DRMumbai: For the first time in its 11-year history, MasterChef Australia contestants will travel to Queensland in a series of episodes set to air on Star World India. The episodes will feature the state’s local cuisine, restaurants and farm-to-table experiences in a week-long showcase that will tantalise the tastebuds of Indian fans.
Queensland’s Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland has a vibrant food culture. “MasterChef Australia will help to showcase the beauty of our state and great quality of our produce to thousands of viewers across the country,” Palaszczuk said.
The partnership, an initiative of the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, aims to leverage the popularity of the show in Indian markets to give viewers mouth-watering insights into Queensland’s world-class food offerings and experiences.
The launch of the program in India also coincides with Tourism and Events Queensland’s launch of a ‘Taste the State’ campaign that takes viewers on a culinary journey of Queensland’s food story with ex-MasterChef Australia finalist Matt Sinclair, who is popular amongst Indian viewers.
Matt Sinclair said he had loved travelling to India and had brought learnings from the Indian food culture back home with him. “When I travelled to India in 2018 I was inspired by the amazing flavours and cooking styles and I have incorporated some of this into my cooking,” Sinclair said. “Combined with Queensland’s fantastic local produce, this has created many beautiful dishes. “I am blessed to call Queensland home and honoured to represent this great state as an ambassador for the wide and varied food experiences on offer here. “I hope to welcome many Indian travellers here to enjoy it.”
Queensland’s Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said millions of people tune into MasterChef Australia around the world. “By hosting MasterChef Australia in Queensland, prospective tourists will have beautiful images of our state beamed into their living rooms,” Jones said. Tourism and Events Queensland Chief Executive Officer Leanne Coddington said food and beverage experiences are one of the top considerations when choosing a holiday destination.
“This partnership is about showing visitors how they can enjoy the very best of Queensland’s amazing produce,” Coddington said. Already a popular destination for Indian travellers, showcasing Queensland’s food experiences through MasterChef Australia aims to influence the way Indian travellers experience food on their holiday.
MasterChef Australia airs on Star World India, Monday to Friday at 9pm, with the series commencing on Monday 16 September.
Fans can view the ‘Taste the State’ series here: https://www.queensland.com/en-au/things-to-see-and-do/food-and-drink
