In a bid to tap the growing Indian overseastraveller market, Australian state of Queensland has roped in cricket legendMatt Hayden for a new tourism campaign.
According to official statement, Minister for Tourism JannStuckey said the 'Go Beyond' campaign would showcase Queensland’s rainforests,beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, which are all popular with Indian tourists.
Hayden, 41, one of Australia's best opening batsmen, will frontthe new campaign. He holds the record for the highest score made by anAustralian batsman in Tests (380).
"India is a growing market for Queensland with thenumber of Indian visitors to Queensland rising by 3 per cent to 31,000 in2012," Stuckey said.
"The campaign is a joint venture between Tourism and EventsQueensland and Singapore Airlines, and its partner Virgin Australia, withspecial flight packages to be offered between Indian ports and Brisbane.
"It is also designed to showcase how easy it is to 'go beyond'Australian international gateways to reach Queensland destinations such as theGold Coast, Whitsundays, Outback and Tropical North Queensland."
Stuckey said Hayden, who famously conquered India's spinnersduring a tour of the sub-continent in 2001, would have real star pulling powerwith the cricket-mad nation.
"Matt Hayden has a huge fan base in India and is passionateabout promoting Queensland as a world-class tourism and culinary destination soit's great to have him on board."
Hayden said he was delighted to be able to promote his favouritedestination - Queensland.
"As my home state, I have had theopportunity to travel the length and breadth of Queensland sampling the delightsof holiday destinations and the wonderful food we have that is unique toQueensland," Hayden said.