France still one of world's top 10

France continues to be among the world's top 10 strongest country brands, demonstrating great resilience in the face of Eurozone challenges, according to the 2011-12 FutureBrand Country Brand Index (CBI).

In its 7th year, the CBI illustrates perceptions of 113 global nations, and is based on more interviews, insights and information than any other study of its kind.

The index, which assesses the strength of a country measuring awareness, familiarity, preference, consideration and active decisions to visit the country, declared Canada to be the top overall country brand in the world, but ranked France in 1st place for awareness.

While Switzerland and Sweden both moved up three places within the CBI top 10, France remains a leading brand according to the CBI thanks to its familiarity with the public. Indeed, France flies the flag for 2nd place in the top 10 category for brand heritage and culture and also boasts the world's 5th best brand tourism.

Of course, France has always held a strong identity and enjoys enormous popularity as not only a top tourist destination, ranked top by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in 2010, but as one of the best destinations for a new life abroad.

The recent Lloyds TSB International Wealth Survey revealed that 21 per cent of respondents selected France as their number one choice for a home abroad. The findings also highlighted an increase in the number of wealthy Britons considering a move overseas, with Brits accounting for 11 per cent of the buyers in France, putting them in 3rd place behind the Portuguese and the French themselves.

Business Development Manager Charlie Williams of Terresens, France's leading eco-Friendly property developer, comment:
"France is one of those places that in spite of economic uncertainty, still affords a timeless appeal. Indeed, it has an unbeatable reputation and with a solid country brand; people will always stop by and visit making this a reliable bet for property investors.

"At present, the French Alps is one destination that has seen a rise in popularity with around 62% of the market driven by buyers seeking lifestyle and investment choices and French ski property provides both. For example our development, Le Centaure in Belle Plagne offers a great package with a 4.6% rental income and 1 weeks personal usage while our luxurious ski property in the heart of Méribel, ranked one of the 50 most expensive locations for residential property in The World by the Knight Frank Prime Residential Index (2010), might provide a suitable option for wealthy Brits as mentioned in the Lloyds TSB survey."