According to a recent study by the World Economic Foundation, these 30 countries are the most approving of the tourism industry as well as the most welcoming to foreign visitors. The study ranks countries based on three major component rankings: Tourist Service Infrastructure, International Openness, and Prioritization of Travel & Tourism.
That means that this "welcomeness ranking" has more to say regarding government policies than how pleasant local residents are to foreign visitors. So really, it's a reflection of political and business leaders and not everyday people.
What that means is that, in general, these nation's governmental policies would rather you visit their country than stay at home. One important caveat is that countries weren't ranked at all if they didn't respond or provide adequate documentation of the survey. So that means that some truly welcoming places may have been left out...simply because they didn't respond in time or provide enough information to a third party. And they might not have done so because they were too busy making sure their tourists were having a good time! Who cares about a survey when you're addressing the concerns of real people?!
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Did you know...
- Jet lag is worse when you're traveling from west to east. That's because the changes in time zones become not only more physically apparent on your body, but they are also more culturally apparent. If restaurants close at 10pm on the East Coast, you'll just be getting hungry since it will feel like 7pm on your West Coast-adjusted body.
- You've heard of the phrase "wanderlust," but do you know the German word "fernweh"? It means "far sickness" or an intensely strong urge to travel. The next time you feel the need to head out on a road trip, you've got a case of fernweh. And the only cure is to travel somewhere new!
- Taking a vacation is good for your health! Studies have shown that a vacation can help to lower your risk of heart disease. It's also a proven way to improve your creativity. So if you have some writer's block or need to lower your stress, grab a friend and go on an adventure!
- Even though it is spread across five time zones, the entire country of China is set to Beijing time. Having a single time zone in the United States would certainly make things easier. Currently, the USA is spread across six, but a single time zone would make things a little wonky in Alaska and Hawai'i.
- The longest flight in the world is between Singapore and Newark, New Jersey. Depending on which way you're flying, it takes around 18.5 hours to complete the 9,534 miles of the journey. The flight is so long that it doesn't even have an economy class. Only first-class and business-class arrangements are offered.