Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth helped Tourism Australia launch its G'Day USA campaign, with a VIP private event on January 23rd.
Guests at the corporate event were invited to travel with Mr Hemsworth around Australia, with a virtual tour of the country that showcased its stunning food and wine and coastal experiences. This acted as a sample of the senses, sounds and smells of Australia.
The Thor actor also lent his support to the tourist body last year, when he supported its efforts to encourage tourists to visit Australia's aquatic and coastal regions.
That campaign was a success, helping to foster record-breaking visitor arrivals and spending in these areas. Arrivals out of the US have crossed the 700,000 mark, reaching 705,000 in the last 12 months - an increase of 18.3 per cent.
Guests at this year's event included Australian celebrities such as actors Naomi Watts, Callan McAuliffe, Dan Churchill, Brenton Thwaites, Matt Wright, Luke Mitchell and Rebecca Breeds.
They were joined by the minister for trade, tourism and investment Steven Ciobo, as well as representatives from the media and travel advisors from luxury travel networks. Actor Rachel Griffiths hosted the event and joined Hemsworth on stage to talk about his first 12 months as global ambassador for Tourism Australia.
"It's a great honour to play a role in promoting my country to the rest of the world," Mr Hemsworth remarked.
"My first year as an ambassador for Australia has been incredible, from experiencing the outback of Uluru and The Kimberley with my family, diving the Great Barrier Reef and exploring the islands and beaches of the Whitsundays."
He added that he is looking forward to another year of visiting various parts of Australia and sharing its natural beauty with the rest of the global community.
