Qld: American tourists targeted through reality TV

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Qld: American tourists targeted through reality TV

By Nikki Todd

BRISBANE, Feb 10 AAP - First there was Survivor Down Under, now there is The Real Worldin Australia.

Queensland tourist leaders are capitalising on America's love for reality TV and whatremains a vast untapped youth market by using the medium and its cast of stars.

The cast of MTV's hit show The Real World is currently touring eight colleges in theUS, espousing the virtues of a holiday to the Sunshine State.

The show, a mix between Big Brother and Sylvania Waters, is watched by 10 million viewersacross the US each week and broadcast to millions more around the world through the MTVnetwork.

The latest show, mainly set in Las Vegas, culminated in a vacation to Australia, courtesyof sponsor Contiki Holidays.

The cast visited Sydney, Brisbane, Adora Downs - a farmstay property west of Toowoomba- and Contiki's backpacker resort at Great Keppel Island.

The Australian episodes aired across the US in mid-January and are being followed bya cast tour of eight colleges in California, New York, Texas, Michigan and Massachusetts.

Tourism Queensland chief executive officer Stephen Gregg said today the American youthmarket remained largely untapped.

"Europe has long been the most popular overseas long-haul travel destination for Americancollege students and graduates," Mr Gregg said.

"They see Australia as adventurous and romantic - but often think it is too expensiveto get here.

"The aim of this promotion - with packages starting as low as US$2484 for two weeksincluding flights - is to show Australia is affordable for young American travellers.

"Queensland, with its fantastic beach, laid-back tropical lifestyle and adventure optionsis the perfect mix of travel experiences sought by this age group."

The Australian Tourist Commission has developed a complementary website at www.australia.com/contiki

AAP nt/sc/mg/br

KEYWORD: REALITY