Vanessa Federico
News Reporter

Tourists have ranked Canada number two out of 78 countries, according to the 2008 top country brand rankings.
The countries are ranked across 30 categories, focusing on strengths, weaknesses and opportunities within in the country.
Canada had previously ranked number six in the 2007 study, but now ranks above countries like the U.S. and the U.K.
Australia, made number one on the list.
Keke DasGupta, Canadian Tourism Commission worker said the reason for Canada reaching second place is because over the past two years it has developed a more popular reputation with tourists.
“Visiting Canada was described as a ‘life-changing experience with many festivals and events, cosmopolitan, very cultured, and foodie-filled’ ,” said DasGupta.
The categories Canada ranked the highest in were families for providing a variety of activities for visitors of all ages and easiest to do business in, because it  welcomes and facilitates business from different countries.
However, there are some categories Canada didn’t make the top ten for. Some of those categories include authenticity, art and culture, rest and relaxation, fine dining and advanced technology.
The Country Brand Index is created by a company called FutureBrand. They conduct an annual survey is conducted around the world interviewing many travelers. Travelers are asked where they are coming from, and why they have chosen to visit where they are going.  
The Canadian Tourism Commission uses the study as a way to make Canada more appealing to tourists.
Canadian Tourism Commission director of brand integration, Giselle Danis, said there is a new strategy for marketing Canada. A series of video clips shot by actual visitors to the country will be used to market and encourage people to visit.
 The clips have not been released yet as they are still in the process of being made.
“We have marketed and received positive feedback for this operation,”said Danis. “It has shown that Canada is more than just open landscape, and given the world an authentic and exciting option for travel,”  
She said Canada’s second rank could open more doors for the country.  
 “Canada is a large country with tons of culture,” said Nahrain Elia, a second-year travel and tourism student.
“You’re visiting one country and seeing people from all over the world,” Elia said.
“Canada is a very friendly country and always creates great rapport with its visitors. I think our friendliness keeps the people coming back.”