Tourism Australia has recognised Paul Hogan for his work in promoting Australia as a holiday destination with his iconic ‘Come Say G’Day’ ads, and the Crocodile Dundee movies.

Hogan has earned himself Tourism Australia’s first ‘Legend of Australia’ title in honour of his work for Aussie tourism. (He had already been recognised as a part of the ‘Friends of Australia’ program.)

Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said for many Australians Mr Hogan’s ‘Come Say G’Day’ campaign, as part of ‘The Wonders Down Under’ campaign platform, still stands out as one of Australia’s most memorable tourism promotions.

“Australians and people around the world will never forget the line ‘I’ll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you’ which helped to drive an extraordinary jump in visitor numbers to Australia in the late 1980s,” Harrison said.

“It was really that campaign that paved the way for the modern tourism industry in Australia.”

“The Crocodile Dundee movies that followed ‘The Wonders Down Under’ campaign also promoted Australian tourism. The Dundee character even shaped the American view of Australia and is still relevant today.”

“Hogan’s legacy should never be forgotten and we have moved to ensure that is the case by naming him the inaugural ‘Legend of Australia’.”

The minister for trade and tourism, Don Farrell, joined Harrison at Hogan’s Los Angeles home to present him with the honour and thank him for his work in promoting Australia to the world.