Tourism boss backs Air NZ bikini video
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
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
air new zealand air nz airlines cook islands safety videoLatest News
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