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Press Release
Huge Boost for Tasmania's Destination Profile
29 May 2008
Tasmania’s reputation as a must-visit food and wine destination has been given a huge boost following the enormous success of a nationwide television series.
The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, Paula Wriedt, said that more than 1.6 million Australians have watched the two Tasmanian episodes of Mercurio’s Menu, aired nationally between March and May on the Seven Network.
“The episode on Southern Tasmania aired to a national audience of 870,000 viewers – the second highest rating episode of the entire Mercurio’s Menu series.
“The episode covering Tasmania’s North and North East region also attracted a national audience of 786,000 viewers.
“Thousands more people have also been watching the series as part of Jetstar Airlines in-flight entertainment program on all 78 weekly international flights.
“The Tasmanian episodes have been extremely popular and the series website has received many hits since the episodes were first aired in March,” Ms Wriedt said.
“The success of Mercurio’s Menu is another example of the kind of innovative marketing that we need to pursue to attract more visitors and business for Tasmania.
“The close relationship between tourism and our world-class produce also demonstrates the excellent synergy that exists between tourism and economic development.
“Together they make a huge contribution to making our communities more prosperous, vibrant and sustainable.
Hosted by popular television presenter and keen foodie, Paul Mercurio, each 30-minute episode of Mercurio’s Menu is dedicated to one of Australia’s premier food destinations.
Tourism Tasmania’s Visiting Journalists Program hosted the series’ producers, WTFN Entertainment, on an eight-day filming trip to the State in February.
Ms Wriedt said the episode on Southern Tasmania features Mures Restaurant in Hobart, a fishing expedition on the Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island oysters, cherries and fudge, and sheep’s milk cheese from Grandvewe at Woodbridge.
“The episode covering Tasmania’s North and North East showcases Angasi Restaurant at Binalong Bay, the Tamar Valley’s Ninth Island Vineyard and acclaimed chef Daniel Alps, Leavenbank Woodfired Bakery at St Helens, raspberries from Christmas Hills, Gone Fishing Charters and the lobsters from Salty Seas Seafood,” Ms Wriedt said.