WTM London unveils the world’s most livable, lovable and prosperous cities

The 2026 World’s Best Cities Report scored global cities for their livability – including access to green spaces, public transport and clean air; lovability – considering culture, nightlife and social media engagement; and prosperity – incorporating economic strength, educational attainment and air connectivity.

The report, presented by Resonance and Ipsos, was exclusively launched at WTM London during a press conference conducted by Chris Fair, Resonance President and CEO, and creator of World’s Best Cities.

It combines global user-generated data, core statistical performance, and new proprietary research – including a landmark Ipsos survey of more than 21,000 respondents across 30 countries, to create the world’s most comprehensive cities ranking.

Top 3 unchanged

London secured its first place by scoring first for prosperity, second for lovability and third for livability in the research.

New York came second thanks to its ongoing investment in its cultural economy, massive urban infrastructure projects, and the continued global infatuation with the city, despite the US political shift from globalization affecting ‘brand perceptions’.

Third placed Paris is meanwhile noted to be thriving as a future-focused city with an historic backdrop.

The Top 10 World’s Best Cities for 2026 are:

1. London
2. New York
3. Paris
4. Tokyo
5. Madrid
6. Singapore
7. Rome
8. Dubai
9. Berlin
10. Barcelona

The report also highlights issues currently affecting cities. These include the climate effects of extreme heat, urban wildfires and water shortages and the need for energy transition.

The uneven post-covid rebound of international demand was another challenge as were, for some countries, shifting global perceptions.

Chris Fair, President & CEO of Resonance Consultancy said: “For leaders shaping tomorrow’s urban landscape – whether through capital allocation, location strategy, infrastructure development, or destination marketing – this report offers more than rankings.

“It provides strategic intelligence, risk assessment, and a roadmap to the cities and opportunities defining the next decade of global growth.”

Chris Carter-Chapman, Event Director at WTM London said: ” We’re delighted to hear London has once again been named the World’s Best City. This recognition reinforces why WTM London, the most influential travel and tourism event globally, is proudly hosted here. London’s status as a global hub for industry innovation, deal-making and strategic partnerships makes it the perfect home for shaping the future of travel.”

The full 2026 World’s Best Cities report is available here.

Cities are again the engine to tourism growth

Cities importance in tourism is highlighted in WTM Global Travel Report, produced in association with Tourism Economics. WTM unveiled the report on the opening day of WTM London.

Cities are seeing particularly strong growth for international tourism, the report says. It reverses a shift to more rural destinations during and following the pandemic.

The world’s 50 largest city destinations will this year see international visits exceed 2019 volumes by almost one-quarter. This compares to growth of 5% for all country destinations.

In fact, the world’s 100 largest city destinations are seeing similar over-performance. This trend might continue through to the end of the decade.

A recovery in business travel, a renewed interest in cultural tourism and events, and improved connectivity are all credited with contributing to the recent boom.

By 2032 the 50 largest city destinations would see additional arrivals of more than 40% compared to this year. Globally, country destinations should record an increase of one-third.

The trends report particularly highlighted Dubai and Bangkok. Both are expected to see growth of 50% or more in leisure arrivals in the next five years.

New York and Los Angeles could meanwhile see around 30% more arrivals. London, Istanbul and Tokyo should grow by 20% or more. The trend is similar for several smaller cities including Tunis and Sydney (both +50%) and Lima and Cape Town (both +40%).

WTM London has its own impact on London. It helped contributing approximately £200 million to the local economy over last year’s event according to data from VisitBritain and research by Deloitte.

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