Ukraine has advanced 9 positions, but is still behind Russia (#76).

Russia’s closest rivals in Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index are South Africa, India (the only BRIC nation that has improved its standing vs 2011) and Georgia, slightly ahead are Argentina and Saudi Arabia.

The world’s best country for tourism, like two years ago, is WEF’s home country, Switzerland. Germany is #2, Austria #3, followed by Spain, Great Britain and the USA.

The highest rated post-Soviet country is Estonia (#30).

Russia has been awarded relatively high grades in air travel infrastructure (#33), and cultural heritage (#39). The aggregate result is affected by land transport infrastructure (#93), security (#113), industry regulation (#123), and environmental protection (#134).

Project Group №6