CANADIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Canada ranked as most welcoming country in the world

Tuesday, 2 June 2009

A new global consumer survey has found that given the chance to go anywhere on the planet, more people around the world would choose to visit Canada than any other country.

Canada topped the list in two categories, "would make me feel welcome" and "I would like to visit this country if money were no object."

Conducted by Anholt-GfK Roper, the Nation Brand Index asked people from 20 countries to rank 50 nations based on six criteria -- exports, governance, culture and heritage, people, tourism and investment and immigration.

Canada also topped the list for natural beauty, a fact that doesn't surprise Banff Lake Louise Tourism president and CEO Julie Canning. Just under half the annual visitors to the Rocky Mountain resort town come from outside Canada's borders.

"It's certainly an indicator of how Canada is seen around the world and certainly tourism is an important part of that," she said. "We've got a fabulous reputation in terms of our natural landscapes and our national parks system is definitely a jewel in that Canadian iconic perception out there."

Italy and Australia finished second and third in both those categories while New Zealand and Spain were deemed the fourth and fifth most welcoming and Switzerland and France the fourth and fifth most desirable places to visit.

If you are interested in Visas to Canada, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Canada.