Morocco's Rising Position in Global Tourism Rankings
In the latest Travel and Tourism Development Index for 2026, released by the World Economic Forum, Morocco has made significant strides, securing the 70th position out of 110 countries assessed. This marks an ascent of seven places in the rankings, with an improvement of over five percentage points compared to the previous evaluation. The index, which is published biennially, evaluates the policies and capacity of nations to manage disruptions and crises affecting the travel and tourism sector.
Japan has topped the list, followed by the United States in second place, while Spain has dropped two positions to claim third. In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates leads the rankings, coming in at 22nd globally, followed closely by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel, Bahrain, Oman, and Egypt, which also experienced a decline in its ranking.
Key Insights on Tourism Development
The report highlights that the tourism sector in 2026 has significantly moved beyond mere recovery. It notes the strengthening of tourism assets, air connectivity, and visitor accommodation capabilities across the globe. However, it also points out that success parameters are evolving. Financial pressures, investment gaps, workforce constraints, and sustainability challenges are increasingly shaping the future of the sector. Notably, 92% of the 110 economies surveyed improved their travel and tourism development indicators between 2024 and 2026, reflecting the highest improvement rate since 2019. Major gains were observed in cultural landmarks, infrastructure, tourism services, and air connectivity, underscoring the robust systems supporting tourism growth.
Yet, the report cautions that financial capacity remains a significant barrier to tourism development. The increasing costs associated with travel and tourism have outpaced inflation rates in many economies, leading to a decline in price competitiveness for three-quarters of the economies ranked between 2024 and 2026. The report, prepared in collaboration with Zurich Insurance Group, indicates that tourism growth does not automatically translate into broader benefits. Although travel activity and visitor spending continue to rise, the economic and social value derived from tourism has decreased during this period. Consequently, managing growth has become as crucial as generating it, necessitating that destinations share tourism benefits more widely while alleviating pressure on local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes that climate, economic, and geopolitical risks underscore the need for resilience in the travel and tourism sector. Recent events, such as disruptions in international flight networks due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East and extreme weather events in Europe and North America, demonstrate how quickly tourism systems can come under strain. The report stresses that successful destinations are not only defined by their strong tourism assets but also by their ability to adapt and operate effectively in times of uncertainty.
As reported by hespress.com.
