The 'MILBOURNE-matters'

Ben's long weekend....

'Ben's long weekend' is a social media campaign launched by Tourism Industry Council Tasmania to promote tourism accreditation while encouraging Tasmanians to get out and explore their State. Apart from spending a long weekend in Tassie accompanied by Tasmania's Tourism Accreditation Ambassador Ben Milbourne, the winners also get an exclusive chance to enjoy private dinner prepared by Ben. 'Ben's Long Weekend' aims to raise Tasmanian's awareness of the accreditation tick logo, to 'Trust the Tick' and look for accredited operators when booking their next break within the State.

Ben's Weekend in NW Tassie applauded..

The Minister for Tourism, Mr Bacon today congratulated the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania on its latest innovative marketing product "Ben's Long Weekend".

"The Tourism Info Monitor shows that around 80 per cent of people who visited Tasmania recommended us to others – that's 4 out of every 5 visitors!
"This is the power of word of mouth!
"I applaud the council for its innovative social-media competition utilising the talent of local MasterChef and Tasmanian Tourism Accreditation Ambassador, Ben Milbourne," he said.
Mr Bacon said that it is also important to raise awareness among Tasmanians of the Accreditation "Tick" recognising quality assurance in tourism while showcasing the wonderful experiences to be enjoyed in this State.
"I encourage everyone to enter the competition," he said.

(Source: tourismtasmania.com.au July 26, 2013)

The very first 'Ben's long weekend' took place in September, 2013. & the winners were treated to something like these>>

* three nights luxury accomodation, at The Madsen Boutique Hotel and The Winged House.
* a three course dinner at one of the North-West's top restaurants - Pier01.
* a guided tour of the Cradle To Coast Tasting Trail with Murrays Day Out Tasmania and Ben Milbourne.
* farm tours, tastings and take home produce from some fantastic Tasting Trail producers - including House Of Anvers, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe, Ashgrove Cheese, 41 Degrees South, Ghost Rock Vineyard & Cellar Door and Hellyers Road Distillery.
* a gourmet dinner, personally prepared and hosted by MasterChef finalist and Tasmanian Tourism Accreditation Ambassador Ben Milbourne!

Here are few snaps from the first ever 'Ben's long weekend':

The 2nd Ben's long weekend happened on the occassion of Australia Day 2014. This time the winners got a chance to enjoy all these>>
* A private dinner, personally prepared by Ben, using the best local produce from Tasmania's spectacular East Coast;
* 3 nights accommodation at the award winning Sheoaks Bed & Breakfast and Bed in the Treetops B & B - comfort, style and stunning views in Freycinet and the Bay of Fires;
* the amazing Wineglass Bay Cruise;
* a three course dinner at the Bay Restaurant, Freycinet Lodge;
* Four day's car rental with Avis Australia;
* and time to explore behind the scenery!

Snaps from that weekend are given below: