Such a ranking was compiled for the first time. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2006 the tourism and travel sector accounted for 10.3% of global GDP. The tourism industry employed 234 million people, or 8.2% of the world's working-age population. In short, it was impossible to ignore such a behemoth. Therefore, as Financial Izvestia notes, experts of the Economic Forum had to analyze statistical data and studies from international organizations IATA, ICAO, UNWTO, WTTC and UNESCO. They also had to include in the annual survey conducted by WEF among 11,000 top managers of companies operating in 125 countries, items related to the development of the tourism business in their countries. Respondents had to meticulously evaluate state and public institutions, infrastructure, macroeconomics, healthcare and school education, market efficiency and prospects for the development of the tourism business.
The 'attractiveness' ranking was topped by Switzerland, Austria and Germany, which received high scores primarily for safety and level of medical care, as well as strict and, importantly, effective environmental legislation.
Spain, popular among our tourists, took 15th place thanks to high scores for its tourist infrastructure, air transport and cultural assets, as well as the priority of tourism for the government of this country, significantly ahead of Italy, which was in 33rd place. Thailand's friendliness towards tourists (6th place) helped it land in 43rd place in the final table. The weak points of this country are still underdeveloped tourism and transport infrastructure. India, which placed 65th, was noted for its many cultural and historical assets and low prices. However, its other criteria are in unenviable positions, with the possible exception of traditional tourist interest in this country.
The place of our country in the ranking is not mentioned. However, judging by Internet search queries, foreign tourists are looking for accommodation options in major Ukrainian cities, but excursion programs interest them to a lesser extent.
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