Measuring a destination’s tourism competitiveness is an important part of analyzing its tourism development since it allows one to determine its growth and change with confidence. “The ability of a location to generate and add value to tourism products, a strategy focused on the sustainability of assets, preserving a position relative to rivals” is how Hassan describes tourism competitiveness.
Based on this notion, it’s critical to keep in mind that a destination’s competitiveness, as it exists in this instance, is determined by its natural, cultural, and culinary offerings rather than by the quantity of visitors it draws.
The “Travel and Tourism Development Index 2021 Edition,” which is released every two years by the World Economic Forum, is the most significant tool for assessing the competitiveness of destinations, even according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This has been the case since 2006.
Even if the number of nations covered in this ranking has changed recently, 117 are considered in its most current edition. These were evaluated based on 17 criteria: business environment; safety and security; health and sanitation; human resources and labor market; information and communication technology readiness; travel and tourism as a priority; international openness; cost competitiveness; environmental sustainability; infrastructure for air and land transportation; infrastructure for tourism services; natural resources and cultural resources; and business travel.
The top-ranked nations in the Latin American area were Costa Rica (50th), Mexico (40th), Brazil (49th), and Chile (34th).
A scale from 1 to 7 is used to calculate the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2021 Edition; the higher the number, the more developed and consequently more competitive the nation.
The top 10 tourist-competitive nations in the world are shown below:
- 1. Japan
- 2. United States
- 3. Spain
- 4. France
- 5. Germany
- 6. Switzerland
- 7. Australia
- 8. United Kingdom
- 9. Singapore
- 10. Italy
1. JAPAN:
Japan had the highest overall grade of 5.2 due to the importance placed on tourism following the epidemic, which caused a 99% collapse in international travel. The categories that received the highest rating were:
Cultural resources get a 6.4 rating.
Owing to the nation’s utilization and expansion of its customs and mythological elements as a means of attracting tourists, its primary draw is centered around its cultural influence, particularly on the younger demographic.
substantial recreational options, scoring 6.2
In this area, the Asian nation was ranked first for both the quality of the corporations in charge of overseeing tourism in its region and the diversity of its tourism offerings.
Security and Safety received a score of 6.1.
One area in which Japan excelled was the complete security that visitors may experience there, both in terms of biosecurity—a critical factor in the resurgence of post-pandemic tourism—and in terms of crime prevention.
2. UNITED STATES:
With a final score of 5.2, its consistent expansion and ideal conditions for the development of the activity have made it one of the world’s top tourist destinations. The top categories were:
substantial recreational options, scoring 6.4
The United States has set itself apart from other countries with its diverse array of natural and cultural attractions. These offerings combine to provide an unmatched experience that caters to a wide range of preferences and requirements, enabling nearly every form of tourism to be conducted within its borders.
Natural Resources received a 6.2 out of 5.
The United States has a very diverse range of natural features, ranging from the Grand Canyon in the southern deserts to the glaciers in Alaska. However, what’s really important is the variety of things that visitors may do in these environments in a sustainable, efficient, and orderly manner.
ICT preparedness, scoring 6.1
Innovation, ICT proficiency, and technological advancements in human activities and North American culture have produced a significant digital education that has benefited tourism.
3. SPAIN:
At 5.2, the Kingdom of Spain has consistently positioned itself as one of the world’s most intense and fascinating travel destinations, not just in Europe. Thus, it is in the top three most competitive nations in addition to being one of the most visited. The top-ranked classifications are:
Cultural resources received a 6.5 out of 10.
Spain is the nation with the second-highest number of sites designated as World Heritage Sites; its communities, architecture, attractions, and other cultural resources have created a distinctive offer for foreign tourism, just to name a few examples of its remarkable cultural heritage.
Infrastructure for tourism services, scoring 6.1
Solid, efficient, and modern is how the Spanish tourist industry is defined; this theme helps the industry expand and flourish while opening up to new markets to boost demand.
Security and Safety had a score of 6.0.
In order to ensure that tourism may grow in a completely safe and orderly manner, the Spanish government has pushed extensive public policies. This allows for the development of both exclusive and adventurous tourism without experiencing significant security setbacks.
4.FRANCE:
Due to its multicultural nature, one of the most visited countries in the world is nevertheless a modern travel destination that is always changing. Its most significant components, with an overall grade of 5.1, are as follows:
Health and cleanliness, scoring 6.2
Despite the fact that the COVID-19 epidemic forced changes to the French healthcare system, the European nation developed the required plans for the system’s stabilization along with measures and regulations meant to ensure good visitor cleanliness.
Cultural resources received a 5.9 rating.
Due to its long history as a haven and breeding ground for artists from throughout the globe, the French Republic has an incredibly rich cultural legacy, ranging from highly significant historical architectural works to simply creative topics. Because of this, the French government has positioned its cultural asset as a very lucrative travel offering.
ICT preparedness, scoring 5.9
The better operation of the tourism apparatus and the dissemination of everything that France has to offer have been greatly aided by new technology.
