The World Economic Forum has just published its biennial Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report and Index, that benchmarks the T&T competitiveness of 140 economies and measures the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the Travel & Tourism (T&T) sector, which in turn, contributes to the development and competitiveness of a country, according to the World Economic Forum.
Spain ranks in the World’s top 10 as follows:
#1 Travel & tourism competitiveness index
#1 Healthiest country in the world
#2 Most visited country in the world
#2 by the number of UNESCO world heritage sites
#3 Touristic infrastructure
#4 Congress organisation & business events
#5 Wellness tourism
#10 Reliability of police services
For the third year in a row, Spain ranks #1 worldwide, being awarded as the best country for Tourism worldwide. The index provides a strategic tool for business and a unique insight into the strengths and areas for development of each country to enhance its industrial competitiveness. It is comprised of 4 subindexes, 14 pillars and 90 individual indicators, as seen on the chart below.
Spain, the most competitive country in the world
Europe remains the world’s most competitive region when it comes to Travel and Tourism – Europe is home to six of the top 10 scoring economies. It has some of the best cultural resources in the world and leading infrastructure. Southern Europe, where Spain is located, saw the largest number of Europe’s international arrivals. The sub-region has developed the best tourism infrastructure in the world.
As per Spain, it’s been appointed as the most competitive country in the world in Travel and Tourism, mainly thanks to its excellent natural and cultural resources, attracting millions of visitors every year. Nevertheless, Spain is the second most visited country in the world, while Andalusia ranks within the 10 most visited regions in Europe. The index also highlights the country as a hub for international meetings, its intangible culture and heritage sites, the number of UNESCO sites, the excellent infrastructure and high hotel density, amongst other indicators.
The T&T Competitiveness Index and the MICE and Corporate visitor
This index can only mean positive for the country and all its visitors, regardless if you are here for leisure, business or research. When a conference, meeting, incentive or exhibition is organised you should have the relief that you are standing on solid ground, where your activities will be backed up. Spain is also one of the safest places in the world, so even the female solo visitors will feel completely fine and safe during their trip.
As mentioned before, Spain outstands for its natural and cultural resources, as well as for the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranking #2 worldwide. This is also an asset to take into account when considering a destination for a business trip – it’s important to have some quality spare time besides business, and Spain has such a wide array of interesting resources that you will be spoilt for choice. There are 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Andalusia, including the Alhambra in Granada, the Cathedral of Seville and the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba. Also important, and part of the Andalusian idiosyncrasy we find Flamenco music and dance – Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Another interesting aspect to consider, highlighted by the ranking, is the quality of our health services. In Andalusia, there are over 50 private hospitals and more than 80 beauty clinics, mainly around the city of Marbella. Thousands of visitors come every year to Andalusia to undergo any kind of surgery, treatment or retreat. This could be done at any time of the year, thanks to our fantastic weather. Nonetheless, Spain ranks #5 in Wellness Tourism worldwide.
A business trip would not be complete without golf, too. If you are a golf enthusiast, we have excellent news for you – there are 12 golf courses in Andalusia on the top 100 courses in Europe. Andalusia is the best place to play golf, with around 100 golf courses, mainly located around the Malaga, Marbella and Cadiz area. Meridional Events recently selected some of the best golf courses in the South of Spain.
Some other key points to highlight are the safety and security of the country, #16 worldwide, with the reliability of police services being #10 in the world, as well as the prioritisation of the Travel and Tourism industry, where we rank at #8, including our effectiveness to marketing and branding to attract tourists, #11 worldwide.
Our touristic infrastructure is one of our best assets, scoring #3 worldwide, with a large number of hotel rooms and car rental companies readily available to all visitors. Business tourism has a solid background in Spain – the country ranks #4 worldwide in congress organisation & business events. The state-of-the-art conference centres, the great hotel offer, the choice of airports and the road infrastructure are at your disposal, plus the high degree of specialization of the tourism industry make of Spain the perfect place to host any kind of corporate events.
We have also been recognised lately as the healthiest country in the world, thanks to our Mediterranean diet, pillar of our internationally recognised gastronomy. In Spain food is king, being the centre of social gatherings, family celebrations and countless food festivals all around the country.
Meridional Events is your key partner for Corporate Events in Spain
Here, at Meridional Events we create and manage perfect MICE or Corporate Events in Andalusia and the South of Spain. Whether you are thinking of a fun incentive, a meeting, a golf break, a health check-up or a conference, we will happily assist you and create the perfect event according to your needs. Just get in touch with us and we will take care of the rest.
