ED IS THINKING OUT LOUD ABOUT A TRIP TO REEF
THE tropical north’s tourism industry has thrown out the welcome mat to singing sensation Ed Sheeran who has expressed his desire to see the Great Barrier Reef.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland has invited the entertainer, who is touring Australia in November and December, to fly to the region and will arrange a VIP trip.
Sheeran told Sunrise host David Koch that he wanted to tick off his bucket list diving on the Reef but a ruptured ear drum prevented him from fulfilling the wish.
TTNQ chief executive Alex de Waal quickly swung into action and emailed a letter inviting Sheeran to the region to experience the Reef.
“We would love Ed Sheeran to be an ambassador for Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef and would happily pay for his flight and accommodation in return,” he said.
“In Tropical North Queensland there are more than 100 ways to see the Great Barrier Reef so there are plenty of options for people who can’t get their head wet,” he said.
“Helmet diving would be the obvious choice. If his doctor thinks this is not advisable we could fly him out to a secluded sand cay to snorkel with turtles.
“Stand-up paddle boarding is the latest craze and a really serene way of seeing a variety of colourful corals and fish and of course there are glass bottom boats.
“I hope Tropical North Queensland can help Ed fulfil his wish and in the process let people around Australia know that they too can enjoy the Great Barrier Reef without getting their hair wet.”
Mr de Waal said offers from operators were flooding in.
They include Passions of Paradise taking him snorkelling and in a glass bottom boat while Seawalker will take him underwater off Green Island with an underwater helmet to walk on the bottom of the sea floor.
“Quicksilver will host him on any of their vessels with options including snorkelling with a marine biologist, glass bottom boat or a semi-submersible,” Mr de Waal said.
“They will throw in a guitar so he can sing on the way home in the afternoon too.”
TTNQ took to Twitter as well:
“We heard on @sunriseon7 tht @edsheeran wants to dive the #GreatBarrierReef. We’d love to have you in #exploreTNQ.
“With over 100 ways to experience the #GreatBarrierReef in TNQ, Sea Walker at #GreenIsland could be fun @edsheeran?