Switzerland tops the tourism list

Based on the global perceptions of residents, tourists, investors and foreign governments, Switzerland has overtaken Canada for the top spot, followed by Japan, which rose a spot to third, and Sweden, which rose three spots to fourth. Japan ( No. 3) New Zealand ( No. 5), Australia ( No. 6) and Singapore ( No. 14) are the region's strongest country brands, according to Futurebrand. Globally, Futurebrand's 2012- 2013 country brand index ranks the world's countries based on perceptions of their cultures, industries, economic vitality an public policy initiatives. The study is based on a survey of 3,600 opinion-formers and frequent international travellers from 18 countries.