Australian ironman in campaign to attract Japanese tourists

World champion ironman Shannon Eckstein flew to Tokyo on Tuesday to spearhead a promotion for Australian tourism.

The Aussie Oji campaign includes an online competition and will target world heritage, beach lifestyle, marathons, spas and natural cosmetics, Aboriginal culture and the outback, food and wine, wildlife, and self-drive holidays.

Young women will be able to use an online navigator to research and plan their ideal Australian Special Interest Tour (SIT) experience, then book their adventure.

Tourism Australia will be offering one prize of a tailor-made trip to Australia worth 1 million Yen (11,012 U.S. dollars).

The winner can opt to stay in a luxury hotel, fly in a small plane over one of Australia's World Heritage sites, spend a month cruising around the Great Barrier Reef, or take a trip around Australia.

Eckstein said the campaign launch will be held on a big stage in one of the busiest intersections in Tokyo.

"I'll be pushing the message that our beaches are not just for Japanese guests to come down and take a photo on. It's about them coming down and having a lifestyle experience," he said.

"It could be hiring a bucket and spade, or having a guided beach walk or even surfing lessons."

Source: Xinhua