World Economic Forum names the 10 best countries in the world for tourism

28-05-24

The United States has received an important recognition: being named the best country in the world for travel and tourism in 2024 by the World Economic Forum (WEF). This ranking is based on a wide variety of criteria, including infrastructure, natural resources, sustainability, labor availability and competitive pricing.

The WEF report evaluates tourism from a holistic perspective that encompasses businesses such as hotels, airports, attractions and airlines. In addition, economic and connectivity aspects that facilitate international and local travel are considered.

Europe dominates the list with six of the top ten spots, with Spain standing out as the highest ranked European country. The continent presents itself as a resilient destination with strong intra-regional travel flows and high rail connectivity. Economic strength and passport accessibility also play a crucial role. France, which is preparing for the 2024 Olympic Games, is ranked fourth.

In Asia, Japan ranks third, boosted by a remarkable post-pandemic surge in tourism, with more than three million foreign tourists per month in March and April 2024. China, in eighth position, has simplified visa requirements, easing access for European and U.S. tourists.

The United States, the leader in the ranking, is described as a mature tourism market with a well-established infrastructure including air connections, tour guide services and a wide range of accommodations. However, it faces challenges such as potential labor shortages in the tourism sector. Canada, while not in the top 10, ranks a respectable 11th.

The report also addresses the problem of over-tourism, which affects popular destinations such as Spain and Italy. Barcelona has implemented measures to control the flow of cruise ships, and Venice has introduced a “tourist tax” to manage the influx of visitors. These efforts seek to balance the economic benefits of tourism with sustainability and the well-being of local communities.

Top 10 countries for tourism in 2024:

1. United States

2. Spain

3. Japan

4. France

5. Australia

6. Germany

7. United Kingdom

8. China

9. Italy

10. Switzerland

These countries stand out not only for their tourist attractions, but also for their infrastructure, sustainability policies and ability to manage the flow of visitors, offering enriching and responsible experiences for travelers from all over the world.