Tasmania becomes San Francisco’s Island of Inspiration

16 January 2009

Tasmania has inspired an exclusive and captive audience of more than 70 of San Francisco’s most influential style-makers and key strategic trade and promotional partners as part of the Australia Week Committee’s 2009 G’DAY USA celebrations, the Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, said today.

Ms O’Byrne said the State’s artistic and culinary innovators were celebrated through a unique and interactive Tasmanian showcase at a media reception in downtown San Francisco.

“Tasmania regularly rates as one of the top ten island destinations in the world, and our spectacular landscapes and the adventures they inspire regularly receive international attention and accolades.

“Similarly, our products are becoming increasingly sought after world wide as the State’s international reputation for excellence and sustainable production continues to grow.

“Our niche industries and the quality of our products stand out in a global environment of increasing mass production.

“Across the world, consumers are better informed than ever before, and are seeking high-quality, wholesome and innovative products that have minimal impact on their environment.”

“It is reassuring to know that Tasmanian produce, artworks and crafts, and our tourism experiences fit perfectly with this growing desire of the new consumer.

“Add to this the fact that our spectacular Bay of Fires region was recently named as the hottest tourist destination on the globe for 2009 by Lonely Planet, and Tasmania has an irresistible story to tell.

To help share the Tasmanian message in the USA, Tourism Tasmania has enlisted the support of internationally respected Australian chef Luke Mangan.

Mangan is currently Chef/Owner of Glass Brasserie at Sydney’s Hilton Hotel, Salt Restaurant and the World Wine Bar in Tokyo, and South Food + Wine Bar in San Francisco.

“Luke has long been a champion of Tasmania, and regularly sources some of our finest produce for his acclaimed international establishments.

“In 2009, Luke is designing menus that feature Tasmanian produce for a number of G’DAY events, including our showcase event in San Francisco.

“Today’s event provided our discerning media guests with a multi-faceted experience of all things Tasmanian – tastes, sights and sounds of our produce, landscapes, artworks and artists.

“By engaging directly with San Francisco’s most influential cultural commentators and enabling them to sample just a little of what this State has to offer, we created a unique opportunity to connect with members of one of our key international markets.

“It’s another clever example of how we are working hard to attract the world’s attention to our Island of Inspiration,” Ms O’Byrne said.

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

Further information: Rohan Wade 6336 2443 or 0417 051 255