UAE Ranks First in MENA, 18th Globally in WEF’s Travel & Tourism Development Index

The UAE has ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and 18th globally in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) .

According to the latest report, the UAE increased its score by 4.4 percent in the 2024 index, climbing seven places to 18th from 25th in 2021. The index, ranking 119 economies, includes sub-indices on enabling environment, policy, infrastructure, resources, and sustainability in travel and tourism. The US, Spain, and Japan retained the top three positions.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia were among the top ten high-income economies with significant performance improvements from 2019 to 2024. The Middle East led in international tourist arrival recovery, surpassing 2019 levels by 20 percent, while Europe, Africa, and the Americas regained 90 percent of pre-COVID-19 movement.

"This year represents a turning point for the travel and tourism sector,"

said Francisco Betti, Head, Global Industries Team; Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum.

The report anticipates that the global tourism industry will recover from its COVID-19 lows and surpass pre-crisis levels, driven by a surge in demand worldwide, coinciding with more available air travel, improved international openness, and increased interest and investment in natural and cultural attractions.

News Source: Emirates News Agency