Evaluation of the Competitiveness and Performance of Destinations Through Clustering Method Within the Scope of the Travel and Tourism Development Index

This study aims to categorize 119 countries into homogeneous clusters using the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) data, identifying performance levels and revealing strengths and weaknesses for strategic planning. Utilizing the K‐means clustering method on 2024 TTDI data, the analysis resulted in seven main clusters of travel and tourism performance. Findings show that low‐performing countries face challenges in enabling environments, infrastructure, and service quality, while some excel in natural and cultural resources. Medium performers need improvements in tourism policy and sustainability, whereas high‐performing countries demonstrate strong infrastructure and sustainability metrics but have average performance in certain areas. The study provides crucial insights for developing international tourism policies, helping countries enhance their competitiveness in the travel sector. By offering valuable information, the research facilitates strategic planning and highlights opportunities for low‐performing nations, ultimately aiming to improve overall sustainability and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.