Tasmania Says G’DAY, USA

11 January 2009

The Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, said Tasmania would have a strong presence at Australia Week 2009 in the United States, with a delegation promoting Tasmania’s world-class produce, unique wildlife and inspirational places to visit.

Ms O’Byrne, who will lead the delegation, said that the ten days of events featured in Australia Week’s G’DAY USA provide invaluable opportunities for Tasmania’s tourism industry to develop new partnerships and strengthen existing ones.

“This year’s delegation will focus on Tasmania as a unique holiday experience - an inspirational destination in which visitors can find the freshest produce, the most rejuvenating outdoor activities, incredible wines, abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“Our aim is to take Tasmania to a wide audience and our attendance at G’DAY USA events will be backed up by a wealth of marketing and media activities.”

The Tasmanian delegation is participating in 16 events, of which five are exclusive “Tasmania” events, aimed at media, trade and consumer audiences.

Ms O’Byrne said the delegation will also undertake a large number of one-on-one meetings and interviews with media outlets, to further promote Tasmania as a specialised offering for passionate travellers.

“Even in uncertain economic times, people will still travel. However, they’ll travel for very different reasons – to pursue their passions, to achieve a respite or to engage in a real experience

“At G’DAY USA, the Tasmanian delegation will emphasise that our State is more than just a holiday; it is a transformational experience that can fulfil these desires.

“We want North American travellers to know that Tasmania is the place to come when you’re passionate,” she said.

During G’DAY festivities, Tasmania will be featured at such diverse events as a cooking demonstration in San Francisco conducted by television lifestyle and cooking show host, Laura McIntosh; the ‘Come Walkabout in Beverly Hills’ event, where Tasmania’s iconic walking locations such as Cradle Mountain, the Freycinet Peninsula, Maria Island and the Bay of Fires will be highlighted; and a golf day at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California where Tasmania’s diverse range of golfing experiences will be promoted to leading business executives.

“The plight of the Tasmanian devil will also be highlighted with the help of wildlife guru and television personality Jack Hanna at a special benefit dinner, which will feature a silent auction to raise proceeds for research into the Facial Tumour Disease.

“Other events include lectures, luncheons for ‘Tassie Specialist’ travel agents in San Francisco and New York, and an event to present Tasmania as a culturally vibrant destination to approximately 50 key media in the San Francisco area.

“G’DAY USA provides a unique opportunity for Tasmania to generate publicity and exposure in the North American market, not available through any other means.

“This will be our third year in attendance and each year the value of attending grows as the relationships formed bear fruit. I am very excited to be attending for the first time, and witnessing first-hand the benefits which the hard work undertaken by Tasmania’s delegation brings to the State,” Ms O’Byrne said.

G’DAY USA is a two-week spotlight on Australia, presented by the Australia Week Committee, with a diverse program of activities and events showcasing the very best of Australian culture, fashion, food, wine, tourism and business .

G’DAY USA 2009 runs from 13-24 January 2009 with events in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

Further information: Sue Bailey 0417 550 279