Discover America Partnership

Certainly, restoring America to a position of positive regard around the world will bring benefits to all Americans. It will benefit our global leadership, bring a greater measure of national security and enable greater economic success. America’s leaders recognize that we strengthen the country’s image around the world.

Ambassador Karen Hughes, a close advisor to President George W. Bush, is a passionate advocate for “people to people” diplomacy. There is no better way to empower the American people than to increase their opportunities to interact with international visitors.

Our greatest assets have been largely overlooked: the American people themselves.

A study conducted in 2005 by GMI showed that first-hand experience plays a positive role in forming people’s opinions about a new country. People from other countries have far more favorable views about America and its citizens if they have visited this country than those who have never visited the United States.

The reason for these findings is clear: “people-to-people” communication builds understanding in a way that no other form of communication can match. Without doubt, Americans are our country’s most powerful diplomats.

As a result, we believe that finding ways to attract more international visitors to America must be a critical element of the nation’s public diplomacy process.

The mission of the Discover America Partnership is to strengthen America’s image by unlocking the power of travel. We challenge the U.S. to welcome ten million more visitors annually.

Silver Lining - Americans

• Despite the decline in favorability towards America, opinions of Americans remain relatively strong
• In Germany and France, 65 percent or more hold a favorable opinion of Americans
• Even in Jordan, there is a 23 percent difference between opinions of America and opinions of Americans