World Economic Forum The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2013 Malaysia is ranked 8th regionally and

34th overall, up one position since the 2011 -Report. Malaysia benefits from its rich natural resources (ranked 18th) and its cultural resource s (ranked 31st). The country also benefits from excellent price competitiveness (ranked 5th), with comparatively low fuel prices, low ticket taxes and airport c harges, competitive hotel prices, and a favorable tax regime. Malaysia s policy en vironment is assessed as very conducive to the development of the sector (ranked 9th), an area that has improved since the last assessment, and the country is c haracterized by a strong affinity for Travel & Tourism more generally (ranked 16 th). However, health and hygiene indicators trail those of many other countries in the region, with, in particular, a low physician density and few hospital bed s available. Further, environmental sustainability remains an area for improveme nt, with high emission levels and several threatened species, although business leaders feel that efforts are being made in this area