Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI), was introduced in 2022 as a refined evolution of the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI). This index is a critical benchmarking tool for evaluating the factors and policies that foster sustainable and resilient growth in the Travel & Tourism (T&T) sector. It not only aids in informing policy and investment decisions but also provides valuable insights into the strengths and areas needing improvement for the long-term advancement of the T&T industry, thereby contributing to broader country development goals.
TTDI 2024: New Data and Insights
The 2024 edition of the TTDI, developed in collaboration with the University of Surrey, integrates new data and stakeholder feedback, offering a refreshed perspective on the sector’s dynamics. It recalculates the results from 2019 and 2021, rendering direct comparisons with the 2021 index impractical. Covering 119 economies, the TTDI evaluates five dimensions and 17 pillars, including critical areas such as the business environment, safety and health, labor market conditions, ICT readiness, T&T policies, infrastructure, natural and cultural resources, and sustainability measures.
Key Findings: A Mixed Post-Pandemic Recovery
The 2024 TTDI reveals that while the T&T sector continues its post-pandemic recovery, the journey is marked by mixed progress and challenging conditions. Although 71 economies have improved their scores, the average score has only seen a marginal increase of 0.7% above pre-pandemic levels. High-income economies, particularly in Europe and Asia-Pacific, lead in T&T development, with the top 30 countries significantly contributing to the global T&T GDP.
Developing economies have shown notable improvements, with countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Uzbekistan, and Côte d’Ivoire making significant strides. However, most non-high-income economies still score below average, indicating the need for enhanced investment to improve T&T conditions and increase market share.
Pakistan’s Journey: Climbing the Ranks
A notable highlight of the TTDI 2024 is Pakistan’s remarkable progress, now ranked 101st globally, a leap of 20 positions since 2019 with a score of 3.41. This 3.6% increase in score and 14% improvement in ranking underscore Pakistan’s potential, especially in its rich natural resources and cultural heritage. However, challenges remain in areas such as air transport infrastructure and tourist services.
Pakistan’s advancement can be attributed to the concerted efforts of institutions like the Pakistan Tourism Development Authority (PTDC) and support from the World Bank, which have facilitated public policy dialogues and shared best practices across provinces.
Despite these gains, Pakistan’s tourism infrastructure and enabling conditions require continued development. The government’s emphasis on improving safety, security, and health standards is pivotal for the sector’s sustained growth. In South Asia, Pakistan’s ranking is ahead of Nepal and Bangladesh but is still behind India and Sri Lanka.
Challenges and Opportunities: Striving for Balance
The TTDI 2024 underscores the importance of balancing growth with sustainability. While progress has been noted in energy sustainability and the contribution of high-wage jobs, issues like seasonality and overcrowding persist. The sector must focus on environmental sustainability, socioeconomic prosperity, global connectivity, and responsible technology use to address these global challenges.
Enhanced ICT readiness and pandemic-era policies have demonstrated clear benefits, yet the need for workforce resilience and equality remains critical. Natural and cultural resources offer significant opportunities for developing economies, but effective management and investment are essential to leverage these assets fully.
Future Directions: Sustainable and Resilient T&T Development
The 2024 TTDI, enriched with new data on environmental and social impacts, continues to be an indispensable tool for policymakers and stakeholders. It provides a comprehensive overview of global competitiveness, identifying areas for improvement to ensure sustainable growth and socio-economic benefits. This year’s edition, produced in collaboration with the University of Surrey, emphasizes the importance of sustainable and resilient T&T development in a post-pandemic world.
As the global T&T GDP contribution is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, the sector must navigate ongoing challenges from macroeconomic, geopolitical, and environmental risks, alongside the growing demands for sustainability and digital technology integration. By focusing on these critical areas, the T&T sector can achieve balanced and sustained growth, benefiting economies and communities worldwide.
