Australia-Canada mateship boosts votes for New7Wonders of Nature finalists on Canada Day

1 July 2011, Australia

The Bay of Fundy has made the final shortlist to be named a New7Wonder of Nature

Tourism Australia is urging Aussies to return the favour to its partner in the New7Wonders of Nature global campaign, Canada’s Bay of Fundy, by voting for it in the final phase of the campaign this Canada Day, 1 July 2011.

The show of mateship between the two countries follows previous efforts by Bay of Fundy Tourism to encourage Canadians to vote for the two Australian finalists in the global campaign, Uluru and The Great Barrier Reef, on Australia Day.

The Bay of Fundy is Canada’s only competing finalist and is proving a strong contender for the New7Wonders of Nature campaign.

Speaking about the partnership, Tourism Australia Managing Director, Andrew McEvoy said, “Earlier this year, our Canadian friends showed tremendous support towards Uluru and The Great Barrier Reef in the New7Wonders of Nature campaign on Australia Day”.

“Now we are repaying them by asking all Australians to vote for Canada’s Bay of Fundy on their national day,” he said.

“I urge all Australians and Canadians to continue working together during the final stage of the campaign, ensuring both countries secure all three of our nominated sites on the final New7Wonders of Nature list.”

Terri McCulloch, Executive Director, Bay of Fundy Tourism said, “We were thrilled by the outpouring of support from Canadians towards both Australian finalists during our co-promotion around Australia Day”.

“Since the online voting system requires voters to select seven of the 28 finalists, it’s a fun way to encourage mutual support for finalists from both countries and to celebrate the natural wonders each one has to offer.”

During the New7Wonders of Nature campaign, the two nations have developed a strong reciprocal relationship, which has been demonstrated through a high level of mutual support from each country.

The Australian and Canadian finalist locations are also alike in many ways, including an unparalleled richness in biodiversity. The Great Barrier Reef has natural features including boundless coral reefs, invertebrates and many fish species; while Bay of Fundy contains sculptured coasts, marine mammals, as well as migratory and pelagic birds. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where Uluru is located, also has a similar geological history as the Fundy region – with rocks dating back almost 1,000 million years.

Through their websites and social media activities, Tourism Australia and Bay of Fundy Tourism will continue to buddy up until the conclusion of the campaign on 11 November 2011. To cast your vote for Uluru, The Great Barrier Reef and Bay or Bay of Fundy visit www.new7wonders.com.

Australian supporters can also text their vote for the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Bay of Fundy by sending an SMS with the words “GBR” or “Reef”,  “Uluru” or “Ayers Rock” or “Fundy” to 197 88 555*. (SMS cost $0.55 including GST).

*Be.interactive. SMS votes cost AUD$0.55 incl GST. Lines close 12:00pm AEST on 10/11/11.  Helpdesk: 1800 65 33 44.  Terms and conditions.

About New7Wonders of Nature
The New7Wonders of Nature campaign was initiated by the Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation. After various campaign phases, an original roster of 440 entries from 220 countries was narrowed by popular vote to 28 global finalists. The New7Wonders of Nature will be announced on 11 November 2011.