London crowned world's most popular city for fifth time in seven years

London skyline seen from Victoria Tower at sunset.

London has been named the most popular city in the world for the fifth time in seven years in the annual MasterCard Global Destinations Cities Index.

The UK capital is projected to receive 18.82 million international visitors in 2015.

Bangkok, with 18.24 million overnight stay visitors expected, was in second place, with Paris third and Dubai fourth.

Bangkok and London have topped the Index throughout its five-year history.

Welcoming the results, London Mayor Boris Johnson told the Independent: "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.

"With London's 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."

MasterCard predicts that nearly 383 million overnight trips will be made by international visitors between the 132 most-visited cities around the world and will spend a total of US$360 billion during their visits.

"This year's study helps us understand just how interconnected the world's cities are the significant role they play in connecting and empowering greater numbers of people than ever before," said Ann Cairns, president of International Markets at MasterCard.