Chefs to Showcase Queensland to the World

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Queensland ambassador Ben O’Donoghue

Three of Queensland’s leading chefs will serve up the state’s most spectacular food and wine experiences to a global audience as part of Tourism Australia’s new ‘Restaurant Australia’ campaign.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Jann Stuckey said Ben O’Donoghue – celebrity chef, television presenter, author and restaurant owner, would join chef and owner of Cairns Ochre Restaurant, Craig Squire, as well as the Director of Noosa, Kawana, Brisbane and North Queensland Farmers Markets, Shane Stanley, for Restaurant Australia as Queensland’s ambassadors.

“It is an honour to have Ben, Craig and Shane fly the ‘foodie flag’ for Queensland, promoting our unrivalled fresh produce to the world and enticing potential international travellers to our great state,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Queensland boasts some of the world’s best produce and dining destinations, from fine-dining in the state’s cultural capital to traditional Indigenous bush tucker in Queensland’s Outback and open-air restaurants by the sea.”

Minister Stuckey said the Ambassadors would represent Queensland at a series of local, state, national and worldwide events as well as hosting international food and wine advocates on tours to Queensland.

‘Restaurant Australia’ is a Tourism Australia global campaign promoting the quality food and wine experiences the country has to offer and involves all eight state and territory tourism organisations.

Research conducted by Tourism Australia showed that great food, wine and local cuisine was now a major factor in holiday decision making. The challenge is that this research shows that of people who have never visited Australia, only 26 per cent associate our country with good food and wine offering.

Chef Ben O’Donoghue said it was a great honour to represent Queensland’s food and wine industries.

“We have such a dynamic selection of produce available throughout the state and I invite people around the world to taste what is available right here in Queensland,” he said.

Cairns chef Craig Squire said he was also thrilled to be a part of ‘Restaurant Australia’ and looking forward to encouraging more people to indulge in the impeccable food and wine experiences Queensland has to offer.

Queensland ambassador Shane Stanley said what set Queensland apart is its vast selection of fresh produce.

“I look forward to working with TEQ and Tourism Australia to shine a spotlight on the state’s food and wine tourism experiences,” Mr Stanley said.

For more information visit www.australia.com/restaurantaustralia