“Dust off the good china”: Chris Hemsworth agrees to visit Cowra for a “chinwag” following video campaign

“Dust off the good china”: Chris Hemsworth agrees to visit Cowra for a “chinwag” following video campaign

Tourism Cowra’s delightful video campaign has managed to convince Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth to holiday in the rural town.

And, if that’s not proof that good tourism marketing can achieve great things, we don’t know what is.

The destination launched its tongue-in-cheek ‘Get Chris to Cowra’ campaign last week, which showcases the best of the Central West NSW region in a bid to get the Hollywood superstar and his family to holiday in the quintessential Aussie town.

In the video, tourism officials brainstorm ways to convince Hemsworth to pay them a visit, including building a 40-metre “Big Chris” statue featuring “a beard like spun canola”.

The Hollywood superstar responded to the campaign via an Instagram post and encouraged Australians to help support regional towns when it is safe to travel again.

“Big love to all the folks in Cowra for this amazing campaign, warmed my heart and made me smile! I’m off shooting a film overseas soon, but upon return next year I’m comin’ in hot!!” Hemsworth said.

“Like many regional towns around Australia, Cowra has suffered from a lack of tourism due to COVID-19 pandemic. So, when things open up, be sure to check out all the amazing places Australia has to offer!”

Cowra Tourism’s manager, Glenn Daley, told ABC News he was in “disbelief” that Hemsworth has accepted the invitation.

“I was actually out in the paddock doing some farm stuff, and the assistant manager called and said ‘we’ve got him’!” Daley said, adding that the actor’s promise to visit next year will give the town time to prepare.

“It’ll allow us to do more on the marketing campaign. Not only that, we need some time to dust off the good china and give the town a bit of a once-over to make sure it’s Chris-worthy,” he said.

As for the 40-metre tall statue of Hemsworth, Daley said he would have to “have a chat” with Hemsworth before the town goes ahead with building ‘The Big Chris’.

“Obviously now we can’t make it bald and fat because he is coming. We just need to make sure he’s comfortable with his likeness being used in Cowra.”

Travel Weekly has reached out to Daley for further comment.

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