Top 10 Countries for Travel & Tourism in 2024: Europe and USA Lead the Rankings - Where Does India Stand?

The Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) has unveiled the latest rankings of the top travel and tourism economies globally. This index evaluates 119 countries based on factors and policies that drive sustainable and resilient development in the travel and tourism sector. It serves as a critical benchmarking tool for businesses, governments, and international organizations to enhance the travel and tourism industry.

Top 10 Countries for Travel & Tourism in 2024

1. United States of America
   - Rank: 1
   - Region: Americas
   - Highlights: Leading the TTDI 2024, the USA is the largest contributor to travel and tourism GDP both in the Americas and globally. Significant contributors in the region also include Canada (11th), Brazil (26th), Mexico (38th), and Argentina (49th).

2. Spain
   - Rank: 2
   - Region: Southern Europe
   - Highlights: Spain is the top performer in Southern Europe. Other notable European rankings include France (4th) in Western Europe, Denmark (17th) in Northern Europe, Poland (27th) in Eastern Europe, and Georgia (45th) in Eurasia.

3. Japan
   - Rank: 3
   - Region: Asia-Pacific (APAC)
   - Highlights: Japan leads the APAC region. Australia (5th) and China (8th) also feature in the global top 10.

4. France
   - Rank: 4
   - Region: Western Europe
   - Highlights: France has improved by two spots since the 2019 TTDI rankings.

5. Australia
   - Rank: 5
   - Region: APAC
   - Highlights: Australia has ascended two spots from the 2019 ranking.

6. Germany
   - Rank: 6
   - Region: Western Europe
   - Highlights: Germany has slipped one rank compared to its 2019 position.

7. United Kingdom
   - Rank: 7
   - Region: Western Europe
   - Highlights: The UK has dropped three ranks since the 2019 TTDI.

8. China
   - Rank: 8
   - Region: APAC
   - Highlights: China, which has the APAC region’s largest and the world's second-largest travel and tourism economy, has risen one rank since 2019.

9. Italy
   - Rank: 9
   - Region: Southern Europe
   - Highlights: Italy has climbed three spots in the 2024 TTDI compared to 2019.

10. Switzerland
    - Rank: 10
    - Region: Western Europe
    - Highlights: Switzerland has dropped two ranks from its 2019 position.

Where Does India Rank in Travel & Tourism?

- Rank: 39
- Region: South Asia
- Highlights: India ranks 39th in the TTDI 2024, leading the travel and tourism sector in South Asia. It is the top lower-middle-income economy according to the index. The WEF highlights that countries like China, Japan, and India have some of the world's largest tourism economies, excelling in natural, cultural, and non-leisure assets.

The TTDI 2024 is essential for understanding the global travel and tourism landscape, emphasizing the economic impact and strategic importance of this sector across various regions. By identifying strengths and areas for improvement, the index helps stakeholders make informed decisions to foster growth and sustainability in travel and tourism.