Switzerland topped the 2013 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index by the World Economic Forum this year.

Every two years, the WEF ranks 140 countries in 14 categories such as policy rules and regulations, environmental sustainability, safety and security, and natural and cultural resources.

Korea ranked 32nd in 2011 but jumped to 25th this year. It earned 4.91 points, ahead of famous tourist destinations such as Italy (4.90), Greece (4.75), Malaysia (4.70), and Turkey (4.44).

Switzerland got 5.66 points out of 10, scoring high across the board. It was followed by Germany and Austria, both with 5.39 points.

Spain, which was in eighth place two years ago, moved up to fourth with 5.38 points. The U.K., U.S., France, Canada, Sweden and Singapore came next.

Japan moved up from 22nd in 2011 to 14th with 5.13 points, but China dropped from 39th to 45th with 4.45 points.

Despite persisting uncertainties in the global economy and difficult circumstances, the WEF predicted that the number of tourists worldwide will increase by 4 percent from last year.