The World Economic Forum determines the top destinations for global tourism.
The rankings are derived from a range of factors, such as infrastructure, natural resources, sustainability, available labor force, and competitive pricing. The World Economic Forum (WEF) concentrates on the tourism industry, encompassing accommodation, airports, attractions, airlines, and related services.
Note that the WEF report does not directly focus on the experiences of travelers on the ground.
Leading the Pack: Europe
Six of the top ten countries on the list are in Europe, with Spain securing the top spot. The continent is described as "resilient" with strong internal travel flows and is highly connected via railways. Additionally, Europeans tend to travel more, leading to increased spending.
It's no coincidence that France ranks fourth overall, as it's gearing up for the Summer Olympics in Paris.
Another significant factor is the power of various European passports. The Henley Index publishes an annual list of the world's most powerful passports, and the WEF incorporates this data. For 2024, six countries share the top spot - France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain. Five of these nations appear in the WEF's top 10, with Singapore placing 13th.
Booming Tourism in Asia
According to the WEF, Asia is projected to drive global tourism growth in 2024. Japan, which claims third place, has witnessed a tourism boom since reinstating pre-pandemic travel. In March and April of that year, over three million foreign tourists visited Japan each month. This trend is expected to continue into the summer holidays.
China, in eighth position, has taken steps to make traveling there simpler. For instance, it waived visa requirements for individuals from several European countries, including Ireland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Visas for Americans have also become more accessible, as they no longer need to provide an itinerary or proof of hotel bookings to apply.
The United States - A Mature Tourist Destination
The United States is the only North American country in the top 10 list, while Canada stands just outside in 11th position. The WEF classifies the US as a "mature" tourism market, as it boasts infrastructure like air links connecting cities as well as on-the-ground assistance, such as tour guides, rental cars, and hotel accommodations. The country's vast array of offerings - from national parks to bustling cities to beautiful beaches - contribute to its appeal.
However, one potential concern is a possible tourism labor shortage. The pandemic has prompted many people to leave the hospitality sector to find work elsewhere.
Achievements and Challenges in Tourism
In some popular tourist destinations, the increase in tourism can become an issue. The United States (in first place) and China have larger territories, allowing them to accommodate a greater number of visitors.
Unfortunately, not all top 10 countries enjoy the same luxury. Spain, the runner-up, has encountered challenges managing tourism. Barcelona introduced measures to keep large cruise ships away from the city center, while Canary Island citizens protested overtourism, even threatening a hunger strike. Italy, in ninth place, has also grappled with balancing its thriving tourism market with the needs of local communities.
Recently, Venice instituted a "tourist tax" entry fee, and Bolzano - South Tyrol capped its hotel capacity, allowing a new hotel to open only if an existing one closes.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
