WHO Releases Travel and Tourism Competitiveness?

By Anna Duncan

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released its annual Travel and Tourism Competitiveness report. This report assesses the competitiveness of countries in terms of their tourism industries and provides insights into the health, safety, and environmental factors that impact travel.

What is the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness report?
The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness report is an annual publication by WHO that evaluates the tourism industry of various countries. The report considers factors such as natural resources, cultural resources, infrastructure, safety, health, hygiene, ICT readiness, price competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. The aim of this report is to provide a comprehensive picture of the global tourism industry and help countries develop policies to enhance their competitiveness.

What are the key findings of this year’s report?
This year’s report highlights several key findings. One of the most significant is that international tourist arrivals have increased by 4% since last year, with France topping the list as the most visited country in the world. The report also indicates that Asia-Pacific countries have seen a significant rise in tourism over recent years.

In terms of overall competitiveness, Spain has maintained its position as the most competitive country in terms of tourism for three consecutive years. France follows closely behind in second place, with Germany taking third place.

How does WHO evaluate each country’s tourism industry?
To evaluate each country’s tourism industry, WHO considers several factors such as:

  • Natural resources
  • Cultural resources
  • Infrastructure
  • Safety
  • Health and hygiene
  • ICT readiness
  • Price competitiveness
  • Environmental sustainability.

These factors are then used to determine a score for each country on a scale from 1 to 7. The higher the score, the more competitive a country is considered to be in the tourism industry.

What are some of the challenges faced by countries in the tourism industry?
Despite the growth in international tourism, there are several challenges faced by countries in the tourism industry. One of the most significant is ensuring the safety and security of tourists. This involves not only protecting tourists from crime but also ensuring that they are safe from natural disasters and health epidemics.

Another challenge faced by countries is balancing economic benefits with environmental sustainability. As tourism continues to grow, there is a risk that it may have a negative impact on natural resources and biodiversity. It’s important for countries to develop policies that promote sustainable tourism and protect their natural resources.

Conclusion
The WHO Travel and Tourism Competitiveness report provides valuable insights into the global tourism industry. While there has been growth in international tourist arrivals, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of this industry. By focusing on safety, sustainability, and competitiveness, countries can develop policies that promote economic growth while protecting their natural resources and cultural heritage.