Andorra Tops Global Tourism Dependency Ranking at 71.8% of GDP

Andorra tops the global ranking for tourism dependency, with the sector accounting for 71.8% of its gross domestic product, according to data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The findings, released this May and based on international tourism figures, place the Principality ahead of Aruba at 70.3% and Macao at 70%. Other highly tourism-reliant economies follow, including the Maldives (68%), Seychelles (55.4%), and Saint Lucia (51%), along with Antigua and Barbuda (39.9%), Bahamas (34.1%), Cape Verde (27.9%), and Grenada (26.2%).

The report underscores how nearly seven out of every ten euros generated in Andorra stem from tourism-related activities, spanning hospitality, dining, retail, transport, and visitor services. This structural reliance highlights the sector's role as the country's primary economic driver, a pattern common in small, service-oriented economies with limited diversification.

For years, Andorra's heavy dependence on visitors—particularly during peak seasons—has shaped economic and political discussions. Policymakers often emphasize the need to broaden the economic base to mitigate risks from mobility disruptions or shifts in tourist flows.

In contrast, larger global economies feature greater contributions from technology, manufacturing, finance, and domestic consumption, which lessen tourism's relative weight in overall GDP.