The Emerging Asian Hubs Redefining Global Tourism
The 2026 Global Cities index, released by Oxford Economics, identifies 28 lesser-known destinations as Cities to Watch. While the report highlights emerging stars across Europe and North America, the index points to a shift in global investment and tourism that extends to rising regional centers worldwide.
According to the report, these 28 cities are united by their ability to generate significant economic momentum, consistently outperforming their respective national economies. These locations range from industrial and technology hubs to regional capitals and historic crossroads. The index serves as a tool for understanding which cities are attracting global investment and tourism interest outside of the traditional, primary metropolitan centers.
The ranking defines these cities as emblems of growth, often driven by specialized sectors such as aerospace, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. By focusing on these indicators, Oxford Economics provides a look at how regional capitals are positioning themselves to compete on the international stage. While the current list features prominent mentions in the West, the criteria used to select these cities offer a framework for evaluating the potential of emerging destinations across Asia and beyond.
European Growth and Industrial Specialization
Europe accounts for several of the cities identified in the index, each demonstrating distinct growth drivers. In the United Kingdom, Manchester is recognized for employment gains that outpace all other UK cities in terms of GDP and productivity growth. The report attributes this success to long-term investments in sports, the arts, and creative industries, bolstered by the city’s football clubs and a music scene that includes the recently opened Co-op Live arena.
In Eastern Europe, Warsaw has climbed over 100 places to reach 61st in the index. The city is noted for its student population and an expanding middle class, with household disposable income projected to grow by 35% in real terms by 2050. Nearby, Tallinn is highlighted for its focus on information and communication technology. The report describes Tallinn as a dynamic city expected to see some of the strongest GDP growth among major European Union cities over the next decade.
The Netherlands hosts Eindhoven, which is recognized for the Brainport Eindhoven cluster. This area contains over 5,000 high-tech companies focused on research, development, and manufacturing. While the city offers tax incentives for international talent and maintains high connectivity, the report notes that the influx of workers has created pressure on the local housing supply. Similarly, Toulouse in France is listed for its aerospace sector and lower cost of living compared to Paris, benefiting from increased defense spending.
North American and Regional Economic Trends
The index also highlights several North American cities that are mirroring these growth trends. Boise, Idaho, is featured for its tech sector and entrepreneurial environment, alongside its access to mountain-based leisure activities. Durham, North Carolina, is noted for its location within the Research Triangle, which provides a business-friendly environment that has attracted migration from other parts of the United States.
Other North American entries include Jacksonville, Florida, and San Antonio, Texas. Jacksonville is cited for its climate and hospitality offerings, including beaches and wildlife preserves. San Antonio is identified as a regional tourism hub, with landmarks such as The Alamo and the River Walk supporting job growth in the leisure and hospitality sectors. In Canada, Edmonton is also included as a city to watch for its economic performance.
The inclusion of these cities reflects a broader trend where secondary cities are capturing investment that was previously concentrated in larger financial capitals. According to the data, these cities are leveraging local advantages—whether in technology, defense, or tourism—to build sustainable economic bases. This pattern of development suggests that the global tourism and investment landscape is becoming more decentralized as these emerging stars continue to outperform their national averages.
Implications for Global Tourism and Investment
The Oxford Economics index provides insight into the factors that allow smaller cities to compete globally. By analyzing GDP growth, employment gains, and sector-specific development, the report outlines why certain locations are becoming magnets for capital and visitors. For regions looking to replicate this success, the common threads of investment in infrastructure, education, and specialized industry appear to be primary drivers.
The report also touches upon the role of cultural and leisure assets in driving growth. Cities that successfully integrate their historical or natural advantages with modern economic sectors tend to see higher levels of international engagement. As these 28 cities continue to develop, their performance will likely serve as a benchmark for other regional centers attempting to attract global investment.
While the index focuses on the current state of these 28 destinations, it highlights the importance of adaptability in the face of changing economic conditions. From the tech-driven growth in Tallinn and Eindhoven to the tourism-led expansion in San Antonio and Boise, the data shows that regional capitals are increasingly capable of steering their own economic trajectories. For international observers, these cities represent a shift in where the next wave of global growth and tourism activity is likely to occur.
Latin American Growth and Regional Diversity
Oxford Economics’ five Latin American cities to watch also span glittering capitals and fast-rising industrial centres. Brasília pairs monumental architecture with a burgeoning technology sector, positioning itself as a forward-looking capital. Guadalajara emerges as a major hub for information technology and automotive manufacturing, driven by a young, skilled workforce and significant foreign direct investment. Monterrey distinguishes itself through industrial innovation and logistics, leveraging its proximity to the United States to attract cross-border commerce. In the Caribbean, Santo Domingo anchors the region with its historic significance and growing service sector, while Santiago de Chile rounds out the list with strong performance in finance and retail, reflecting the broader economic dynamism of the Southern Cone.
These cities illustrate the diverse economic pathways within Latin America, from technology parks and manufacturing zones to historic capitals modernizing their infrastructure. According to the index, each destination leverages unique local advantages—whether through governmental policy, natural resources, or educational institutions—to achieve growth rates that exceed national averages. The inclusion of these five cities underscores the report’s global scope, recognizing that emerging investment and tourism momentum is not confined to Europe or North America, but is a truly worldwide phenomenon driven by regional specificity and strategic development.
Sources
- 28 lesser-known destinations named 'Cities to Watch' in new global ranking
- Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa
- 28 lesser-known destinations named 'Cities to Watch' in new global ranking
Photo: UX Indonesia / Unsplash (Unsplash License)
