Australia movie 'boosting tourism'

Tourism in the state of Western Australia is seeing the benefit of its exposure in the Baz Luhrmann film Australia, which was released in cinemas at the end of last year and is now available to buy on DVD.

The state tourist board launched a AU$2.2 million (£1.1 million) marketing campaign when the film was released to promote the locations it was filmed in, including the rugged Kimberley region.

One company offering tours of the Kimberley area, Australian Pacific Touring, has experienced a 42 per cent increase in bookings for its adventure trips in the first three months of 2009 compared to the previous year.

Christie Lord of Tourism Western Australia commented: "Luhrmann's Australia has put the Kimberley firmly on the map and inspired filmgoers to experience the epic beauty of the towering gorges and lush waterholes themselves."

Another location that has benefited is the Home Valley Station tourism venture, which is located some 110km from the town of Kununurra and has seen a surge in reservations this year from customers who have seen the film.

Travellers interested in visiting Western Australia can catch flights to Perth with carriers including Malaysia Airlines and Qantas.

Posted by Paul, 11 May 2009 15:07

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