The World Economic Forum's 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index has been released, ranking the top countries for tourism based on factors like air transport, price competitiveness, and safety. Japan claimed the top spot overall, while six European nations made the top 10.
Spain ranked third, followed by France in fourth, Germany in sixth, the United Kingdom in seventh, Switzerland in ninth, and Italy in 10th. The index assesses elements such as hotel prices, visa requirements, public transport efficiency, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and geographic distribution of tourism.
Albania was named the fastest improver, with its score increasing by 7% over the past two years. The report attributes this to improvements in air transport infrastructure and tourist services, noting that Albania offers a more affordable alternative to neighboring destinations.
For travellers, the index highlights that conditions for travel and tourism are at their strongest since the pandemic, with 92% of economies improving since 2024. The focus is shifting toward creating greater value through investment in people, infrastructure, and collaboration.
