Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: US No.1: Blame it on Obama-12 November, 2009

Thursday, November 12, 2009

US No.1: Blame it on Obama-12 November, 2009

Thanks to US President Obama, the US was ranked No. 1 in FutureBrand’s Country Brand Index (CBI) study. The US was also named the world’s fourth best conference destination.

“It’s logical to assume that the shift in the political climate and renewed optimism surrounding the election of President Obama as a key influencer in the US topping the list,” said Rene A. Mack, president of public relations firm Weber Shandwick’s Global Travel & Lifestyle practice, which produced the report.

He added:

“It will be very interesting to see the US'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."

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

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.

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.