India’s position in the realm of international Travel and Tourism has seen a significant uplift, with it scaling upwards by six places to claim the 34th spot on the World Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2019. This index, released by the World Economic Forum, marks an improvement from its previous rank of 40 in 2018. The top five most travel-ready nations globally include Spain, France, Germany, Japan, and the United States. In Asia, Japan continues to be the prime travel and tourism economy, grabbing the 4th position globally. Meanwhile, China towers as the most expansive travel and tourism economy in the Asia-Pacific region, being the 13th most competitive at the global level.
World Leader Board of Travel & Tourism Competitiveness
The top five positions on the World Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index are dominated by countries that have robustly stimulating environments for travellers. Heading the list is Spain, honoured predominantly for its diverse cultural and natural resources, and sound infrastructure. Following close are France and Germany, known for their enriched historical and cultural landscapes and efficient travel networks. Japan and the United States close the top five ranks as exceptionally travel-friendly nations, offering diverse landscapes, historic sites, and developed infrastructures.
Asia’s Stand in Global Tourism Competitiveness
In Asia, Japan leads the pack, standing fourth in the global ranking. Its unique blend of tradition and modernity, coupled with its natural beauty and advanced infrastructure, makes it a magnet for international tourists. On the other hand, China, with its rich historical heritage and diverse landscapes, holds the title of the most extensive travel and tourism economy in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite being the 13th globally, its vast array of cultural and natural treasures continue to draw millions of visitors each year.
India’s Leap in Tourism Competitiveness
Bolstering its position by six places from the previous year, India now ranks 34th on the World Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index. This leap is a testament to the country’s enhanced travel and tourism conditions and effective policies that are working towards improving its infrastructure and conserving its natural and cultural resources. The rich cultural heritage, diverse topography, and the introduction of traveller-friendly policies make India an increasingly attractive destination for global tourists.
The Structure of The World Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index
| Enabling Environment | Travel and Tourism Policy and Enabling Conditions | Infrastructure | Natural and Cultural Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic factors necessary for tourism | Policies facilitating travel & tourism industry | Roads, ports, airports, etc. supporting travel | Natural landscapes & historical sites attracting tourists |
Understanding The World Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index
The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report and Index, published every two years, is a key tool for measuring the competitive edge of 140 global economies in the travel and tourism sector. These economies are scrutinised based on four sub-indexes: Enabling environment, Travel and Tourism policy and enabling conditions, Infrastructure, and Natural and cultural resources. This comprehensive analysis aids in gauging the performance of these economies in facilitating a good environment for the growth of the travel and tourism industry.
