Australian actor Chris Hemsworth can lure his fans anywhere. So don’t be surprised if the world shows up on his doorstep now that the star has officially invited every person on the planet to visit his homeland. I, for one, am already packed.
The Melbourne-born leading man from Thor, The Avengers and the upcoming films Ghostbusters and Huntsman Winter’s War has just been named the global ambassador for Tourism Australia, so he’s lent his support and alluring voice to the newest campaign, which highlights Oz’s stunning aquatic and coastal experiences. “It’s different down here,” Hemsworth says in the panoramic three-minute film. “The air just has more life in it. Sounds touch you and the light fills you up somehow. It’s a place that stays with you. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, it stays forever.”
This week on Australia Day, Hemsworth was on hand for the big New York premiere of Tourism Australia’s new “There’s Nothing like Australia” campaign. In attendance were Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs the Honorable Julie Bishop, Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan, Tourism Australia Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Ronson, and Australian chef Curtis Stone who hosted the event. Guests enjoyed an Australian menu by Luke Mangan and were treated to virtual-reality displays and aquatic-themed images projected onto the ice rink at Bryant Park’s Winter Village.
The campaign features distinct experiences representing every Australian state and territory such as helicopter rides over the 12 Apostles, swimming in Sydney Harbor, snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, kayaking through Katherine Gorge, driving on the beach and interacting with wildlife in South Australia, and walking the recently launched Three Capes Track in Tasmania.
“While Australia is known for its natural beauty, the world still doesn’t have a full appreciation of the breadth, depth and quality of our aquatic and coastal experiences,” said O’Sullivan. “They’ve always been an important part of our destination story but they’ve never before taken center stage.”
Hemsworth’s participation provides an authentic and influential voice to help tell the country’s story and demonstrate that Australia is a place you feel. “I have always been so proud to be Australian,” said Hemsworth. “It’s a pretty special feeling knowing that I will have a role in promoting my country to the world and encouraging more people to come down under and experience our amazing beaches and landscapes for themselves.”
