Irene Muñoz
The second edition of the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, produced by the World Economic Forum and the University of Surrey, is an emblematic index that evolved from the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI). This index measures the factors and public policies that allow the sustainable and resilient development of tourism. It reveals both significant advances and setbacks in several economies around the world, and Mexico unfortunately continues to plummet in all measurements, and this is no exception.
This index is very important as it aims to seriously inform policy makers and the tourism industry about the strengths and areas for improvement, examining the interdependent nature of the internal and external factors that drive this complex sector, to be a guide in the formulation of public policies, operational practices and investment strategies.
The United States heads the list, followed by Spain and Japan, consolidating themselves as global leaders in the development of travel and tourism. However, the report also highlights that only 19 of the 119 economies assessed improved their scores by 3% or more since 2019, reflecting a recovery that, although underway, faces significant challenges.
In contrast to other emerging economies that have shown notable improvement, Mexico has experienced a decline in its position within the index. Mexico is now ranked 38th. It dropped six places since the last edition in 2019. Its overall score of 4.26 is 0.6% below the pre-pandemic level and 7.4% below the TTDI average. .
Mexico’s decline in the TTDI is due to several critical factors. Despite having natural and cultural resources that continue to be a key attraction for tourists, the country has faced difficulties in maintaining and improving tourism and transportation infrastructure, lack of security, lack of economic support, as well as shortages. of labor and inflationary pressure. All of these factors have affected price competitiveness, an essential aspect to attract international tourists, and have also negatively changed the perception of our country as a destination.
The European and Asia-Pacific regions, together with high-income economies, continue to offer the most favorable conditions for the development of travel and tourism. In Latin America, Brazil (26th place) and Chile (31st place) have shown improvements, underscoring the potential of emerging economies to close the gap with developed countries in terms of tourism sector enablers.
The TTDI 2024 underlines the need for comprehensive strategies to address both current and future challenges in the travel and tourism sector. Economies, including those of Latin America, must invest in infrastructure, as well as openness and sustainability policies to maximize their tourism potential and improve their preparation for future risks.
As the global tourism sector recovers, it is imperative that Mexico and other developing countries redouble their efforts to improve their enabling conditions. This includes the adoption of new technologies, improving infrastructure and implementing comprehensive policies that promote sustainability and resilience. Only through a concerted and strategic approach will Mexico be able to recover and surpass its previous position, ensuring sustained and equitable growth in its tourism sector.
The lack of understanding and seriousness on the issue of both the President of Mexico Andrés Manuel López Obrador and the Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco Marqués is evident and has been disastrous, but this must change. It is important that the next administration of the country resumes with seriousness and responsibility the generation of a comprehensive public policy for the tourism industry, which allows the recovery of the country, Mexico City and the destinations of the states, not only to avoid the fall, but to resume the course and brilliance that Mexico had before.
Source: eluniversal
