City typologies for sustainable tourism growth

As cities strive for sustainable tourism growth, they face unique opportunities and challenges based on their infrastructure and tourism readiness. This infographic explores five distinct city typologies—ranging from emerging destinations to mature performers—that illustrate how cities can grow sustainably, promote sustainable travel for SMEs, and balance tourism growth with local well-being. Understanding these typologies helps city planners and stakeholders chart a path toward resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tourism.

Dawning developers

Examples: DELHI, ANTALYA, BOGOTA, CAIRO, DURBAN, HO CHI MINH CITY, JAKARTA, LAGOS, LIMA, MANILA, MUMBAI, RIYADH

These cities have emerging tourism infrastructure and historically placed less emphasis on the Travel & Tourism sector. Their gradual tourism growth offers a clean slate for long-term planning in sustainable tourism growth. Opportunities include building tourism infrastructure from the ground up with a focus on sustainable travel for SMEs. Challenges may stem from underdeveloped infrastructure and the need for strategic investments.

• Average annual visitors: 6.19M
• Visitor attractions: 1,135

Emerging performers

Examples: ABU DHABI, RIO DE JANERIO, BANGKOK, BUENOS AIRES, CAPE TOWN, CHENGDU, DUBROVNIK, FORT LAUDERDALE, ISTANBUL, KUALA LUMPUR, MEXICO CITY, MOSCOW, SANTIAGO, VENICE

These cities have experienced growing tourism momentum, enabled by new infrastructure. However, their smaller scale presents a risk—overcrowding and infrastructure stress if visitor arrivals outpace capacity. Opportunities for continued tourism growth remain strong, especially in sustainable tourism growth sectors. Challenges involve managing visitor influxes to avoid overcrowding and ensuring that sustainable travel for SMEs is prioritised.

• Average annual visitors: 21.37M
• Visitor attractions: 3,735

Balanced dynamics

Examples: AUCKLAND, AUSTIN, BEIJING, BRUSSELS, GUANGZHOU, LISBON, MACAU, MUNICH, PRAGUE SEOUL, SEVILLE, STOCKHOLM, VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON D.C.

Cities in this category have well-established tourism infrastructure, offering potential for growth in both business and leisure travel while maintaining a balance between scale and visitor concentration. Opportunities include fostering sustainable tourism growth across sectors, especially with a focus on sustainable travel for SMEs. Challenges are to sustain equilibrium in visitor impact and infrastructure capacity.

• Average annual visitors: 13M
• Visitor to population ratio: 5.02

Mature performers

Examples: BERLIN, CHICAGO, DUBLIN, HONG KONG, LOS ANGELES, DUBAI, MADRID, MIAMI, OSAKA, ROME, SHANGHAI, SYDNEY, TORONTO

These cities have strong business and leisure travel dynamics, supported by mature tourism infrastructure. As they continue to grow, opportunities include further diversification of tourism to ensure sustainable tourism growth and minimise environmental impacts. Challenges involve managing visitor strain on local infrastructure while encouraging sustainable travel for SMEs.

• Average annual visitors: 15M
• Visitor to population ratio: 7

Managing momentum

Examples: AMSTERDAM, BARCELONA, HONOLULU, LAS VEGAS, LONDON, NEW YORK, PARIS, SAN FRANCISCO, SINGAPORE, TOKYO

These cities have historically enjoyed high tourism growth, supported by established infrastructure. Opportunities include continuing to drive sustainable growth through strategic policies and promoting sustainable travel for SMEs. Challenges include managing the balance between visitor scale and concentration to avoid overwhelming local resources.

• Visitor attractions: 1,600
• Visitor to population ratio: 5.02
• Annual overnight visitors: 21.37M