Australian government promotes tourism with Australia

Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman starrer, Australia, is now being promoted jointly by the Australian tourism department to attract tourists in Australia. Directed by Baz Luhrman, Australia is a romantic movie set in WWII era. Made in the style of epic movies like the Laurence of Arabia, the movie beautifully shows the diverse landscape and lives of Australian ranchers. In addition, there is the romance between Hugh Jackman, the “Sexiest Man Alive” and Nicole Kidman. Released in USA on November 26, 2008, the movie is getting positive reviews. The Australian tourism board developed a new tourism brand using the scenes, themes and actors from the movie. wsbtv.com reports:

"Through our marketing efforts we hope that as people get caught up in the romance and adventure of the movie that they will fall in love with the idea of holidaying in Australia," said Tourism Australia's managing director, Geoff Buckley, in kicking off the $26 million campaign

Australia is a developed country and has great attractions for tourists. Around half million people are employed in the tourism industry. Compared to last year, number of tourists visiting Australia rose by 2%. Of the total number of tourists, 21% are international tourists and the rest are domestic tourists. Last year, the tourism sector represented 3.7% of the country’s GDP.

Movie is the most popular media and can reach lots of people. Australian tourism board has made a good decision of promoting tourism through the movie.

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wsbtv.com

Will Australia be Hugh Jackman's ticket to Oscar?

Hugh Jackman is now one of the most sought after stars in Hollywood. From a humble beginning, he rose to top. In his latest movie, Australia, Hugh Jackman played the role of a drover who is a social outcast with a heart of gold. Released on November 26, 2008, the movie is getting positive reviews every where. Few days before the release, Hugh was announced to be the “Sexiest Man Alive” by People Magazine. After the news came out, Hugh Jackman’s inbox got filled with mails from friends teasing him. One of the messages goes like this:

"This is worse than the Florida 2000 recount. This is rigged. Give it back!" It's hard to get a big head after that.

Still Hugh Jackman is the same old guy. Beneath that 6 foot 2 inches structure and cheesled muscular body resides a very sensitive heart. His family is the most important thing to him. While he was dating his wife, actress Deborra-Lee Furness, they made a promise to each other that they would never stay away from one another for more than two weeks and till today, they kept their promise. Now the million dollar question is: Will Hugh Jackman go for Oscar this time?

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Los Angeles Times

Nicole Kidman inspired Australian Dinghy team in Beijing Olympic games

Who said words do not have power. They definitely have and if the words are from some one who is very beautiful and attractive like Nicole Kidman, then it would make you a champion. That’s what happened in the ongoing Beijing Olympic sailing competition. In the dinghy competition, Australian sailor duo- Malcolm Page and Nathan Wilmot took the gold medal after they received a phone call from the famous Australian actress.

Malcolm Page told Herald Sun that in the beginning, when they received call from an unknown number they let it go on voicemail. Page said:

"I was getting breakfast and thought, 'Ah, I just don't want to talk to her today,' so I bumped it, then two seconds later there was a message from Nicole wishing us good luck,"

After knowing that it was Nicole Kidman, Page called her before the race. The Australian sailor team took gold on Tuesday’s race in men’s 470 class competition. In women’s 470 class race, Australian sailor Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson took the gold.

Page and Nathan named all their dinghies according to the movie title of Nicole Kidman. They named their boat Australia, Nicole Kidman’s upcoming movie, directed by Buz Luhrmann. Their other boats were named Dead Calm and Days of Thunder.

Related articles:

eonline.com

heraldsun.com.au