The Philippines is currently ranked as the 11th most dangerous country for tourists, according to the 2017 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum. The country ranks 126th out of 136 countries in ensuring the safety of its tourists—down five notches from the last assessment in 2015.
“Security concerns remain high and diminished protection of property rights, less effective judicial system and stricter rules on (foreign direct investments) have reduced the conduciveness of the business environment,” said the report.
The top 10 most dangerous countries in the world are: Colombia, Yemen, El Salvador, Pakistan, Nigeria, Venezuela, Egypt, Kenya, Honduras, and the Ukraine. The Philippines was followed by Lebanon, Mali, Bangladesh, Chad, Guatemala, South Africa, Jamaica, Thailand, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Back in 2015, the Philippines ranked lower at 128th behind Jamaica, Russian Federation, Myanmar, and Mexico.
“The travel and tourism sector continues to develop on the back of the country’s rich natural resources (37th) and high price competitiveness (22nd), and arrivals have continued to grow so far,” the report said. “Although the Philippines’ travel and tourism potential remains high, there are several areas where policy interventions could help to regain competitiveness.”
The WEF’s report was prepared before a gambling addict rushed luxury hotel and casino Resorts World Manila in Pasay City—often frequented by high-flyers from overseas—and killed thirty-seven people before he committed suicide.
