The Board of Directors of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) recently approved a $25,000 contribution to the Discover America Partnership to assist in efforts to strengthen America's image around the world. PCMA is encouraging other industry organizations to collectively pledge a minimum of $100,000 to the Discover America Partnership.The Discover America Partnership is an effort led by some of the nation's foremost business leaders to strengthen America's image, enhance security, and encourage travel to the U.S. America's image is declining in the international community, according to the Pew Global Attitude Project of 2006. In most countries, favorable opinions of America are well below 50 percent. In addition, international travelers cite the U.S. as being the most unfriendly to international travelers, according to a 2006 study by R.T. Strategies. That comes at a 2.5:1 margin over the Middle East, 3:1 over Africa, 7:1 over Europe and 20:1 over Canada.The Partnership has issued a three-part plan, with recommendations including:--Create a "21st century visa system" that will improve security and process travelers more quickly--Modernize and secure our points of entry--Change perceptions of America that are turning away travelers