Pakistan’s Travel and Tourism Development Index Ranking: 101st out of 119 by WEF

Pakistan’s tourism sector has been dealt a blow as the country was ranked a lowly 101st out of 119 countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Only Bangladesh ranked below Pakistan in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the challenges faced by the country in developing its travel and tourism industry.

The index, compiled in collaboration with the University of Surrey and industry experts, measured factors and policies that enable sustainable development of the travel and tourism sector. The United States topped the overall list, with Spain, Japan, and France following closely behind. The report attributed their high ranking to favorable business environments, open travel policies, and well-developed infrastructure.

Despite ranking low on the index, Pakistan has improved three places since 2019. However, the country’s debt-ridden economy and low foreign exchange reserves pose challenges for its tourism sector. Authorities in Islamabad are looking to secure a bailout with the International Monetary Fund to maintain economic stability.

Experts believe that Pakistan’s natural beauty, including its mountain peaks and historical sites, could attract tourists and serve as a potential foreign exchange earner for the country. As global tourism is expected to rebound post-pandemic, Pakistan may have an opportunity to leverage its tourism assets to boost its economy and improve its ranking in future travel and tourism development indexes.