(TITC) - According to the latest report on 24th May 2022 of World Economic Forum (WEF), the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) of Vietnam in 2021 placed 52th, up 8 grades compared to 2019 and stands among the 3 highest growing countries in the world.
From the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) to the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI)
Since 2007, WEF has developed their first report on the World Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI). For the past 15 years, this report has become the leading benchmark and measure in the world tourism industry.
However, in the past 2 years, the severe damage of the Travel & Tourism sector (T&T) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the approach of WEF. WEF has made important changes between the TTCI and the TTDI, which is clearly presented through the theme of the 2021 report: “Rebuilding for a Sustainable and Resilient Future”.
The index consists of 5 subindexes (used for presentation and categorization purposes only), 17 pillars and 112 individual indicators, distributed among the different pillars, which focus on highlighting the sector’s role in broader economic and social development. Some of the most notable framework and methodology differences between the TTCI and TTDI include the additions of new pillars, including Non-Leisure Resources, Socioeconomic Resilience and Conditions, and T&T Demand Pressure and Impact.
Vietnam stands among the 3 countries experienced the greatest improvement in score on the overall index
WEF clearly stated in the report that Vietnam is the country that experienced the greatest improvement in score (+4,7%) on the overall index, ranking increased by 8 grades compared to 2019 (ranking results in 2019 have also been calculated and adjusted according to the TTDI). Along with Vietnam, Indonesia (increased 12 grades) and Saudi Arabia (increased 10 grades) are the 3 highest scoring countries.
Some famous destinations in Southeast Asia did not receive good results: Thailand fell 1 place, ranked 36th, Malaysia dropped 9 places, ranked 38th, the Philippines dropped 2 places, ranked 75th.
The report also emphasised the crucial role of digital technology to build back a better T&T. More T&T services are being accessed by digital platforms through online travel agencies (OTAs), sharing economy, direct online bookings, online payment systems, and mobile devices, etc. It offers consumers greater convenience, increased options, reduced person-to-person contact and seamless experience. Additionally, creating better health and hygiene conditions, working conditions, socio-economic conditions, social protection... are also issues that need attention.
It can be said that the ranking results of Vietnam's tourism industry according to the new approach of WEF have reflected the achievements in the prevention of pandemic in Vietnam, the safe and flexible adaptation, unceasing efforts to implement safe tourism activities, decisions to restore tourism, reopening all domestic and international tourism after the pandemic is well controlled, as well as sustainable factors as a fulcrum for Vietnam's tourism industry to recover and develop.
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