Australia, NZ rate highly in world tourism report
Australia and New Zealand have both performed strongly in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2013
Under the theme "Reducing Barriers to Economic Growth and Job Creation", the report assesses 140 economies worldwide based on the extent to which they are putting in place the factors and policies to make it attractive to develop the travel and tourism sector.
The 2013 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index reveals that Switzerland, Germany and Austria lead the world in terms of travel and tourism competitiveness, with Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Canada, Sweden and Singapore completing the top 10.
Australia finished in 11th spot and New Zealand 12th.
Other positions: Hong Kong (15th overall), UAE (28th), Malaysia (34th), Thailand (43rd), China (45th), India (65th), Indonesia (70th), Sri Lanka (74th), Vietnam (80th) and Haiti (140th and last).
The report noted that Australia’s T&T competitiveness "continues to be characterised by a number of clear strengths, including its rich natural resources and the highest number of World Heritage natural sites in the world".
Further, it said that Australia’s competitiveness "is also buttressed by excellent air transport infrastructure (ranked 4th) as well as good general tourism infrastructure (ranked 20th).
"Australia also sees some improvements in the policy rules and regulations affecting the sector, especially its increased openness in bilateral Air Service Agreements."
On the downside, Australia ranked 137th for price competitiveness in the tourism and transport industry, one place above the United Kingdom which had the second highest tax rate on airline tickets and airport charges worldwide.
New Zealand ranks 3rd in the Asia Pacific region and 12th overall, an improvement of seven positions, one of the most significant in the region, the report noted.
Further, the country continues to benefit from its rich natural resources, with a number of World Heritage natural sites (ranked 18th) and a pristine natural environment (ranked 3rd), protected by strong and well-enforced environmental legislation.
The country’s policy rules and regulations are highly conducive to the development of the sector (ranked 2nd), with very transparent policymaking and among the least time and lowest cost required to start a business in the world.
New Zealand also benefits from high-quality human resources (ranked 13th) and a very safe and secure environment overall (9th), said the WEF.
Ian Jarrett
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