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Survey Ranks 'World's Most Unfriendliest' Countries
Have you ever been to a country that just seems to give tourists the cold shoulder? Now, there are some figures behind those unwelcome feelings; the World Economic Forum has put together a report that ranks countries based on how friendly they are to tourists.
The extensive analyses ranks 140 countries according to attractiveness and competitiveness in the travel and tourism industries. But one category, "attitude of population toward foreign visitors," stands out.
According the data, Bolivia (pictured above) ranked as the most unfriendly country, scoring a 4.1 out of seven on a scale of "very unwelcome" (0) to "very welcome" (7).
Next on the list were Venezuela and the Russian Federation, followed by Kuwait, Latvia and Iran (perhaps when visiting one of these countries, you should try your best to not look like a tourist?).
On the opposite side of the scale were Iceland, New Zealand and Morocco, which were ranked the world's most welcoming nations for visitors.
Tourism infrastructure, business travel appeal, sustainable development of natural resources and cultural resources were some of the key factors in the rankings. Data was compiled from an opinion survey, as well as hard data from private sources and national and international agencies and organizations such as the World Bank/International Finance Corporation and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), among others.
The report also emphasized the need for continued development in the travel and tourism sector, pointing out that the industry currently accounts for one in 11 jobs worldwide.
All of the results of the survey can be found after the jump.
The extensive analyses ranks 140 countries according to attractiveness and competitiveness in the travel and tourism industries. But one category, "attitude of population toward foreign visitors," stands out.
According the data, Bolivia (pictured above) ranked as the most unfriendly country, scoring a 4.1 out of seven on a scale of "very unwelcome" (0) to "very welcome" (7).
Next on the list were Venezuela and the Russian Federation, followed by Kuwait, Latvia and Iran (perhaps when visiting one of these countries, you should try your best to not look like a tourist?).
On the opposite side of the scale were Iceland, New Zealand and Morocco, which were ranked the world's most welcoming nations for visitors.
Tourism infrastructure, business travel appeal, sustainable development of natural resources and cultural resources were some of the key factors in the rankings. Data was compiled from an opinion survey, as well as hard data from private sources and national and international agencies and organizations such as the World Bank/International Finance Corporation and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), among others.
The report also emphasized the need for continued development in the travel and tourism sector, pointing out that the industry currently accounts for one in 11 jobs worldwide.
All of the results of the survey can be found after the jump.
Attitude of population toward foreign visitors
(1 = very unwelcome; 7 = very welcome)
Friendliest
Friendliest
1. Iceland 6.8
2. New Zealand 6.8
3. Morocco 6.7
4. Macedonia, FYR 6.7
5. Austria 6.7
6. Senegal 6.7
7. Portugal 6.6
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina 6.6
9. Ireland 6.6
10. Burkina Faso 6.6
Unfriendliest
Unfriendliest
1. Bolivia 4.1
2. Venezuela 4.5
3. Russian Federation 5.0
4. Kuwait 5.2
5. Latvia 5.2
6. Iran 5.2
7. Pakistan 5.3
8. Slovak Republic 5.5
9. Bulgaria 5.5
10. Mongolia 5.5
Have you ever visited somewhere where they didn't exactly roll out the welcome mat? Alternatively, have you visited somewhere on the "unfriendly" list and had a great, welcoming experience? Let us know how your travel experiences compare with the survey's ranking in the comments below.
[via CNN]
[Photo credit: Phil Whitehouse, Wikimedia Commons]
Have you ever visited somewhere where they didn't exactly roll out the welcome mat? Alternatively, have you visited somewhere on the "unfriendly" list and had a great, welcoming experience? Let us know how your travel experiences compare with the survey's ranking in the comments below.
[via CNN]
[Photo credit: Phil Whitehouse, Wikimedia Commons]
Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, Burkina, Morocco, Senegal, Iran, Kuwait, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Macedonia, Portugal, Slovakia, New Zealand, Bolivia, Venezuela
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jamie Fulbrook Mar 15th 2013 4:01PM
This survey couldn't be more true. Ah Bolivia, you cheeky monkey. I try to arrive on the doorstep of each and every country with a mind open. Within a week on Bolivia soil, I couldn't repulse any more the great force in which the doors, windows, skylights and little catflaps of my mind were being slammed closed by; well closed to this locale.
Why? Well, sadly, its lies alone in the people I encountered. I had wondered at first if it was because Bolivia is said to be the poorest country in South America, the last to achieve independence, the last to be exploited, or the fact that I'd just arrived from a year spent living in the most progressive country in South America; Chile. But no, with even this as a recognised consideration or pardon, the people I met remain largely rude, money grabbing, false and quite frankly (and I don't say this at all lightly) rather dumb. Que pena!
But away from all that heavy negativity, the land quite amiably moped up the mess that its owners had managed to manifest in my mind.
I wonder how many other folks feel the same way? This survey tells me it was not just me. Everyone else I seem to meet loved the place.
Cheers!
http://onlybloodyhuman.com
Rob Mar 18th 2013 12:30PM
Note the surveyed were leading CEOs on business travel... That is not your average traveler. I've been warmly welcomed in many of the countries that don't fair well in this survey - in fact, Mongolia is a second home to me.
Ruben Mar 18th 2013 12:53PM
I've been in Mongolia and I've to say that I feel there like at home. Maybe his capital, UlaanBataar is not the easiest city in the world, but all the people I meet there was wonderful.
Salty Apr 7th 2013 1:47PM
Wow! Great point, Rob. CEOs on business travel have little in common with my experiences when traveling.
Kerri-Jo Mar 18th 2013 1:42PM
I have been to over 30 countries and by far the most hospitable was Iran. I spent a couple months last year and you are treated as an honoured guest everywhere. They will do anything for you. I have especially fond memories of visiting poor villages where they kill a lamb for a feast and everyone wants to get to know you.
Colleen Friesen Mar 18th 2013 5:34PM
I have travelled to approximately 50 countries (I don't keep very good track of these things :) and hands-down, the friendliest places on the planet are Newfoundland in Eastern Canada and Syria. Yes, Syria.
Everyone in that country was friendly to a fault. Unreal hospitality, which makes what's happening there even more distressing.