Tourism Australia splashed more than half a million dollars on social media influencers in 2018-19, including a top Indian cricketer.
Tourism Australia splashed more than half a million dollars on social media influencers in 2018-19, alongside other government enterprises such as Australia Post.Tourism Australia paid more than half a million dollars to social media influencers in 2018-19
The largest single amount was paid to Chinese pop star Hins Cheung, who has been embroiled in controversy about Hong Kong protestsBut the organisation turned its back on social media stars from Australia's biggest source of tourists, China. Instead, it gave $112,500 in taxpayer funding — the highest amount for any individual — to a Hong Kong singer who has beenHins Cheung was born in mainland China but expressed sympathy for pro-democracy protestors of the so-called umbrella movement in Hong Kong in 2014. He has subsequently denied he supports Hong Kong independence.
Tourism Australia said all influencers were approved by two managers under an internal framework, but would not confirm whether the risk of upsetting mainland Chinese was considered in its risk assessment. "He was engaged on the basis that he is a popular Hong Kong singer and TV personality with a strong social media profile and would resonate with the target market of the campaign which was young, fashion-conscious Hong Kong travellers," a spokesman said, noting no complaints about Cheung had been received.
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