(BBC) Barbados has topped the Latin American and Caribbean region in a tourism survey of 124 nations.
The survey rates countries according to the environments they offer for developing travel and tourism.
Switzerland, Austria and Germany topped the list, followed by Iceland and the United States.
It was prepared by the World Economic Forum’s as part of its competitiveness series.
Barbados, at 29th, was the highest ranked country in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
Just five other Caribbean countries were ranked – Jamaica (48), Dominican Republic (50), Trinidad and Tobago (85), Guyana (100) and Suriname (108).
Countries were evaluated for natural and cultural resources, safety and security, environmental laws, health and hygiene, air transport infrastructure, labour practices and the priority which the government gives the sector.
Barbados is also ranked 2nd overall with regards to national tourism perception, with a positive attitude towards tourists, and the value of tourism in the country.
“The government is prioritising the sector to a very high degree (ranked 2nd), spending a high percentage of GDP on the sector, and ensuring quality destination marketing campaigns,” the report said.
“Further, the country has a regulatory environment that is quite conducive to the development of the sector, with low visa requirements, and very open bilateral Air Service Agreements.”
France – the world’s most popular tourist destination – ranked only 12th, dragged down partly due to the general attitude of the French towards visitors, the Forum said.
