The UAE has emerged as a standout travel destination, ranking in the first place among the most watched locations in 2024, a new report suggests. Within the UAE, the vibrant city of Dubai has captivated the attention of TikTok users, boasting over 29.7 million posts – the most of any city globally. Meanwhile, data from experts at the travel research platform, Bounce, revealed that London follows with over 10.3 million posts, showcasing its enduring appeal as a travel hotspot.
Bounce based its findings on data from TikTok, a platform where 46 percent of Gen Z travelers – over one-third of those surveyed – draw their travel inspiration. With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok is poised to become one of the most popular social media apps globally.
TikTok has emerged as a powerful tool for travel inspiration, whether deciding on a city break, planning a post-graduation getaway, or mapping out a multi-destination trip in a new country.
Dubai is the most popular city on TikTok, with over 29.7 million posts. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, Dubai is home to the second-highest number of five-star hotels in the world. The city further features renowned attractions like the world’s largest waterpark and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. One of the most renowned hotels is the ocean-inspired Atlantis, The Palm, which features over 1,500 guest accommodations and breathtaking vistas of the Dubai cityscape.
London, the capital of the U.K., is the second most popular city on TikTok with over 10.3 million posts. As one of the most-visited cities in Europe, London attracts over 18 million visitors annually. Also, the city boasts iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the London Eye, and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Moreover, claiming the fourth spot is Istanbul, which has amassed over 8.1 million TikTok posts. Although not Türkiye’s official capital, this largest city is regarded as the country’s economic, cultural, and historic center. In 2010, Istanbul was honored as the European Capital of Culture, despite not being the most populous city in Europe.
Rounding out the top five is New York City, with over 7.2 million TikTok posts. Commonly referred to as ‘The Big Apple’ or ‘The City That Never Sleeps’, this U.S. metropolis is the nation’s most populous, housing approximately 8.5 million residents. Furthermore, New York comprises five distinct boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.
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