Far North Queensland operators have pulled out the stops to attract Oprah to film in the region.
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19 October 2010
Australian tourism operators bid to lure Oprah to Far North Queensland
Far North Queensland tourism operators are wooing Oprah Winfrey with luxury yachts and accommodation to ensure the region will be included in the talk show queen’s Australian itinerary.
Oprah will be filming eight episodes in Australia in December, and members from her team are currently scouting for suitable locations.
No expense is being spared to woo the world’s most influential woman to the Far North during her visit as the episodes will reach a global audience of millions of people in 145 countries.
It is hoped the episodes will showcase Australia in a new and exciting way and encourage international tourism. All international tourists to Australia, unless they have an Australian or New Zealand passport, must have an Australian Travel Visa. The most popular of these is the ETA Visa, as it can be applied for online and is almost instantly approved. Once approved the ETA is electronically attached to your passport number, removing the need to send away passports.
Some of the extravagant holiday offers includes the free use of a $10,000-a-day luxury yacht to sail the Great Barrier Reef and free stays in a $4000-a-night tropical holiday home, it has been reported.
Premier Anna Bligh yesterday confirmed members from Winfrey's team recently visited Cairns and Port Douglas to scout for locations and were impressed by the region.
Oprah will bring TV audience of 300 people and 150 crew members with her on an eight-day tour of Australia.
At least one of Winfrey's Down Under shows is expected to be broadcast from Cairns to showcase the Reef, while another will be broadcast from the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people lodge their Australian Visa application with the Australian High Commission.
