Martin Ferguson
Minister for Resources and Energy
Minister for Tourism
Gavin Marshall
Senator for Victoria
Images of Oprah saying “G’day” to thousands of fans in Melbourne's Federation Square were screened to over 40 million viewers in the US yesterday as part of the first episode of Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure in Melbourne’s CBD.
The footage also included Oprah interviewing Prime Minister, Julia Gillard along the banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne CBD. During their chat Oprah described her perception of Australia’s “vibrancy and friendliness” and asked the Prime Minister what it was like being Australia's first woman Prime Minister.
During their visit to Melbourne audience members had the opportunity to experience some of the spectacular scenery, blend of cultures and first class food and wine that Melbourne has to offer.
Australian audiences will have the opportunity to watch the show tonight and they will be joined by millions more viewers as broadcast of the show rolls out to a further 144 countries around the world.
During the first episode Oprah told viewers about the amazing welcome she and her 302 Ultimate Audience members had received in Australia and the warmth and hospitality they all enjoyed during filming.
Importantly, during the show, Oprah reminded everyone that despite the terrible floods ravaging parts of the country, Australians are resilient and recovery is underway.
Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, said this message of support, from one of the world’s most influential celebrities, could not have come at a better time for Australia’s tourism industry.
“Tourism is a $8.6 billion industry in Victoria. It provides jobs where people live- in Melbourne and Geelong - as well as many regional communities,” Minister Ferguson said.
“Oprah’s Ultimate Australia Adventure not only showed international visitors about the quality of our experiences, it’s a reminder to Australians about the beauty and richness of our local tourism activities.
“Despite the extensive damage caused by the floods, the majority of our iconic tourism destinations are open and trading as usual.
“They continue to welcome visitors, and it is important during this challenging time that we encourage people to have a holiday in Australia and ensure businesses maintain their meetings and conferences.
“Communities need the influx of tourism dollars, which will benefit the whole economy.
“Holidaying and continuing to conduct meetings and events in Australia will help flood-affected communities get back on their feet and help keep people in jobs.”
Senator for Victoria, Gavin Marshall, said Melbournians should be congratulated for their role in making the visit by Oprah and her audience members such a resounding success.
“The success of this visit will encourage many more visitors to come and discover for themselves our city's vibrancy and the rich and diverse tourism experiences on offer across the State,” Mr Marshall said.
Tourism Australia, Tourism Victoria and commercial partners are targeting their marketing to help turn the publicity from Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure into travel bookings.