Global Tourism Competitiveness and Freedom of the Press

Several studies have empirically explored the determinants of tourism demand and supply as well as the factors that affect destination or tourism competitiveness. However, no prior research has considered the role that uncensored information plays in a country's ability to compete globally in the tourism industry. Using the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, a new measure of tourism competitiveness developed by the World Economic Forum, and the Freedom of the Press Index created by Freedom House, this study concludes that countries that enjoy a free press as well as those that have a restricted press can be competitive in the tourism industry.