with enormous financial resources, to become the first world tourist destination Dubai aims. Artificial islands, oversized buildings, the Middle East's shopping capital now hosts nearly 11.95 million tourists.

6. New York lost a place in the rankings but has very little to show in terms of attractiveness. No other city in the United States is home to more than 11 million tourists per year. Central Park, Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building ... each monument is an excuse to travel and invite the American dream.

7. Istanbul the European Capital of Culture in 2010 is changing. The largest city of Turkey, on the border between Asia and Europe has strengths to figure even higher in the table in the coming years. Buildings and ultra-modern infrastructure, educated youth, the changes are visible. Until the inauguration in 2015 of a tunnel linking Europe to Asia, more than 10 million visitors come every year to admire the Hagia Sophia or stroll along the banks of the Bosphorus.

8. Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, has a particularly attractive location in Indonesia. It comes both from Australia, India, Thailand, the Philippines as Europe. Kuala Lumpur hosts each year 9.2 million visitors. World events like the Grand Prix Formula 1, serve as tourist springboard the country in general and its capital, Kuala Lumpur, in particular.

9. Hong Kong has always had a special status for the whole of China for the rest of the world. Mixing styles is obvious depending on where one is in the city. Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour, Lan Fong Kawai, Ocean Park, but also futuristic buildings, the Chinese markets, or teahouses 'So British'. This contrast attracted nearly 9 million visitors per year.

10. Séoul, the capital of the East extreme, enters the top 10 this year. Young, intense, high-tech and trendy, the South Korean megalopolis and its 15 million inhabitants continues its metamorphosis and becomes a trendy destination in Asia. Its trendy neighborhoods like those in Tokyo or New York. They are full of international references to the delight of a youth wanting to conquer the world in the image of the icon of the moment, singer Psy and Gangnam Style.

By Hicham Bichr