Oprah Winfrey’s decision to present a series of special shows in Australia could boost the country’s international appeal, claims tourism minister Martin Ferguson.
“The tourism industry at the moment is very challenged by the strength of the Australian dollar. People must appreciate that tourism is a major employer of Australians, just under one million directly and indirectly,” said the minister.
He added: “In that context, the Oprah Winfrey Show is very important.”
It is the first time that the show will film outside of the US and a number of local produts and services are already keen to feature in the forthcoming Australian shows.
As part of the final season of the Oprah Winfrey Show, 300 viewers are taking flights to Australia to take part in the filming of the down-under episodes in December this year.
Written by Alex Cochrane.