Pakistan has been ranked 101st out of 119 countries in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) latest Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI). This places the nation among the lowest in the Asia-Pacific region, just ahead of Nepal and Bangladesh but significantly behind regional neighbors like India and Sri Lanka.
The report highlights the considerable challenges Pakistan faces in bolstering its tourism sector. Despite showing some improvement in TTDI scores over recent years, the country still struggles with substantial infrastructural and investment deficits. The WEF emphasized the impact of global inflation, environmental crises, and geopolitical tensions on the tourism industry worldwide, all of which have exacerbated Pakistan’s position.
Furthermore, the WEF report underscores the pivotal role of tourism in economic growth, noting that the top 30 countries in the TTDI account for a majority of the global travel and tourism GDP. In contrast, Pakistan’s low ranking reflects a missed opportunity for economic advancement and cultural exchange.
The comparison with Middle Eastern countries is stark, with the United Arab Emirates ranking 18th and Saudi Arabia 41st, showcasing the disparity in tourism development within the broader region.
For Pakistan, the need for strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, safety, and marketing is more urgent than ever. As global travel trends evolve, addressing these issues could unlock significant potential for economic and social benefits.