south africa vacation

South Africa an outdoor vacation mecca - survey

Johannesburg - Australia has been named the world's top tourism annual survey of travellers and industry experts from around the world.

The United States was again runner-up in the Country Brand Index, with Britain rising to third place from sixth in 2006.

Australia was also named the best country for outdoor activities and praised for having the most friendly locals in the survey of 2 600 people.

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:

Australia (1)

United States (2)

Britain (6)

France (4)

Italy (3)

Canada (-)

Spain (7)

New Zealand (8)

Greece (5)

Japan (-)

This is the third year that FutureBrand has issued its Country Brand Index. The global survey consisted of interviewing 2 600 respondents from 7 countries. Business and leisure travellers were included.
- AFP/Fin24