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Japan Tops 2026 WEF Travel And Tourism Index
The World Economic Forum made a list comparing countries’ travel and tourism sectors.
Japan ranked first in the 2026 list.
It moved up two places from the previous ranking.
The United States lost the top spot.
Australia ranked fourth, while Spain ranked ahead of it.
China ranked eighth and improved quickly.
Japan received a record 42.7 million international visitors in 2025.
Japan’s tourism organization worked to encourage visitors to explore places beyond major cities.
The index also considers whether tourism is sustainable and able to withstand challenges.
Japan rose two places to lead the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Travel and Tourism Development Index.
The United States was displaced from the top position.
Australia also climbed two places to rank fourth, behind Spain.
China ranked eighth and recorded one of the fastest improvement rates among assessed countries.
Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors in 2025, supported partly by efforts to promote regional destinations.
- Who
- The World Economic Forum, Japan, the United States, Australia, Spain, China, and the Japan National Tourism Organization.
- What
- The World Economic Forum released its 2026 Travel and Tourism Development Index, with Japan ranked first.
- Where
- The ranking covers countries worldwide, including Japan, the United States, Australia, Spain, and China.
- When
- The index was released in 2026; Japan recorded 42.7 million international visitors in 2025.
- Why
- The index assesses tourism competitiveness as well as the sustainability and resilience of countries’ travel sectors.
Key facts
- Index
- World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Development Index 2026
- Top-ranked country
- Japan
- Previous top-ranked country
- United States
- Australia’s ranking
- Fourth
- China’s ranking
- Eighth
- Japan’s 2025 visitors
- 42.7 million international visitors
- Tourism strategy
- Promoting regional destinations beyond major cities
Sources
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