'C U in the NT' tourism slogan causes social media stir - ABC News (Aus...

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http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-08/c-u-in-the-nt-tourism-slogan-ca...

105.7 ABC Darwin By Jacqueline Breen

Posted Mon 7 Nov 2016, 5:46pm

PHOTO: The mystery creators behind the 'C U in the NT' campaign say they want to market the Territory to younger travellers. (Supplied: Facebook.)

Could a swear word breathe new life into the Northern Territory
tourism industry?
It is an unconventional strategy but there are signs it is paying off for the
mystery creatives behind the "C U in the NT" logo.

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The controversial design surfaced online late last week and it has rippled
across social media and generated international coverage.
It is not affiliated with the government body Tourism NT, which, along with other industry groups, has been working to
reverse a decline in tourist numbers which have not improved since 2000.
Requests for interviews with the people behind the brazen slogan were met
with an automated message apologising that staff were "flat out like a lizard
drinking".

Social media users have had a range of reactions to the campaign.

Philip called it a "clever campaign" and said:

07-Nov-2016 23:15

'C U in the NT' tourism slogan causes social media stir - ABC News (Aus...

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http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-08/c-u-in-the-nt-tourism-slogan-ca...

Renee declared that "this page is an absolute f**king embarrassment".

Annalise asked "what Elders you consulted or granted you permission to
use Uluru, with this slogan plastered over it". The post that featured Uluru
has since been removed.
Eric said: "Grow up. Don't base your marketing on lady parts and shocking
words when you have a spectacular natural environment to share."
Others tagged friends in the photo posts and made suggestions about
travel plans.

You're now entering the true heart of our beautiful

country. A few hundred clicks southwest of Alice
Spring is Kata Tjuta, otherwise known as The Olgas
- a stunning rock formation comprising of 36 domes.
When your friends CU in NT, they'll be wishing they
were there with you!
#australia #northerterritory #topend #travelgoals
#outbackaustralia #cuinthent #theolgas #katatjuta
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In response to questions about its Uluru post, a campaign spokesperson said: "This campaign was born out of love for the
Northern Territory and its people. We have removed any images that may be deemed offensive out of respect."
But while other questions remain unanswered, a media release described their efforts as an "independent underground
campaign" by "a guerilla group of people" designed to market the Territory to younger travellers.
As well as posts on Facebook describing tourist attractions in the Territory, the group has a sophisticated website where it
sells merchandise.
T-shirts and singlets are on sale bearing a design that shares strong similarities with the official Tourism NT design.
The media release also contained a reassurance that merchandise orders would be fulfilled and delivered, perhaps for
anyone who harboured doubts about the group's professionalism or reliability.
Topics: travel-and-tourism, social-media, offbeat, human-interest, darwin-0800, alice-springs-0870

Contact Jacqueline Breen

07-Nov-2016 23:15