The UAE has ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region and 18th globally in the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Travel & Tourism Development Index.
The biennial report provides a strategic benchmarking tool for companies, governments, international organisations and others to develop the travel and tourism industry.
It ranks 119 economies based on factors such as travel and tourism policy and infrastructure, the enabling environment, resources and the sustainability of the sector.
The UAE raised its score by 4.4 per cent in the 2024 index, climbing seven places from its 25th global ranking in the previous report issued in 2021.
The United States topped the overall index, followed by Spain and Japan, with the top three countries maintaining their ranking as in the previous report.
The Middle East witnessed the highest recovery rates in the number of international tourist arrivals (20% above 2019 levels), while Europe, Africa and the Americas showed a strong rebound, regaining 90 per cent of 2023 movement compared to pre-COVID-19 levels.
"This year represents a turning point for the travel and tourism sector," said Francisco Betti, Head, Global Industries Team and Member of the Executive Committee at the WEF.
UAE tops MENA region in WEF's Travel and Tourism Development Index#WamNews https://t.co/szYZAGup96 pic.twitter.com/k7RKV6V2En
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) May 21, 2024
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