What Is Global Tourism Index?

By Michael Ferguson

Global Tourism Index (GTI) is a measure of the attractiveness and competitiveness of a country’s tourism industry. GTI was developed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). It is an aggregate of various factors that affect a country’s tourism industry, including natural and cultural resources, infrastructure, and governmental policies.

What is included in Global Tourism Index?

GTI includes several components that are important for the development of a country’s tourism industry. Some of these components are:

Natural Resources

Natural resources such as scenic beauty, climate, and biodiversity are important for attracting tourists to a country. Countries with diverse natural landscapes like beaches, mountains, forests, deserts, and wildlife tend to score higher on GTI.

Cultural Resources

Cultural resources such as historical monuments, museums, festivals, arts, and crafts are important for attracting tourists who are interested in learning about different cultures. Countries with rich cultural heritage tend to score higher on GTI.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure such as transport facilities (airports, roads), accommodation facilities (hotels, resorts), and communication facilities (internet) are important for providing ease and comfort to tourists while visiting a country. Countries with well-developed infrastructure tend to score higher on GTI.

Travel & Tourism Policy & Enabling Conditions

Travel & Tourism Policy & Enabling Conditions include various factors such as safety and security policies, environmental sustainability policies, visa policies, health and hygiene policies that impact the tourist experience in a country. Countries with favorable travel & tourism policy & enabling conditions tend to score higher on GTI.

How is Global Tourism Index calculated?

The Global Tourism Index is calculated by taking into account the above-mentioned components and weighting them based on their importance in the tourism industry. The weights assigned to each component are determined by a panel of experts from the WEF and UNWTO.

What is the significance of Global Tourism Index?

GTI is significant because it provides valuable information to countries about their tourism industry’s strengths and weaknesses. It also helps countries identify areas where they need to improve to attract more tourists and increase their competitiveness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Global Tourism Index is an important tool for measuring a country’s attractiveness and competitiveness in the tourism industry. By taking into account various components such as natural resources, cultural resources, infrastructure, and governmental policies, GTI provides valuable insights that can help countries enhance their tourism industry.