The United States received the great honor of being named the best country in the world for travel and tourism for 2024, in the World Economic Forum rankings.
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The ranking is determined by a wide range of criteria, such as infrastructure, natural resources, sustainability, labor availability and competitive pricing.
Data from the World Economic Forum focus, among others, on tourism, including hotels, airports, attractions and airlines.
Here is a list of the 11 best tourist countries according to the World Economic Forum:
1. United States
2. Spain
3. Japan
4. France
5. Australia
6. Germany
7. United Kingdom
8. China
9. Italy
10. Switzerland
11. Canada
source: CNN Travel
While our neighbour, the United States, is at the top of the rankings, Canada is right after the top ten, managing to be listed in 11th place.
The breadth of the United States, from national parks to major cities, helps this country stand out.
According to the World Economic Forum, the United States has well-developed infrastructure to accommodate visitors, including air communications or various support on the ground.
Europe sweeps the world rankings
Six of the top ten countries on the list are located in Europe, with Spain in second place.
The World Economic Forum report describes the European continent as a “resilient destination with strong intra-regional travel flows”, highlighting its rail connectivity.
European countries have strong economies, with the Euro and British Pound in good standing. There is a high probability that Europeans will travel there more.
France, which is hosting the Olympic Games in Paris this summer, achieved high scores.
The situation in Asia
Japan has been witnessing a tourism boom since reopening its doors after the pandemic, according to the World Economic Forum report, which ranks it in third place.
More than 3 million foreign tourists visited Japan in March and April 2024. More visitors are expected to visit during the upcoming summer vacation.
China, which ranked eighth, has taken measures in recent months to make it easier for tourists to visit, and has removed visa requirements for many European residents.
Beware of overtourism
In its report, the World Economic Forum added a point about overtourism.
Spain, which ranks second, is the victim. Barcelona voted to keep cruise ships away from the city centre, and Canary Islanders protested in the streets.
Let us not forget the city of Venice in Italy, which now imposes a “tourist tax” on its visitors.
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