Out of 141 countries researched, Russia took 45th place overall in the annual World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI).
“Although the Russian Federation ranks relatively low on seeing tourism as a national priority (90th), its high scores on natural (4th) and cultural (10th) heritage sites show how the industry could potentially play a bigger role in the country’s economy,” states the report.
“It could build on strengths in air transport infrastructure (22nd) and health and hygiene (6th), but has to overcome challenges in safety and security (126th), environmental sustainability (106th) and the business environment (109th).”
Spain tops the overall rating, while Finland is the strongest in safety and security, with Nigeria being the least secure.
In terms of international openness Singapore comes in first with Angola propping up the list at the bottom.
Interestingly enough, with regards to price competitiveness, Iran is at the top, while Switzerland works out as the most expensive country.
Austria is the best in health and hygiene, while visitors to Mozambique should take the most precautions.
Qualification of the labor force is the best in Japan, while Chad’s employees are the least qualified.
Switzerland, in its turn, has the best labor market, while Mauritania has the worst.
Air transport infrastructure is the best in Canada and Chad, once again, takes last place.
Austria again tops the rating of tourist service infrastructure, while Burundi has the worst infrastructure according to the index.
First compiled in 2007, the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) measures “the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the Travel & Tourism sector, which in turn, contributes to the development and competitiveness of a country.”
