Since 1979, the World Economic Forum has been at the forefront
of national competitiveness research. Our competitiveness work
is aimed at contributing to a better understanding of why some
countries grow prosperous, while others are left behind. Given
the Forum’s longstanding interest in economic development,
coupled with the growing importance of Travel & Tourism (T&T)
for national economies, a study focusing on the T&T industry is
extremely relevant. In this context, The Travel & Tourism
Competitiveness Report aims to explore the factors and policies
driving travel and tourism competitiveness in nations worldwide.
Travel & Tourism (T&T) is a critical source of economic growth
and development in many countries around the world, rendering
the measurement of its competitiveness an important undertaking.
Over the past several decades, Travel & Tourism has become a key
sector in the world economy. In 1950, international tourism
receipts totaled a mere US$2.1 billion; by 2004 this had grown
to an impressive US$62