2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index Released: China Only Developing Economy in Top 10
The World Economic Forum released the 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, showing tourism development conditions at their best since 2019. Among 110 economies assessed, developed economies took 9 of the top 10 spots, with China the only developing economy in the top 10. The report notes improved conditions in most regions but highlights challenges including rising costs, geopolitical turmoil, climate anomalies, and labor shortages. Asia-Pacific accounts for 7 of the 10 fastest-improving economies.
Impact and considerations
The index offers tourism businesses and investors a global assessment of development conditions; China's top-10 placement and Asia-Pacific's rapid progress may influence business travel and tourism investment strategies.
Key points
- The World Economic Forum released the 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, showing conditions at their best since 2019.
- Among 110 economies assessed, developed economies took 9 of the top 10 spots, with China the only developing economy in the top 10.
- The report notes improved conditions in most regions but highlights challenges including rising costs, geopolitical turmoil, climate anomalies, and labor shortages.
- Asia-Pacific accounts for 7 of the 10 fastest-improving economies.
- The WEF says the next phase of tourism should focus not just on attracting more visitors but on creating value through human capital investment, infrastructure, and public-private collaboration.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- 中国旅游新闻网
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 28 Sept 2026, 08:00
- Page published
- 28 Sept 2026, 20:03
- Last updated
- 28 Sept 2026, 08:00
- Original links
- China Tourism News：《2026年旅游业发展指数》发布 中国为前10名中唯一发展中国家-中国旅游新闻网Document (opens in a new tab)Primary source · zh · Published 28 Sept 2026, 08:00