India’s rank in the Global Travel & Tourism Index rises to 39th place according to the WEF index

India’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) ranking has seen a significant improvement, climbing to 39th place in 2024, according to the World Economic Forum’s annual report. This rise in ranking comes as global tourism activities have started to return to pre-pandemic levels, showcasing the resilience of the industry.

The United States secured the top spot on the list, with India leading the pack in South Asia and among lower-middle-income economies. The country’s ranking has seen a notable jump from 54th place in the previous index published in 2021, although changes in the index parameters limit direct comparisons to earlier years.

India’s strong performance in the TTDI can be attributed to its highly price-competitive nature, competitive air transport infrastructure, and robust ground and port facilities. The country also stands out for its natural, cultural, and non-leisure resources, driving travel demand and making it one of the top performers in all resource pillars.

Despite facing challenges such as global inflationary trends impacting price competitiveness and infrastructure recovery post-pandemic, India’s overall TTDI score remains strong. The report highlights the country’s potential for sustainable tourism growth, especially with a focus on longer stays by inbound visitors.

With high-income economies in Europe and Asia-Pacific leading the index, India’s upward trajectory signals a promising outlook for the travel and tourism sector. As international tourist arrivals and sector contributions to global GDP are expected to rebound this year, India’s continued progress in the TTDI reflects its growing importance in the global tourism landscape.