A new report, published earlier this month by the World Economic Forum, ranked which countries throw the welcome mat to travelers and which are responsible.
The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report ranked 140 countries according to attractiveness and competitiveness in the travel and tourism sectors.
The friendly ranking was just one aspect of the report, analyzing each countrys competitiveness in travel and tourism. This competitiveness is based on the extent to which they are putting in place the factors and policies to make it attractive to develop the travel and tourism industry.
In the General Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, Europe was the top region, with the top five positions all occupied by European countries. Switzerland, Germany and Austria were the first three in this order. Switzerland has topped the ranking since the index began five years ago.
Excellent tourism infrastructure and facilities, business travel appeal, sustainable natural resource development and rich cultural resources were among the key factors in achieving the highest ranking positions.
Security / security, underdeveloped infrastructure and concerns about sustainable development are among the factors that diminish countries competitiveness.
Attitude of the population towards foreign visitors
(1 = very undesirable; 7 = very welcome)
More friendly
1. Iceland 6.8
2. New Zealand 6.8
3. Morocco 6.7
4. Macedonia, FYR 6.7
5. Austria 6.7
6. Senegal 6.7
7. Portugal 6.7
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina 6.6
9. Ireland 6.6
10. Burkina Faso 6.6
Unfriendly
1. Bolivia 4.1
2. Venezuela 4.5
3. Russian Federation 5.0
4. Kuwait 5.2
5. Latvia 5.2
6. Iran 5.2
7. Pakistan 5.3
8. Slovak Republic 5.5
9. Bulgaria 5.5
10. Mongolia 5.5
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