Planet Oz Launches at Science World Marking the Start Of G'Day Vancouver: Australia Week

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- "Planet Oz -- Walk on Australia's Wild Side" launches today at Vancouver's Science World. The exhibition provides an insight into the wildlife and diverse eco-systems of Australia and will be open to the public for three months from April through June.

The opening of the exhibition marks the beginning of a four day program of events called "G'Day Vancouver: Australia Week" celebrating all things Australian from food and wine to nature, film, culture and entertainment.

G'Day Vancouver is a Tourism Australia initiative designed to build awareness of and demand for Australian experiences, G'Day Vancouver: Australia Week 2008 is the largest single-destination promotion of its kind in Canada.

Michelle Gysberts, Vice President, Americas, Tourism Australia said that it is heartwarming to see how much support the exhibition and all the G'Day Vancouver events have gotten from Canadian partners and public so far.

"There is an intrinsic connection between the Australian and the Canadian people and we are grateful to have formed such a beneficial partnership with Science World to bring a little piece of Australia to Vancouver.

"The 'Australia Week' model is a powerful branding tool for Australia, only made stronger by Government and Private enterprise working together," said Ms Gysberts.

"Science World is thrilled to host such a unique exhibition and give visitors something truly unusual. Planet Oz: Walk on Australia's Wild Side promises to be a memorable experience for all guests to TELUS World of Science," says Bryan Tisdall, President & CEO Science World.

State tourism partners involved in the campaign include Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.

Around 125,000 people are expected to view the Planet Oz exhibition over the three months.

Also at Science World on Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th of April to tie in with the Planet Oz exhibition, "Aussie Expo" will give visitors the opportunity to talk to Australian travel experts and plan their next vacation to Australia. Travel Seminars will be held on Tasmania, South Australia, Melbourne, Sydney, Queensland and on Australian journeys by Qantas Airways and Goway Travel throughout the day.

Other events under the G'Day Vancouver umbrella include the Surf's Up! Sydney Foam Party celebrating Sydney's gay and lesbian communities, Australia.com, OzFlix Australian Film Weekend, Macquarie Penfolds Wild Tasmania Gala and on Saturday evening, locals will be able to sample wines from around Australia at The Art of Wine at the Buschlen Mowatt Galleries.

-- Each year more than 115,000 Canadians vacation in Australia. With 35
per cent of visitors coming from British Columbia and desire to
experience Australia first-hand growing to record levels, there's no
better time for G'Day Vancouver: Australia Week 2008.
-- G'Day Vancouver is organised by Tourism Australia, Qantas Airways, The
Australian Trade Commission and Australia's Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade. G'Day Vancouver follows on from successes at G'Day
USA and last year's G'Day Toronto. For more information, visit
http://www.australiaweek.ca/

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Tourism Australia

CONTACT: Rebel Neary of Tourism Australia, +1-647-204-5291

Web site: http://www.australiaweek.ca/

2008-04-03 19:35:05 0328082 PRNEWSWIRE