India ranked 31st in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, which assessed 110 economies and was published on 25 September 2026. India moved up nine places from 39th in the 2024 index, while Japan secured the first rank in the 2026 edition.
Travel & Tourism Development Index
The Travel & Tourism Development Index, or TTDI, is a global index that measures the conditions supporting sustainable and resilient tourism growth. It does not measure only tourist arrivals or tourism spending, and it covers factors linked to the long-term development of the travel and tourism sector.
India’s Position in the 2026 Index
India’s 31st rank placed it among the better-performing large tourism markets in the 2026 edition. The country’s score improved on account of cost-competitive travel, cultural resources, tourism infrastructure, and business travel facilities.
Key Components of Tourism Competitiveness
- Cost competitiveness is a major factor in tourism indices and includes travel affordability, price levels, and service costs.
- Cultural resources include heritage sites, traditions, festivals, and museums that support tourism demand.
- Tourism infrastructure includes transport links, accommodation, and visitor facilities.
- Business travel facilities include conference venues, connectivity, and related services for corporate travel.
Important Facts for Exams
- The World Economic Forum published the TTDI 2026 on 25 September 2026 in collaboration with Zurich Insurance Group.
- The 2026 index assessed 110 economies across the world.
- Japan ranked first in the TTDI 2026, followed by the United States, Spain, Australia, and France.
- India improved by nine positions from 39th in the 2024 index to 31st in 2026.
Areas of Concern in Tourism Development
India still faces challenges in tourist services, general infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and workforce skills. Globally, 92% of the 110 economies improved their scores between 2024 and 2026, and travel and tourism development conditions were at their strongest since 2019.
