US No.1: Blame it on Obama
Thanks to US President Obama, the US was ranked No. 1 in FutureBrand’s Country Brand Index (CBI) study. The US was also named the world’s fourth best conference destination.
“It’s logical to assume that the shift in the political climate and renewed optimism surrounding the election of President Obama as a key influencer in the US topping the list,” said Rene A. Mack, president of public relations firm Weber Shandwick’s Global Travel & Lifestyle practice, which produced the report.
He added:
“It will be very interesting to see the US’s performance next year and understand if this was a halo effect of a new president, or if the country can actually capitalize on this opportunity to better create a strong brand."
Despite America’s strong showing in this year’s rankings, the US Travel Association said the country’s cumbersome security and visa policies are keeping its positive image from translating into positive visitor numbers.
Ranked No. 3 in 2008, the United States beat out second-place Canada and third-place Australia, as well as New Zealand, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain — all of which placed in the top 10 of the annual study, which examines how countries are branded and ranked by international travelers.
By David Wilkening
David
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