The United States, Spain, and Japan top tourism development report while the UK drops to 7th

The TTDI also found that between the 2019 and 2024 editions, the United Kingdom dropped three places to 7th overall. Indonesia has had one of the biggest increases, moving 14 places up to 22nd over the same period.

Launching on Tuesday 21 May 2024, the biennial report aims to set new standards in the evaluation and promotion of sustainable tourism development.

Overall findings reflect improvement in tourism operating conditions as travel rebounded after the pandemic, with global air route capacity and connectivity, international openness, and demand and investment in tourism-generating natural and cultural resources all increasing. However, challenges from labour shortages to supply and demand imbalances and resulting inflation remain.

Overall, 71 out of the 119 ranked economies improved their scores since 2019. While Europe and Asia-Pacific regions, and high-income economies in particular, remain the most favourable to sector development, developing countries have slowly closed the gap, accounting for the majority of improved performers.

Professor Iis Tussyadiah, Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Surrey, said:

"Against the backdrop of climate change, economic uncertainties, and the ongoing pandemic recovery efforts, our collaboration with the World Economic Forum to launch the Travel and Tourism Development Index comes at a pivotal moment for the sector in the current climate.

"By leveraging the collective knowledge and resources of both institutions, the Travel and Tourism Development Index will not only provide valuable insights for holidaymakers, policymakers and industry stakeholders but also foster greater awareness and appreciation for the importance of sustainable tourism practices."

The TTDI serves as a global benchmark, offering countries a comprehensive evaluation of the factors that enable the sustainable and resilient development of tourism. By providing a holistic assessment, the report helps nations to identify areas for improvement and capitalise on their strengths to enhance their attractiveness as travel destinations and the potential of the travel and tourism sector to provide economic, social and environmental prosperity.

The TTDI evaluates countries based on their ability to foster sustainable and resilient tourism sectors. This comprehensive Index assesses countries across a range of factors that are critical for the development of the travel and tourism sector. The Index uses 17 pillars organised into five dimensions:

• Enabling Environment (5 pillars),
• Travel and Tourism Policy and Enabling Conditions (3 pillars),
• Infrastructure and Services (3 pillars),
• Travel and Tourism Resources (3 pillars),
• Travel and Tourism Sustainability (3 pillars).

The TTDI supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Find the full report on the World Economic Forum website.

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Note to editors:

• If you would like to speak to Professor Iis Tussyadiah, please contact: mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk.