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Press Release
8 October 2008
Tasmania - The International Island for Adventure
In just four short years the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge has grown to become a flagship international event for Tasmania.
Formula One driver and Challenge creator Mark Webber yesterday made a brief Melbourne stopover in between Grand Prix events to promote his Tasmanian charity adventure race.
The Minister for Tourism, Michelle O’Byrne, said Mark Webber’s international profile and passion for Tasmania have combined to deliver outstanding benefits to tourism in our State.
“The annual Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge has become an internationally recognised, premium adventure race that has significantly boosted Tasmania’s profile as one of the world’s most spectacular adventure-tourism destinations,” Ms O’Byrne said.
In 2007, the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge delivered over $6.5 million worth of worldwide media focus on Tasmania.
“For the 2008 event, the annual media coverage is being estimated at over $8 million.”
“This includes television, magazine and press, radio and online coverage not only across Australia, but in Tasmania’s key international markets including the United Kingdom and greater Europe, New Zealand, the USA and Asia.”
“The Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge aligns very strongly with the marketing strategies of Tourism Tasmania and reinforces campaigns to promote the State as an adventure destination.”
The 2008 Challenge sees the introduction of an Entourage Tour, which will provide a unique opportunity for supporters to be treated to some amazing Tasmanian experiences, food and wine and hospitality whilst closely following Mark Webber and other celebrity competitors, corporate teams and extreme athletes.
“This will extend the direct experience of the Challenge beyond the competitors, and enable us to attract a wider audience to experience Tasmania’s unique wilderness and adventure locations.”
“It’s just another way of consolidating Tasmania’s reputation as the island for adventure.”
The Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge also demonstrates a strong commitment to the community, raising vital funds for Tasmanian and Australian charities and supporting local Tasmanian business.
“Since its inception the Challenge has raised over $1 million in funds for Mark Webber’s partnered charities, which in 2008 are the Leukaemia Foundation and the Save the Tasmanian Devil appeal.”
“The Challenge’s community focus also extends to purchasing much of the event’s equipment and resources from local businesses, sourcing a team of Tasmanian volunteers to assist with event coordination and logistics, and engaging Tasmanians from a range of professions as support crew.”
“It’s the perfect promotion to the world of a clever, kind and connected Tasmanian event,” said Ms O’Byrne.
In 2008, the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge will be held in locations across Tasmania from Wednesday 19 November until Sunday 23 November.
More information on the Challenge and its fundraising activities can be found at http://www.markwebberchallenge.com/
Further information: Matthew Sullivan 0407 816 462