India Ranked 31st in the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026

India has climbed nine places to rank 31st among 110 economies in the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2026, released in collaboration with Zurich Insurance Group on September 26, 2026. Japan topped the global rankings for the second year running.

World Economic Forum Releases 2026 Tourism Development Index

The TTDI 2026 tracks how well countries are set up to support long-term, sustainable tourism growth. Global tourism has bounced back strongly, with international arrivals crossing 1.5 billion in 2025 and the sector's economic contribution touching a record $11.6 trillion. But the report says the real challenge now isn't attracting tourists; it's managing the pressure that comes with rapid growth.

What Is the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026?

The TTDI does not rank countries by tourist arrivals or revenue. Instead, it measures the policies and conditions across 17 pillars, like safety, digital readiness, infrastructure, and cultural resources, that help destinations sustain tourism over time.

What Are the Key Findings from TTDI 2026?

1. Average TTDI scores rose 2.1% between 2024 and 2026, the fastest improvement since 2019.
2. 92% of ranked economies improved their scores.
3. Advanced economies dominate the top 10, with China as the only exception.
4. Asia-Pacific was the fastest-improving region, growing 3.6% on average.
5. Rising prices, weak investment, and workforce skill gaps remain major constraints.
6. Tourism growth isn't translating evenly into broader economic and social benefits.

India moves up nine places, ranking 31st in 2026 from 39th in 2024

India rose from 39th (out of 119 economies in 2024) to 31st this year, aided by cost-competitive travel, strong cultural heritage, and improving business travel infrastructure. India, along with China and Mexico, ranks among the top 10 countries globally for World Heritage cultural sites. The WEF, however, flagged workforce skills, sustainability, and infrastructure gaps as areas needing continued attention.

Japan Tops the WEF's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026

Japan climbed two spots to take the number one position, helped by record visitor numbers of 42.7 million in 2025 and tourist spending of nearly $59.7 billion. The US, Spain, Australia and France completed the top five.

Top 10 Economies for Enabling Travel and Tourism Development

Japan leads the 2026 rankings with a score of 5.27, driven by record visitor numbers and strong regional connectivity. The US, Spain, and Australia follow closely, while China remains the only non-advanced economy to break into the top 10.

Top 10 Economies from the TTDI 2026 (Scores 2019–2026)

Most of the current top 10 economies have held strong positions since 2019, reflecting long-term consistency in tourism policy and infrastructure. Japan overtook the US in 2026 to claim the top rank for the first time in this comparison window.

Top 10 Most Improved Economies for Enabling Travel and Tourism Development

Albania recorded the sharpest improvement of any economy worldwide, growing nearly 7% between 2024 and 2026. Southeast Asian nations dominate this list, showing how emerging tourism markets are catching up fast with established leaders.