Original date posted; Tuesday, January 18, 2011 11:16 p.m.
All of Australia was positively giddy when Oprah Winfrey came to visit last month, lavishing praise and attention on the country's many tourist hot spots.
Now, Australia may be counting on Winfrey's Midas touch more than expected, as it deals with a natural disaster that's prompted some travelers to cancel trips to parts of the country.
On Tuesday, U.S. television audiences will see the first of four shows Winfrey taped Down Under during an eight-day trip that took place in December.
But the happy images will be in stark contrast to the scenes of utter devastation that have been dominating the airwaves as the northeastern Australian state of Queensland struggles with a deadly flood crisis.
Worried tourism officials, who have noted that some travelers are shying away from destinations not impacted by the flooding, have high hopes for the Oprah Winfrey exposure.
"The timing of the shows couldn't be better and will send a clear message that Australian tourism remains open for business," said Kristen Malaby, a spokeswoman for Tourism Australia, in an e-mail.
"Every part of Australia will benefit from this project."
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