Global tourism strengthens, but rising visitor numbers fail to deliver wider benefits: WEF
The report says 101 of 110 economies improved, but three-quarters saw travel become less affordable and tourism investment lag demand.
- On Friday, the World Economic Forum reported that global tourism reached a record 1.5 billion arrivals in 2025, up 5% from 2024. Meanwhile, 92% of 110 economies improved their Travel & Tourism Development Index scores.
- Despite growth, destinations struggle to convert rising visitor numbers into lasting benefits amid escalating costs and infrastructure pressures. The WEF noted tourism-related prices outpaced inflation in three-quarters of economies between 2024 and 2026.
- Japan leads the 2026 index with 42.7 million international visitors, while the United States ranks second. Both nations leverage diverse attractions, from Japan's cultural heritage to the United States' natural parks including the Grand Canyon.
- India ranks 31st among 110 economies in the 2026 index, drawing visitors to heritage sites such as the Taj Mahal and destinations like Kerala's backwaters. The nation's cultural and natural resources strengthen its tourism positioning.
- The WEF advises destinations to prioritize spreading tourism benefits widely while adapting to AI-driven changes. Effective management of infrastructure and local assets remains essential to sustain growth without overwhelming communities.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Top 10 tourism countries in 2026: Which country leads and where India ranks
The World Economic Forum has released its 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, ranking 110 economies on the factors and conditions that support the development of travel and tourism. The WEF said international tourist arrivals reached 1.5 billion in 2025, with arrivals 4.4% higher than pre-pandemic levels. The latest index assesses economies across areas including the enabling environment, travel and tourism resources, infrastructure and sus…
Brazil fell from the 27th to the 32nd position in the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2026, of the World Economic Forum, released on Friday (25). The country's note rose 1% between 2024 and 2026, to 4.41 on a scale of 1 to 7. The advance, however, was below the high average of 2.1% recorded by the 110 evaluated economies. Exclusive material for subscribers. To have full access, access the link of the subject and register.
The Economic Times
Global tourism strengthens, but rising visitor numbers fail to deliver wider benefits: WEF
Tourism is experiencing unprecedented growth, with international arrivals reaching a record 1.5 billion in 2025. Although improvements in tourism infrastructure and cultural resources have been noted, local communities are not reaping the benefits. Rising travel costs and labour shortages threaten to hinder further growth in the sector. The economic and social value generated by tourism has weakened since 2024, impacting local livelihoods.
World Economic Forum and Zurich Insurance Group Launch TTDI 2026 Measuring Tourism Readiness Across 110 Economies
(IN BRIEF) The World Economic Forum and Zurich Insurance Group have released the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, assessing 110 economies across 17 pillars to measure how well their infrastructure, policies, workforce, resources and systems support resilient tourism growth. … Read the full press release →
Despite the high costs and geopolitical and climatic concerns, since the pandemic global conditions have never been so favorable to tourism. This year's edition of the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Development Index, launched on Friday (25) at an event in Geneva, Switzerland, shows. Read more (09/25/2026)
Tourism conditions improve across most economies despite headwinds, says WEF
Travel and tourism conditions have strengthened across most of the world, a new World Economic Forum report finds, but destinations face a growing challenge: turning record demand into lasting value amid rising costs, geopolitical and climate disruption, workforce shortages and mounting pressure on infrastructure and communities. Developed in collaboration with Zurich Insurance Group, the 10th […]
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