Tourism and Travel Competitiveness in the European Union New Member States

The paper analyzed the tourism competitiveness in the new EU member states (NEUMS) in the year 2017 using the data provided by World Economic Forum, Travel and Tourism Competitiveness. According to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), countries, the NEUMS are enough competitive in the world tourism as their ranks varied between the 32nd got by Croatia for the score of 4.52, and the 68th achieved by Romania for the score of 3.78. Of the 14 pillars influencing the TTCI of the NEUMS, business environment, prioritization of T&T, price competitiveness, air transport infrastructure, natural resources and cultural resources and business travel are the pillars which determined as the counties to occupy higher ranks than 50. A strong correlation (r>0.5) was found between TTCI and air transport and tourism service infrastructure, and a moderate correlation with safety and security, prioritization of T&T, ground and port infrastructure and natural resources. Regression analysis proved that TTCI is deeply and positively influenced by the pillars mentioned above, while price increase could reduce competitiveness level. The policy makers should be aware that all these pillars need to be improved in order to enhance tourism development and competitiveness. New strategies with realistic objectives and suitable measures have to be set up and implemented as tourism to be more efficient and competitive in the new EU member states.