Urban Exploration in Asia: Can Cities Attract More Tourists in 2026?

The region’s cities are preparing for an influx of travelers, enticed by their vibrant atmosphere and rich cultures.

One prominent trend among travel experts to watch this year is urban exploration (urbex), particularly throughout Asia. Major cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok are prime spots, offering cultural experiences, dining options, shopping, and adventure opportunities.

Popular culture has contributed to the allure of urban destinations through fiction, films, and TV, captivating audiences with scenes of bright city lights and adventurous exploits. This article explores the urban exploration trend in Asia and its potential growth this year.

Cautions Regarding Urban Exploration

Asian countries should not invite urbex visitors without concerns. Urban tourism brings challenges that local authorities must confront before aggressively promoting tourism. Overtourism can strain city resources. For instance, following the pandemic, Japan faced a surge in tourist numbers, stressing local communities with rising costs, transport issues, and improper behavior in sacred spaces.

Unpreparedness in developing nations, such as the Philippines, whose tourism infrastructure requires significant improvements, also needs to be addressed, as well as safety and security concerns for minorities and women.

As part of the BIMP-EAGA initiative for quality tourism, addressing these concerns ahead of promoting urban centers is vital.

Promising Countries for Urban Tourism in 2026

Thailand: Bangkok continues attracting tourists with its exotic vibe and diverse dining options. Chiang Mai offers a more relaxed city experience, and locations like Pattaya and Phuket add to the allure.
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur’s popularity has surged, but it must contend with cultural sites in Melaka, which is recognized by UNESCO for its preservation and attractions. Regional cities like Penang and Kota Kinabalu are emerging as venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
Singapore: A major hub that intrigues visitors with continuous innovations. The soon-to-open Terminal 5 at Changi International Airport is set to welcome between 17.5 to 20 million tourists in 2026, enhancing its appeal.
Vietnam: A cultural hotspot rich in museums and historical sites. Cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are becoming increasingly popular.
Indonesia: While Bali attracts many, Jakarta is steadily gaining recognition following COVID-19, with campaigns like ‘Enjoy More, Enjoy Jakarta’.

Strategies for Cities to Optimize Urban Tourism

Future measures might include:

Creating a legal framework for urban tourism to inform travelers about local customs and laws, preventing incidents.
Enhancing MICE facilities to accommodate large events, improving city visibility.
Involving local communities in tourism decisions, allowing them to showcase their unique talents and products.
Public-private partnerships for optimal promotion of urban attractions.

All images credited to Marga Manlapig.