The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) said it had “discussions” with the creators of the unofficial “Taste Down South” tourism campaign about using the vision of a movie library.

Important points:

  • An unofficial tourism campaign for South Australia with a suggestive slogan was launched last month
  • The SA Tourism Commission has contacted the organizers
  • It is said they used videos without permission

The campaign, which purports to promote South Australian food, wine and tourism, sparked controversy last month over its high-risk slogan“Go south with your mouth,” taken by many as a double intention.

The SATC immediately distanced itself from the campaign, and a spokesman said at the time, “We are not.”

The campaign video shows aerial overflights of vineyards and coastlines, luscious wine pouring into glasses over an open fire, and a professional logo.

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Rodney Harrex, CEO of SATC, told ABC Radio Adelaide that the campaign’s creators had “accessed it” [the commission’s] Film library “.

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“We had talks with them,” said Harrex.

“We just don’t think this is the right way to promote South Australia [and it had] nothing to do with the South Australian Tourism Commission.

“We have focused on promoting this state and would like to thank the South Australians for their great assistance in leaving and supporting South Australia.”

When asked about the nature of these discussions, Mr Harrex simply said that the Commission had “contacted” [the creators]”.

The ABC is aware that no conditions regarding the use of SATC Vision have been violated.

Queensland based company

The Taste Down South website domain information indicates that it is registered with ICBM Pty Ltd on the Gold Coast.

The ICBM website says it is an online marketing agency.

The company’s directors are listed as Adam Blackburn and Blaze Tripp.

A still from Taste Down South’s tourism campaign. (

Try the south

)

On a podcast last year, Mr. Blackburn revealed that he and his friend Mr. Tripp had created the “CU in the NT” brand.

This campaign has been rated “obscene and offensive” by the Northern Territory tourism authorities and their products were banned from markets on public land by the City of Darwin in Mindil Beach and Nightcliff.

The ABC has asked Mr. Blackburn and Mr. Blaze to comment.

The Ellery Team BMW vehicles have been sponsored by Taste Down South since the Bathurst 6 Hours in early April. (

Facebook: Tristan Ellery

)

Mr. Blackburn is also affiliated with an e-commerce business called Constant Supply.

In addition to promoting merchandise and legitimate tourist attractions and events in South Australia, the latest Taste Down South social media posts have been about a recessed wine cooler.