2016's most visited cities revealed with Bangkok topping the list

Thailand's Songkran festival is a big water fight popular with tourists. Photo / 123RF

Despite last year's terrorist attacks, Bangkok is predicted to be this year's most visited city.

Bangkok has been named the world's favourite city, expected to receive more overnight international visitors than both London and Paris this year.

Figures from Mastercard's seventh annual Global Destinations Cities Index suggested the Thai capital would make the top of the list of most-visted cities for the second consecutive year.

London was predicted to come in second to Bangkok, with 19.88m overseas visitors. Photo / 123RF

While the city experienced two deadly bombings last year - including one at a shrine in the heart of the tourist district - it remains extremely popular with travellers. An estimated 21.47m international overnight visitors were expected this year.

Despite holding second place for three years, Paris has fallen behind Bangkok and London. Photo / 123RF

London was predicted to come in second to Bangkok, with 19.88m overseas visitors, while Paris currently holds third place with 18.03m, despite fears that November's terrorist attacks could have a negative effect on tourism.

While Bangkok was the most visited city in both 2012 and 2013, London topped the list for 2014 and 2015, with Paris taking second place every year between 2012 and 2015.

Osaka in Japan - known as the "nation's kitchen" for its strong food culture - was named the fastest growing city, with 7.02m foreign visitors expected this year, an increase of 24.15 per cent.

Mastercard's report said its strong growth was due to its ability to attract visitors from close international neighbours like China.

Osaka is known for its food culture. Photo / 123RF

In second place was China's panda capital, Chengdu, followed by Abu Dhabi.

Most visited cities 2016

1. Bangkok - 21.47m
2. London - 19.88m
3. Paris - 18.03m
4. Dubai - 15.27m
5. New York - 12.75m
6. Singapore - 12.11m
7. Kuala Lumpur - 12.02m
8. Istanbul - 11.95m
9. Tokyo - 11.70m
10. Seoul - 11.20m
11. Hong Kong - 8.37m
12. Barcelona - 8.2m
13. Amsterdam - 8m
14. Milan - 7.65m
15. Taipei - 7.35m
16. Rome - 7.12m
17. Osaka - 7.02m
18. Vienna - 6.69m
19. Shanghai - 6.12m
20. Prague - 5.81m

The fastest growing destinations

1. Osaka - 24.15% year-on-year increase
2. Chengdu - 20.14%
3. Abu Dhabi - 19.81%
4. Colombo - 19.57%
5. Tokyo - 18.48%
6. Riyadh - 16.45%
7. Taipei - 14.53%
8. Xi'an - 14.20%
9. Tehran - 12.98%
10. Xiamen - 12.93%
11. Jakarta - 12.89%
12. Bangkok - 12.57%
13. Hanoi - 11.64%
14. Mumbai - 10.42%
15. Lima - 9.86%
16. Bogota - 9.61%
17. Seoul - 9.49%
18. Ho Chi Minh City - 9.22%
19. Chennai - 9.15%
20. Dubai - 9.07%