10 countries with best tourism economy of 2024: Turkey is also on the list

The Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, published by the World Economic Forum, ranks the countries with the best tourism economies. According to the 2024 report, the United States currently holds the strongest travel and tourism economy in the world. The top 10 list includes six countries from Europe, while Turkey ranks 29th.

The TTDI evaluates several factors related to countries’ tourism sectors, including airports, land transportation, ports, natural and cultural resources, safety and security, price competitiveness, and the openness of destinations to tourism. The index measures a range of factors and policies that ensure the sustainable and resilient development of the sector, thereby contributing to a country’s overall development.

UNITED STATES LEADS THE LIST WITH NATIONAL PARKS, UNIVERSITIES AND LARGE METROPOLISES

Thanks to its national parks, universities, and large metropolises, the United States leads the list. One contributing category to the US’s top position is “non-leisure resources,” which encompasses global cities and the presence of large corporations. With 429 national park sites and over 12,000 miles of coastline, the US also ranks third in natural resources, following Australia and Brazil. In terms of tourist services and infrastructure, the US ranks sixth.

However, the US ranks lower in price competitiveness (115th) and safety and security (77th). Malaysia tops the list for price competitiveness, while Singapore leads in safety and security.

Where does Turkey stand?

With its magnificent tourism destinations such as Antalya, Marmaris, Bodrum and Fethiye in particular as well as metropolis cities such as Istanbul and Izmir / Ankara, Turkey has shown significant improvement. However, it is known to face challenges, still. On the other hand Turkey is known as the rising star in Europe and Mediterranean, thanks to advantages such as sun, sea and hospitality it can offer foreign visitors.

In the previous report from 2021, Japan was at the top of the list. The top 10 countries with the best tourism economies in the 2024 TTDI report are:

10. Switzerland

9. Italy

8. China

7. United Kingdom

6. Germany

5. Australia

4. France

3. Japan

2. Spain

1. United States