London is officially the world's most popular travel destination.
According to new stats the capital will welcome a total of 18.82 million international overnight visitors this year, more than any other city in the world.
But in a shock result, New York has fallen out of the top five cities in the world, slipping into sixth place.
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Attractions such as Tower Bridge (pictured), the National Gallery and the Tate Modern keep visitors coming
London will welcome a total of 18.82 million visitors this year, according to the Global Destinations Cities Index
The annual MasterCard Global Destinations Cities Index puts London in pole position for the fifth time in seven years, ahead of Bangkok and Paris, while New York was beaten by Istanbul.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'I'm delighted that London has proudly held on to this coveted title, as we celebrate another triumphant and record-breaking year for tourism in the city.
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'With its unrivalled mix of history, culture, culinary gems and cutting-edge creativity, I'm confident that these accolades will keep coming as the capital continues to surprise and excite visitors from all over the world.'
While Dubai is ranked fourth on the list, Istanbul, which has seen a rapid rise in visitors over the last several years makes a shock entry at number five, knocking New York out of the top five completely.
Thai capital Bangkok is the world's second most visited city with an estimated 18.24 million visitors this year
The Global Destinations Cities Index provides a ranking of the 132 most visited cities around the world, revealing the number of people travelling overseas - and their cross-border spending, which has risen faster than world real GDP since 2009.
In 2015, international travellers will make 382.9million visits by air to the world's top 132 cities, collectively spending £236billion, according to the report.
The capital will welcome 18.82 million international overnight visitors this year who will spend a total of £13.3 billion.
Ann Cairns, president of International Markets at MasterCard, said: 'MasterCard understands the importance of cities around the world both for travellers and those who live there.
'This year's study helps us understand just how interconnected the world's cities are and the significant role they play in connecting and empowering greater numbers of people than ever before.'
Paris is predicted to receive 16.06 million visitors this year, making it the second most visited city in the world
Sites such as the Arc de Triomphe make the French capital ever popular with tourists from around the globe
It also predicts a six per cent rise in international overnight visitors to London in 2015 and a 2.3 per cent increase in spending, compared to last year.
The study says it underlines London's 'dominance' as a global hub for international business and tourism and a gateway to the rest of the country, demonstrated by hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Istanbul enjoyed the largest rise in visitor numbers among the Top 20 cities - up 11.4 per cent since last year to 12.56 million.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3108839/London-named-world-s-popular-travel-destination-New-York-falls-five.html#ixzz3c5P2bMqd
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