The rankings of those economies demonstrating the top three performances

TOP THREE PERFORMERS IN EACH PILLAR OF THE TTCI

The rankings of those economies demonstrating the top three performances in each of the
14 pillars of the TTCI. Singapore, Hong Kong, and New Zealand retain the
top three ranks in the policy rules and regulations pillar. These economies continue to have the most conducive overarching policy environments for the development of the T&T sector, including active policies toward attracting foreign investment and developing the T&T sector, and a minimum of red tape required in setting up new businesses. They are joined in the top 10 by two other Asian economies—Taiwan and Malaysia. Sweden, Switzerland, and Finland hold the top three spots in the environmental sustainability pillar. These countries are characterized by environmental legislation that is both stringent and well enforced, a specific focus on developing the tourism sector in a sustainable way, and good overall environmental outcomes in terms of low levels of pollution and environmental damage. Also in the top 10 among countries shown in the table are Germany, Denmark, Austria, Finland, Norway, and Ireland, which all demonstrate a significant focus on protecting the environment.

Safety and security is another area where European countries perform well, with Finland and Switzerland
at the top and several others in the top 10. Two Asian “tigers” also appear in the top 10, with Hong Kong
advancing to the third spot and Singapore rising to fifth place. These economies have very low levels of crime
and violence, and they all benefit from effective police forces. They are not overly concerned by the threat of
terrorism, and they also benefit from roads that are safe by international standards, with few deaths caused by road traffic accidents. Austria and Germany receive the best assessments for health and hygiene, showing various strengths such as high levels of access to clean drinking water and sanitation and good health infrastructure. They are able to reassure international travelers that they will not run into health issues when traveling there. Seychelles enters the TTCI for the first time this year, taking 1st place for the prioritization of Travel & Tourism; the country is joined by Cyprus and Mauritius at the top. Other well-known tourism destinations— such as Barbados, Malta, Jamaica, and Spain—are also in the top 10. This is perhaps not surprising given the importance of the sector for their economies. This standing is borne out not only by high government expenditure on the sector but also by a holistic approach in supporting the sector that includes strong destinationmarketing campaigns and country-level presence at key international tourism fairs.

The air transport infrastructure pillar is led by Canada and the United States, with the United Arab Emirates coming in 3rd, indicating the country’s growing relevance as international air transport hub. Australia, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong follow. These economies are either vast areas that require a strong
domestic air transport to connect them, or they are international centers. They are all characterized by the
presence of important airport hubs, several flights per capita and a high number of operating airlines, and highquality service.