5. GERMANY:
With a rating of 5.1, the European nation solidifies its place in the top 5 of the list as one of the most cutting-edge, modern, and fascinating travel destinations worldwide; nonetheless, travel to that nation is steady because of its superior connection. Its most noteworthy sections are:
Health and cleanliness, scoring 6.5
From an epidemiological perspective, the effective containment strategy of the pandemic has established Germany as a very safe destination for medical care, making it a model nation for promoting tourism during these challenging times.
global opening with a rating of 5.9
Together with its excellent connectivity that makes it easier to connect with the rest of the world, Germany has excelled in managing the influx of demand each year and opening up its borders to the outside world, positioning itself as a destination to be reckoned with.
Cultural resources received a 5.9 rating.
Germany is a country where one of its primary draws is its extensive and well-utilized cultural offer. The cultural economy includes a significant portion of tourism-related consumption by visitors who have access to modern amenities designed in a distinctly German manner.
6. SWITZERLAND:
With a rating of 5.0, this tiny nation has come to be recognized as one of the travel locations that has most successfully handled the flexibility of its offerings throughout time, bringing significant value to the experiences it provides to tourists. The top products were:
Infrastructure related to ports and land, scoring 6.5
Switzerland, one of the richest nations on earth, has an adequate and contemporary infrastructure to support a wide range of economic activities, including tourism, efficiently and on a large scale. The steady flow of tourists around the nation depends on ports and land connections.
Security and Safety received a score of 6.5.
Being among the safest nations in the world, Switzerland offers all the safety assurances that foreign visitors could want. This makes it easier for visitors to move freely throughout the country, creating an ideal environment for a variety of tourism activities.
Health & Hygiene received a 6.3.
Thanks to exceptionally effective health policies, Switzerland provides visitors with the assurance that they are in charge of the epidemic, which has a direct impact on the swift normalization of tourism in the nation.
7. AUSTRALIA:
The first nation outside of Europe and North America to be listed among the top ten. The Indian Ocean Island, which received a score of 5.0 overall, has distinguished itself as a unique travel destination because of its strong infrastructure and plenty of natural resources. Australia has managed to modernize its experiences without sacrificing its rich past. The standout pieces were:
Natural Resources: 6.4 out of 10.
To give a small example of its significance, consider that Australia offers safaris that can rival those in Africa. The island’s enormous size also enables it to contain a significant number of unique ecosystems and biodiversity throughout its territory.
ICT preparedness, scoring 5.9
While Australia is a smart destination with widespread internet connectivity, it also possesses all the necessary resources to develop cutting-edge technology to enhance the administrative and telecommunications operations involved in tourism.
Health and Hygiene received a 5.9 rating.
Visitors and locals alike may expect the best levels of hygiene thanks to the superior care and control mechanisms of the Australian health system.
Security and Safety received a 5.9 out of 10.
Among the safest nations in the world is Australia. Visitors visiting Australia are assured of a high level of peace of mind because of its emergency response protocols.
8. UNITED KINGDOM:
With a 5.0 rating, the British Isles have long been recognized as one of the world’s top travel destinations because of their abundance of natural and cultural resources and their ever-evolving tourist attractions, which draw millions of visitors each year. It requires leadership in three primary areas:
Health and Hygiene received a 5.9 rating.
A tranquil stay is assured by a first-rate healthcare system. When it comes to matters of great importance, like tourism, the United Kingdom stands out for its organization and health management.
Resources that are not ludic, scoring 5.7
All of the non-recreational resources that the location has to offer—such as the expansion of tourism-related businesses and business prospects, the caliber of university instruction, and the prominence of its tourist attractions worldwide—are what drive this category.
opening internationally with a 5.7
Aside from the fact that it has the ability to make its own decisions regarding the entry of foreign tourists, visas, etc. since its independence from the European Union, this location is among the most accessible due to its excellent infrastructure and connections.
9. SINGAPORE:
With a 5.0 rating, this Asian nation has emerged as a trend-setting travel destination in Asia, putting an end to its long period of tourism backwardness. Singapore is positioned as the world’s ninth most competitive travel destination, and the second most competitive in Asia, due to its rich natural resources and diverse cultural heritage.
Security & Safety received a 6.8.
Thanks to its updated health system and risk avoidance measures that attest to its capacity to handle any inconvenience, the Asian nation has emerged as one of the safest travel destinations in the world.
ICT preparedness, scoring 6.0
Thanks to its infrastructure and connectivity, which rank it among the nations with the largest technical projection in the area and the world, Singapore is prepared to accept new telecommunications technology.
Business environment received a 5.9 rating.
Singapore’s economic policies have made it possible for businesses in the tourist sector to invest and expand in one of Asia’s greatest options. For this reason, Singapore is listed as an open destination for business travelers from across the globe.
10. ITALY:
With a rating of 4.9, one of the most well-liked travel locations worldwide finally ends up challenging European dominance among the most competitive travel destinations worldwide. When it comes to maximizing the use of its resources as tourist attractions, Italy sets the standard.
Cultural resources received a 6.5 out of 10.
Italy has a beautiful past and has discovered ways to make its great cultural legacy relevant and ever-present. It is also one of the key attractions for travelers visiting one of its paradisiacal regions.
Security and Safety had a score of 6.0.
Even though the pandemic dealt a severe blow to Italy’s healthcare system, government initiatives helped the industry recover and was fortified enough that it is now prepared to offer visitors all the care they need in a biosecurity-safe manner.
Infrastructure for Tourism Services 5.8
A nation with such a well-established tourism legacy could not help but be unique in the ever-evolving tourism industry, setting the European nation as a standard for destination management and resource allocation based on visitor volume.