For the first time in its five-year history, the United States has been ranked No. 1 in FutureBrand's Country Brand Index (CBI) study, which also named the country the world's fourth best conference destination, the global brand consultancy announced Friday.

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.

"It is interesting to note that America has risen to the No. 1 country brand this year," said Rene A. Mack, president of public relations firm Weber Shandwick's Global Travel & Lifestyle Practice, which produced this year's index along with FutureBrand. "It's logical to assume that the shift in the political climate and renewed optimism surrounding the election of President Obama was a key influencer in the U.S. topping the list. It will be very interesting to see the U.S.'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."

This year, FutureBrand surveyed the perceptions of approximately 3,000 international business and leisure travelers and ranked countries in more than 25 different categories. In addition to its overall No. 1 ranking and its No. 4 conference ranking, the United States ranked:

• First in "Best Country Brand Ideal for Business"
• Fourth in "Best Country Brand to Extend a Business Trip"
• Third in "Best Country Brand for Families"
• Fourth in "Best Country Brand for Resort & Lodging Options"
• Third in "Best Country Brand for Nightlife"
• Second in "Best Country Brand for Shopping"
• Fifth in "Best Country Brand You Would Most Like to Live In"
• Third in "Best Country Brand for Advanced Technology"
• Second in "Best Country Brand for Quality Products"
• Second in "Best Country Brand Easiest to Do Business In"
• Third in "Best New Country for Business"
• Fifth in "Best Country Brand You Desire to Visit/Visit Again"

Despite America's strong showing in this year's rankings, the U.S. Travel Association said the country's cumbersome security and visa policies are keeping its positive image from translating into positive visitor numbers.

"Perceptions of the United States are on the rise," U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said in a statement. "But if interest in the United States is growing, then policymakers should ask themselves why it is not resulting in greater overseas travel to our country."

According to the 2009 CBI, although the United States ranked No. 1 in brand image, it placed in the bottom half of countries for "ease of travel" to and within the country.

"It's past time for our country to make welcoming visitors a priority," Dow continued. "Our industry can create jobs and strengthen America's image in the world. The onus is on policymakers to work with this industry, tap into the global demand and welcome millions of new visitors to our great country." This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy