On 21 November 2007, in a new global study that will make all Aussies proud, Australia was once agian voted numero uno as the top country brand in the tourism sector.

There were a few surprises with Croatia, China and the United Arab Emirates being named the ‘Rising Stars’ for Tourist Destinations and likely to become major tourist destinations in their own right within the next 5 years.

The United States ranks second and the United Kingdom third, according to the Country Brand Index (CBI) of 2007.

Other included in the top 10 were Japan, Canada, France and Greece.

The third Country Brand Index, is a comprehensive study of over 2,600 international travelers conducted by FutureBrand, a leading global brand consultancy, in collaboration with public relations firm Weber Shandwick’s Global Travel & Lifestyle Practice.

CBI examines how countries are branded and ranked according to key criteria, including opportunities within the worlds of travel, tourism and country branding.

The topics covered a diversity of topics that are considered relevant to travelers as well as tourism professionals. The topics ranged from the most environmentally oriented country brand (Sweden) to the country brand in which they would most like to do business (the United States).

Here are the 2007 results. Each category has the top five countries listed in the order of rank:

Best country brand ideal to do business in: The United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, Italy.

Best country brand easiest to do business in: The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, France.

Best country brand to extend a business trip in: The United States, Australia, Italy, Japan, Thailand.

Best country brand for conferences: The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates.

Best country brand for art and culture: Italy, France, Egypt, India, the United Kingdom.

Best country brand for authenticity: New Zealand, China, South Africa, Japan, Thailand.

Best country brand for beaches: Maldives, Tahiti, Bahamas, Australia, Dominican Republic.

Best country brand for families: Denmark, Canada, Australia, the United States, Sweden.

Best country brand for history: Egypt, Italy, China, Greece, France.

Best country brand for resort/lodging options: The United Arab Emirates, Maldives, Australia, Tahiti, Canada.

Best country brand for natural beauty: New Zealand, Australia, Maldives, Canada, South Africa.

Best country brand for nightlife: Spain, the United States, Brazil, Thailand, Singapore.

Best country brand for fine dining: France, Italy, Singapore, Japan, the United States.

Best country brand for outdoor sports/physical activities: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, the United States.

Best country brand for friendly local people: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Thailand.

Best country brand for rest and relaxation: Maldives, Tahiti, Bahamas, Jamaica, New Zealand.

Best country brand for safety: New Zealand, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland.

Best country brand for shopping: The United States, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Italy, Japan.

Best country brand for value for the money: Thailand, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Vietnam.

Best country brand you would most like to live in other than your own: Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Singapore.