Paul Hogan named the inaugural ‘Legend of Australia’

Media release

Australian tourism industry representatives have had the opportunity to build relationships with key travel agencies and tour operators from North America with Australia Marketplace returning to the US for the first time since 2019.

Tourism Australia has moved to recognise Paul Hogan for his outstanding work to promote Australia as a tourism destination through his famous ‘Come Say G’Day’ ads, and the Crocodile Dundee movies, which changed tourism in Australia forever.

In honour of his game changing work for tourism in Australia Paul Hogan has been named Tourism Australia’s first ‘Legend of Australia’. Mr Hogan had already been recognised as part of the ‘Friends of Australia’ program.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said for many Australians Mr Hogan’s ‘Come Say G’Day’ campaign, as part of ‘The Wonders Down Under’ campaign platform, still stands out as one of Australia’s most memorable tourism promotions.

“Australians and people around the world will never forget the line ‘I’ll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you’ which helped to drive an extraordinary jump in visitor numbers to Australia in the late 1980s,” Ms Harrison said.

“It was really that campaign that paved the way for the modern tourism industry in Australia.”

“The Crocodile Dundee movies, that followed ‘The Wonders Down Under’ campaign, also promoted Australian tourism. The Dundee character even shaped the American view of Australia and is still relevant today.”

“Hogan’s legacy should never be forgotten and we have moved to ensure that is the case by naming him the inaugural ‘Legend of Australia’.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell joined Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison at Mr Hogan’s Los Angeles home to personally present him with the honour and personally thank him for his work to promote Australia to the world.