The Federal Minister for Tourism – Mr Martin Ferguson AM MP – inducted Victoria’s very own Great Ocean Road – into Tourism Australia and Parks Australia’s “National Landscapes” program in front of 30 industry guests on Friday August 1, 2008 in Torquay. Friday’s announcement saw both the Great Ocean Road and Australia’s Coastal Wilderness to be selected as official National Landscapes – to become part of the Tourism Australia initiative – that will see these destinations marketed to the world. The National Landscapes program is a partnership between the conservation and tourism management sectors – which aims to capture and promote the best of Australia - to achieve conservation, social and economic outcomes for the country and its regions. “It is an exciting coup for the Great Ocean Road to be selected for Tourism Australia’s National Landscapes program” said Rhonda Rust, Chair of Great Ocean Road Marketing. “To be selected as one of only eight destinations within Australia is a compliment to the natural assets in the region and the wealth of product being offered by our operators along the entire stretch of the Great Ocean Road” Rhonda said. Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP told tourism industry partners and guests at Friday’s landmark announcement in Torquay, that the program will promote the Great Ocean Road and other key Australian landscapes as major drawcards for international visitors because of their natural and cultural values. Stretching across some of the most beautiful countryside imaginable, the Great Ocean Road is home to some of Victoria’s favourite coastal resort towns – offering a dramatic contrast to the well-known images overseas of the Australian Outback.  The Great Ocean Road will be marketed internationally alongside other “National Landscape” icons which are: Australia’s Coastal Wilderness, The Australian Alps, Flinders Ranges, Australia’s Green Cauldron, Kakadu, The Red Centre and the Greater Blue Mountains.The National Landscapes program highlights the visitor experiences offered by Australia’s distinctive natural and cultural environments and is aimed at attracting 'experience seekers' - who are travellers of all ages who share a passion for experiencing new adventures and destinations which enable them to engage with a local culture.