People 'want Canadian holidays'

Canada has been shown to be a popular destination for holidaymakers, with tourists praising its friendliness and overall desirability, a new study found.

Holidaymakers the world over have said that Canadians are the most friendly people on earth.

A recent Anholt Nation Brands Index rated the North American country as having the most welcoming people of any nation, ahead of Australia, Spain, New Zealand and Italy.

In addition, holidaymakers were asked: "If money were no object, which country would you be most likely to visit?" The two most popular answers to this question were Australia and Canada.

However, when factors like culture and heritage, people, tourism and immigration were taken into account, the top three countries in the world were revealed to be the UK, Germany and Canada.

Michele McKenzie, the Canadian Tourism Commission's president, welcomed the findings, saying: "Our research tells us that everyone wants a Canadian friend, so it's wonderful to have a global brand expert such as Simon Anholt underline that fact.

"Our brand, Canada, shows the world we are a nation full of people, culture, colour, tradition and heritage. Everyone likes Canadians, so why not showcase Canadians?"

The Lonely Planet has this to say about the country: "Canada's wild northern frontier, which has etched itself into the national psyche, and its distinct patchwork of peoples have created a country that is decidedly different from its brash neighbour."

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