Europe dominates world tourism rankings

It may be losing ground to other markets in terms of growth figures, but the latest report from the World Economic Forum's global tourism summit indicates that Europe still has the most competitive tourist industry in the world. 

The report, compiled at the WEF's Global Tourism Summit in Andorra, ranked 139 countries in terms of their tourism policy, local infrastructure, price competitiveness and natural and cultural resources. Sitting at the top of the list was Switzerland, followed by France and Germany. Austria, Sweden and Spain also made the top 10.

The WEF's Jennifer Blanke said the report indicated European nations still had a lot of potential for development and growth in their tourist industries. "The top rankings of Switzerland, Germany, France and Austria demonstrate the importance of supportive business and regulatory frameworks, coupled with world-class transport and tourism infrastructure, for fostering an environment that is attractive for developing the travel and tourism sector", said Blanke.

Europe's lack of inflation and relatively reliable rates of exchange on currency had also helped to make it a sturdy choice for vacationers, said Mathias Hellfeld of German broadcaster Deutsche Weller. "With its low inflation rates, the EU in particular has become a predictable and calculable holiday destination for foreign visitors", he said.