South Africa was voted fourth best country for outdoor activities after Australia, New Zealand and Canada and ahead of the United States.

South Africa also managed to finish in the top five of two other categories - best country brand for authenticity and best country brand for natural beauty.

South Africa clinched third place in the category for best country brand for authenticity, after New Zealand and China. Japan and Thailand were placed fourth and fifth respectively.

In the category best brand country for natural beauty, South Africa was listed fifth, with New Zealand in the top spot.

On Australia's achievement, the judges said: "Australia is impressive as a strong country brand for the range of vacation experiences that can be enjoyed.

They also pointed out that a record 5.5 million visitors travelled to Australia in 2006, fuelling an industry worth about A$80bn that generates more than 10% of the country's exports, according to official data.

The top 10 countries in the survey, which is carried out by marketing consultant FutureBrand and public relations firm Weber Shandwick, with 2006 ranking in brackets: