The first of Oprah’s Australian television specials aired in the US overnight as anxious tourism officials wait to see what impact the Queensland floods will have on arrivals.
The first episode sees Oprah travel to Hamilton Island and Uluru with a group of her 300-plus audience members. It will be screened in Australia tonight at 7.30pm EDST on Channel Ten.
Oprah will mention the devastating floods in Queensland, with the talk show queen’s website also featuring a link for people to donate to the relief effort. A Tourism Australia spokeswoman said the flood issue was dealt with “in an appropriate manner”.
Queensland tourism minister Peter Lawlor said the specials “couldn’t be airing at a better time” given the challenges facing the industry. He said Tourism Queensland and Tourism Australia had strategies in place to capitalise on the exposure. “Activities include consumer promotions and packages which will encourage Americans and other viewers around the world to come and see first-hand what Oprah and her audience experienced themselves,” Lawlor said.
Coverage will also appear on Oprah.com and Australia.com to promote Queensland holidays. The remaining three episodes will screen on Channel Ten on Thursday, Friday and Sunday evening.
