Nearly half a million Chinese residents have watched a video live streamed from a Mandurah boat, promoting the region as a seafood tourism destination.
China media organisation People’s Daily, the most influential newspaper in the country, filmed a one-hour show from a Mandurah Cruises boat on November 26.
The live video was watched by 201,000 people and has now been viewed 470,000 times – and still growing.
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Mandurah Cruises spokeswoman Myrianthe Riddy said this was a first for the state.
“We believe it further supports the interest from China in Mandurah as a seafood destination,” she said.
“Chinese waters have suffered from overfishing and pollution.
“Seeing lobsters fished fresh and sustainably from pristine oceans, and prepared in front of the camera had great engagement with viewers.”
This crustacean is an extremely desirable delicacy for Chinese tourists, with lobster retailing in Shanghai restaurants for about $500.
- Mandurah Cruises spokeswoman Myrianthe Riddy
Ms Riddy said visitors enjoyed tasting the seafood delicacies, particularly the crayfish.
“This crustacean is an extremely desirable delicacy for Chinese tourists, with lobster retailing in Shanghai restaurants for about $500,” she said.
Ms Riddy said the tour was condensed into one hour, to keep Chinese viewers engaged.
“This meant a lot of behind the scenes preparation work for filming such as pulling fewer pots than normal and preparing food in advance,” she said.
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said hosting international media strengthened industry relationships and increased destination awareness.
“Food and wine tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry worldwide, with almost 400,000 food and beverage travellers visiting our state each year,” he said.
"The Mandurah seafood experiences taps into this lucrative market, promoting our state's fresh, safe, high-quality produce which can be experienced in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.”
Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation chief executive officer Karen Priest said the biggest increase in local overnight stays by international visitors in 2017/18, came from the Asian market.
“I’m confident these numbers will continue to rise with quality tourism experiences and bold marketing moves like this,” she said.
Click here to see the video.