Dubai maintained its top global ranking in terms of highest visitor spend in any city and it's expected to grow by double-digits this year, says a new study.

Released by Mastercard, the 9th Global Destination Cities Index results showed that the international visitors spent totalled $28.5 billion (Dh104.6 billion) during 2016 - the highest in the world.

The emirate is projected to see $31.41 billion (Dh126.28 billion) visitor spend this year, an increase of 10.2 per cent.

With the kind of growth rate Dubai enjoys in international visitor spend, the emirate could retain its status in the coming years. In 2015, Dubai saw international visitor spending of $31.3 billion.

In terms of overnight visitor spend, Dubai was followed by New York at $17.02 billion, London at $16.09 billion and Singapore at $15.69 billion.

The emirate retained its status as fourth most popular travel destination in 2016, receiving 14.87 million international overnight visitors with an expected continued growth of 7.7 per cent this year.

Globally, Bangkok topped in the world in terms of international overnight visitors with 19.41 million with a growth forecast of four per cent, followed by London at 19.06 million and Paris at 15.45 million.

The Global Destination Cities Index ranked 132 top cities.

"With its relentless focus on continuously innovating its business and leisure infrastructure and offerings, Dubai continues to reinforce its position on the world map as a highly attractive destination for visitors of all ages and nationalities. The city's retail sector coupled with its year-round calendar of festivals, events and a wide range of shopping experiences, also continues to be a huge draw for international visitors as supported by its ranking as the top global destination in terms of visitor expenditure," said Khalid Elgibali, division president for Middle East and North Africa at Mastercard.

"Dubai continues to be a must-visit and must-return destination for both business and leisure travellers, and the opening of world-class attractions and venues such as IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai Parks and Resorts and Dubai Opera in 2016 enhanced the offering for all visitors, including families," he added.

Source: Khaleej Times