India is a country that has been attracting tourists for centuries. With its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and historical landmarks, India has always been a popular destination among travelers.
But how does India rank in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index? Let’s find out!
The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) is a report published by the World Economic Forum. The report ranks countries based on their ability to attract and develop tourism. The TTCI takes into account factors such as natural resources, cultural resources, infrastructure, safety and security, health and hygiene, human resources, and business environment.
In the latest edition of the TTCI report published in 2019, India ranked 34th out of 140 countries. This was an improvement from its previous rank of 40th in 2017. India’s overall score was 4.4 out of 7.
Natural Resources
India ranked 14th in terms of natural resources. The country boasts of diverse landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains to tropical beaches. India is also home to several national parks and wildlife reserves, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Cultural Resources
India ranked 9th in terms of cultural resources. The country has a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. From ancient temples to historic forts and palaces, India has a lot to offer in terms of cultural tourism.
Infrastructure
India ranked 112th in terms of infrastructure. This is an area where India needs significant improvement if it wants to attract more tourists. The country suffers from poor road connectivity, inadequate public transport systems, and limited availability of quality accommodation.
Safety and Security
India ranked 140th (last) in terms of safety and security. This is an area where India needs urgent attention if it wants to attract more tourists. Incidents of crime, terrorism, and political unrest have been a cause for concern for tourists.
Health and Hygiene
India ranked 109th in terms of health and hygiene. This is another area where India needs to improve if it wants to attract more tourists. The country suffers from poor sanitation, lack of clean drinking water, and prevalence of diseases such as dengue and malaria.
Human Resources
India ranked 67th in terms of human resources. The country has a large pool of skilled workforce that can cater to the needs of the tourism industry. However, there is a need for more training and development programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the workforce.
Business Environment
India ranked 116th in terms of business environment. This is an area where India needs significant improvement if it wants to attract more investment in the tourism industry. The country suffers from bureaucratic hurdles, corruption, and red tape.
In conclusion, India has made some progress in terms of its ranking in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index. However, there are several areas where India needs to improve if it wants to attract more tourists. Improving infrastructure, safety and security, health and hygiene, human resources, and business environment should be on top of the agenda for policymakers if they want to make India a top tourist destination.