The Tourism and Travel Development Index released by the World Economic Forum 2022 showed what the media called “rocket” growth for tourism in Saudi Arabia.
The report showed the rise of Saudi Arabia in the ranking of countries in the global development, tourism and travel index to 33rd place in the world and second place in the world after Indonesia in terms of the number of centers of excellence, as Indonesia managed to move up to 12th place. in the index, reports the Sabk newspaper.
The Travel and Tourism Development Index showed Japan in first place, followed by the US in second place, followed by Spain in third, France in fourth and Germany in fifth, indicating that the global tourism sector is showing signs of recovery in many parts of the world after being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
The report notes that “total international tourism and business travel is still below pre-pandemic levels, with strong vaccination rates, a return to a more open tourism market and increased demand for local and nature tourism helping the sector recover. .”
The report also shows that 117 countries accounted for about 96% of global GDP from travel and tourism in 2020.
In the context of tourism among the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, the UAE ranked first in the region and 25th in the world with a score of 4.5. The index is based on many indicators, factors and policies that lead to the development, sustainability and flexibility of the travel and tourism sector that promotes economic and social development Standards include business conditions, safety, health, infrastructure, natural resources, and environmental, social and economic pressures.
The ranks of the Arab countries mentioned were as follows:
1- UAE: 25th in the world.
2- Saudi Arabia: 33rd in the world.
3- Qatar: 43rd in the world.
4- Egypt: 51st in the world.
5- Bahrain: 57th in the world.
6- Jordan: 64th in the world.
7- Morocco: 71st in the world.
8- Tunisia: 81st in the world.
9- Kuwait: 86th in the world.
10- Lebanon: 94th in the world.
11- Yemen: 116th in the world.
Source: “Earlier”