Martin Ferguson
Minister for Resources and Energy
Minister for Tourism
Carol Brown
Senator for Tasmania
Dick Adams
Member for Lyons
Spectacular images of Tasmania’s wildlife, rugged coastline, spotless beaches, charming farms and welcoming people were screened to over 40 million viewers in the US yesterday as part of the first episode of
Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure. Footage of six lucky audience members and Oprah’s best friend Gayle King sampling Tasmania’s finest tourism products was showcased in the episode.
A road trip along the coastline, a cruise around the Tasman peninsular, a close encounter with “Chomper” a resident Tasmanian devil at Bonorong Wildlife Park, a trip to Freycinet Peninsula, wine tasting at Meadowbank Estate and an off-road quad bike trip to lunch at a secluded beach were just some of the activities the ladies participated in.
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’s audience members told viewers “they had been given the chance of a lifetime” and they were treated “so special” in Tasmania.
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 $1 billion industry in Tasmania. It provides jobs where people live- in Hobart and Launceston - as well as in 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 – including in Tasmania - are open for business.
“They continue to welcome visitors, and it is important during this challenging time that we continue to encourage people to have a holiday and hold business meetings and events in Australia.
“Communities need the influx of tourism dollars, which will benefit the whole economy.
“Holidaying in Australia and business travel will help flood-affected communities get back on their feet and help keep people in jobs.”
Senator for Tasmania, Carol Brown said “I hope that more Americans travel to Tasmania to experience a little piece of our island paradise, which boasts untouched beauty and genuine hospitality.”
Member for Lyons, Dick Adams, said, “This is a great opportunity for Tasmania’s many diverse experiences to be showcased to Australians and the world.”
Tourism Australia, Tourism Tasmania and commercial partners are targeting their marketing to help turn the publicity from Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure into travel bookings.