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Isaac Iselin
From Left: Michelle Gysberts, VP, Tourism Australia, Lisa Gill, senior editor, Condé Nast Traveler, Terri Irwin, Geoff Buckley, managing director, Tourism Australia |
Condé Nast Traveler opened up the outback last Thursday with a party for Australia tourism.
A series of booths greeted us--each with a different Australian enticement: Tasmania, South Australia, and countless other vacation opportunities. The entire staff of Australia.com, which hosted the event, insisted on referring to tourism as an "experience.”
"Enough about experiences, it's a vacation," said a girl from Fox Business.
So, now that we're on topic, what's so interesting about Australia anyway?
Before we had a chance to find out, Traveler staff marshaled us down under—into the bowls of Condé Nast...for a seminar. We temporarily lost all thought of Australia, rapt about this new trip into deep-Nast....
Touching down in a small amphitheatre, guests prodded their way into S.I. Newhouse sized seats as a series of biz execs, photogs, and culture ministers extolled the outback. There were some moving photographs on the screen, but much of it was a sleepy, longwinded talk. There's no need to leave New York if you're in search of good rhetoric—that’s for certain. (We can't promise kangaroos, sure but we can sure as hell pitch them!)
The pace quickened as Terri Irwin regaled us with wild stories of her late husband’s wildlife exploration—and plenty of family stories besides. She has a smooth, imitate way of speaking which got us interested. It was nice to see her.
Speeches done, pitches given, we headed for the door, having failed at a raffle. The prize: 12 days down under of course! |
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Dr Richard Wally playing the Didgeridoo |
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Terri Irwin speaking to guests |
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