Canada ranks seventh in a new international report released Thursday on the most desirable travel and tourism destinations.
The first ever Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, issued by the World Economic Forum, ranks the most attractive environments for development in the travel and tourism industry around the world.
Canada tied with Singapore and Luxembourg out of the 124 countries surveyed, while Switzerland, Austria and Germany took the top three positions. Angola, Burundi and Chad rounded out the bottom three positions.
"I would say in general it is a very good assessment of Canada," Irene Mia, a senior economist with the World Economic Forum who helped prepare the report, told The Canadian Press from Geneva. "It's in the top 10."
Canada's illustrious showing was due in part to the excellent air (ranked second in the world) and ground transportation infrastructure. The continuing focus on travel and tourism across the country also bolstered the ranking.
Canada also boasts 13 World Heritage sites, which continue to draw tourists from around the world, as well as an educated and healthy tourism work force ready to meet the needs of travelers.
However, there are areas in need of improvement within the tourism industry. Canada's health and hygiene came in at the 38th spot, while the low concentration of doctors contributed to a rank of 48 within the physician density category.
The high standard of living also contributed to visitor woes. "When it comes to the cost of living in the country, Canada scores really bad -- 120th out of 124 countries -- very expensive," said Mia.
Canadians also appeared to have a hard time rolling out the welcome mat for newcomers. Canada ranked 76 in the assessment of the actions of Canadians towards tourists.
The study aims to understand why some economies continue to prosper, while others are left behind. Travel and tourism is now a key factor in economic growth and development. According to the Global Competitiveness Network, international tourism garnered US$622.7 billion in 2004.
A high placement on the index bodes well for governments and can be used by potential investors for comparative analysis.
"Learnings from this report will allow industry to effectively and efficiently engage governments in creating blueprints for sustainable and viable travel & tourism industry development," said Thea Chiesa, head of aviation at the Travel and Tourism at the World Economic Forum.
To be deemed an attractive destination, the survey looked at: a country's travel and tourism regulatory framework; its travel and tourism business environment and infrastructure; and its tourism human, cultural and natural resources.
"Our study is not a 'beauty contest', or a statement about the attractiveness of a country," Jennifer Blanke, senior economist of the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Network, said in a written statement. "On the contrary, we aim to measure the factors that make it attractive to develop the travel and tourism industry of individual countries."
Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index:
- Switzerland 5.66
- Austria 5.54
- Germany 5.48
- Iceland 5.45
- United States 5.43
- Hong Kong SAR 5.33
- Canada 5.31
- Singapore 5.31
- Luxembourg 5.31
- United Kingdom 5.28
