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Travel & Leisure

Japan tops global tourism index for 1st time, despite tight borders

World Economic Forum praises country for wealth of travel infrastructure

Foreign tourists visit Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo's Asakusa district during August 2015. Japan has begun reopening its borders to leisure travelers on a trial basis. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)

DAVOS, Switzerland -- Japan for the first time captured the top spot worldwide in fielding a competitive tourism sector, an index released Tuesday shows, thanks to the country's rich collection of hotels and infrastructure catering to international visitors.

Japan ranked first in the 2021 Travel & Tourism Development Index published by the World Economic Forum, ahead of the U.S., Spain, France and Germany.

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