The inclusion of an iconic Canadian landmark in a new U.S. government video designed to promote travel to the States has stirred up controversy, as it should. It’s an embarrassment, to be sure, but the most interesting—and important—thing about the video is the simple fact that it exists. U.S. standing has sunk so low in the world, and so many travelers are staying away from the country, that the government had to borrow some Disney magic, partnering with the company to create a video promoting America as a welcoming place. The seven-minute, 20-second video is already showing at Washington Dulles International Airport and Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, and will soon be seen in the international arrivals areas at other domestic airports and at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.

It’s a spectacular video, with iconic U.S. landscapes and smiling faces and swelling music. Nobody who watches should doubt that the U.S. as rendered by Disney is a beautiful, welcoming place. See for yourself:

The problem is that the U.S. image around the world hasn’t been created by Disney. It’s been created by, among other things, the war in Iraq and a generally antagonistic foreign policy. Oh, and by the badgering that travelers have been receiving upon arrival in the U.S. I’m not sure the video that travelers will see out of the corners of their eyes while going through customs and security will be enough to change their impressions of the country.

One aspect of all this gives me hope: It signals that the U.S. government and tourism-dependent businesses like Disney understand there’s a major problem. The crux, though, involves better policy. As Reuters reports, “Analysts and industry experts say that many would-be visitors are put off by the visa process, long waits and perceptions of poor treatment by gruff immigration officials.”

If that changes, I’ll have more hope.

Related on World Hum:
* TSA Deploys ‘Behavior Detection Officers’ at U.S. Airports
* U.S. State Department’s New Cultural Ambassadors: Ozomatli

Photo via “Welcome: Portraits of America”