Brand USA, the public-private partnership charged with promoting international tourism to the United States, today announced it has selected Ogilvy Public Relations as its global media relations agency of record following a competitive RFP process.

In a joint declaration issued by the two countries after the council's meeting, the prime ministers highlighted the role of mutual trust and friendly relations in economic development, peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Trade, energy and tourism were designated as strategic for both countries' interests.

New Zealand has dropped a place in an international country brand strength report, but academics say the country’s international reputation is still strong.  A country’s brand strength is determined by its performance in goods & services, tourism, talent and investment.

Fears of a third intifada could mar the vital Christmas tourism season in Israel and the Palestinian territories, delivering a second blow to an industry still reeling from the summer Gaza war, say officials and venue operators on both sides.

“Bermuda has been a little bit forgotten,” said Victoria Isley, the chief marketing and sales officer of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, who took the post in April after leading Destination Marketing Association International, a trade association.  To do so, the island is turning to where travelers increasingly learn about destinations: social media

In January 2012, amid concerns that the U.S. was failing to capitalize on global tourism growth, President Obama issued an executive order aimed at improving U.S. visa processing in Brazil and China.