India’s travel & tourism ranking drops 10 spots since 2019 on WEF’s despite growth

India has slipped ten places to 39 in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI) rankings since 2019, despite a booming travel sector and economic growth post-COVID. The country’s score of 4.25 on a scale of 1 to 7 was lower than its emerging-market peers like China and Brazil, highlighting weaknesses in healthcare access, tourism infrastructure, and skilled manpower.

The United Arab Emirates saw the biggest growth in the index, while India remained above the average by 7.1%. The report emphasized the need for revamping tourism policies to create a more conducive environment for both domestic and international travelers.

India’s attractiveness as a destination could be significantly boosted by streamlining regulations, incentivizing investment in the tourism sector, and improving infrastructure. While the country scored high on price competitiveness and cultural/natural resources, it lagged in tourism policies, air transport, and tourist service infrastructure.

The report also highlighted the impact of reduced government funding for overseas tourism promotions, emphasizing the need for policy changes to attract high-spending inbound tourists. Industry experts suggested improvements in the Services Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) and increased focus on marketing India to enhance its tourism potential.

As the global travel and tourism sector recovers post-pandemic, India’s focus on sustainable and inclusive development will be crucial to harness its potential and address challenges in the industry. The country’s position in the TTDI rankings reflects the need for strategic reforms to enhance its competitiveness and fully leverage its travel and tourism resources.