Advance in tourist rankings – Daily Excelsior

India’s remarkable rise to 39th position in the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) from 54th in 2021 marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey to becoming a global tourism powerhouse. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of India’s strategic initiatives to strengthen the travel and tourism sector, despite the unparalleled challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The TTDI 2024 highlights that India’s rise in the rankings is not just a numerical feat, but a reflection of the country’s comprehensive and sustained efforts in various fields. The index, produced in partnership with the University of Surrey, rates countries on a range of factors and policies that influence the development of their travel and tourism sectors. India’s exceptional price competitiveness, which ranks 18th in the world, is a significant factor influencing the country’s tourist attractiveness. Affordable travel in India, coupled with competitive air transport infrastructure (26th) and solid ground and port infrastructure (25th), creates a conducive environment for both domestic and international travelers. This infrastructure progress, facilitated by targeted government policies and investments, has strengthened India’s tourism infrastructure, making travel more accessible and convenient.
India’s natural and cultural wealth continues to be the cornerstone of its tourist appeal. India ranks 6th in natural resources and 9th in cultural and non-recreational resources. India is one of only three countries in the top 10 across all resource pillars. This highlights the diversity and richness of the country’s attractions – from the majestic Himalayas and serene beaches to historical wonders such as the Taj Mahal and vibrant cultural festivals. These resources not only attract tourists, but also play a key role in preserving national heritage and biodiversity. The TTDI report also sheds light on India’s commitment to sustainable tourism. Despite the decline in sustainable travel and tourism demand compared to 2019, India continues to perform commendably, especially due to the increase in sustainable long stays among incoming guests.
A global trend is responsible tourism, which emphasizes minimizing the impact on the environment and maximizing socio-economic benefits for local communities.
However, India’s journey is not without challenges. The report notes that global inflationary pressures and supply-side trends have impacted the enabling environment for travel and tourism, leading to a decline in price competitiveness and an incomplete recovery of air transport infrastructure and tourism services to pre-pandemic levels. These challenges require a continued focus on improving infrastructure, managing costs and supporting an environment conducive to tourism development.
India’s advancement in TTDI is particularly noticeable against the backdrop of global tourism dynamics. The United States tops the index for 2024, followed by Spain, Japan, France and Australia. High-income economies, especially in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, dominate the top rankings due to their well-developed tourism infrastructure, open travel policies and major natural and cultural attractions. In this competitive landscape, India’s position as the highest-ranking country in South Asia and among lower-middle-income economies is a significant achievement. It showcases India’s leadership in the region and highlights its potential to serve as a model for other developing countries looking to improve their tourism sectors.
The projected return of international tourist arrivals and the sector’s contribution to global GDP to pre-pandemic levels creates promising prospects for the future. To sustain and build on the momentum, India must continue to prioritize key areas such as infrastructure development, digital innovation and sustainable tourism practices. Improving digital infrastructure to facilitate seamless travel, promoting lesser-known destinations to spread tourism more evenly, and supporting local tourism can contribute to more sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Additionally, strategic marketing campaigns that highlight India’s unique offerings, coupled with policies that ensure safety, accessibility and quality of tourism services will be key. With its continued commitment to infrastructure, sustainability and inclusive growth, the future of Indian tourism looks promising, offering rich experiences to travelers from around the world, driving socio-economic development across the country.