Tourism boss backs Air NZ bikini video

Tourism boss backs Air NZ bikini video
By admin


Air New Zealand has unveiled its controversial new safety video featuring sun, sea and a bikini-clad supermodel.

Set in Cook Islands, the "Safety in Paradise" video stars four Sports Illustrated models sunning themselves in a beautiful beach location.

One of the world's first supermodels, Christie Brinkley, who makes a pool-side appearance from Los Angeles where she is shown admiring her shirtless pool boy, describes it as "the world's most beautiful safety video".

Cook Islands locals in traditional dress are shown paddling a canoe in tranquil waters past a bikini-clad model, and the video ends with the swimsuit models joining in a cultural dance.

The airline released a behind-the-scenes preview last week and was met with criticism from feminist commentator Deborah Russell, who said she objected to the "highly sexualised" video.

But Cook Islands Tourism Corporation's general manager Graeme West said he supported the video as it would give the tropical island international exposure.

He said the video had been filmed in a tasteful, good-humoured manner.

"It's not just about the international models, although they definitely add glamour.

"The spectacular scenic shots of Aitutaki are also show-stoppers."

As well as providing safety messages in an entertaining way, Air New Zealand hopes the video will encourage travel to the Cook Islands.

In 2013 alone, the airline carried almost 200,000 people to the island from Auckland, Sydney and Los Angeles.

The video coincides with Sports Illustrated's 50th anniversary, and will be rolled out across the airline's fleet from the end of February.

Air New Zealand has gained a reputation for its fun safety videos featuring international stars, with Bear Grylls, Richard Simmons and Betty White all making appearances in previous clips.

The airline also collaborated with Weta Workshop on a Hobbit-inspired video that has over 11 million YouTube views.

Watch the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQDip9V49U0

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]