Japan tops World Economic Forum’s 2026 travel and tourism index

The World Economic Forum has released its 2026 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI), ranking Japan as the world's top destination. Japan rose two positions to claim the first spot, surpassing the United States, which holds second place. In 2025, Japan recorded a record 42.7 million international visitors as it works to expand tourism beyond its most famous hubs.

Spain ranks third and is the highest-rated European nation. The top ten list, which remains unchanged in composition from 2024, includes Australia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Switzerland, and Italy. China is noted as the only country in the top ten that is not a developed economy.

The index evaluates 110 economies based on various factors, including transport and tourism infrastructure, safety, price competitiveness, natural and cultural resources, and sustainability. Specific metrics include hotel prices, visa requirements, public transport efficiency, and the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The report indicates a broad recovery in the global tourism sector, with 92 percent of the analyzed economies showing improved results compared to previous years.