Chris Hemsworth appears in new Emirates Dubai Expo 2020 ad promoting ‘world’s greatest show’
Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth has taken a step back from spruiking our shores, and instead encouraging the world to visit another country.
With much fanfare and some delay, Chris Hemsworth has appeared as the face of a new ad campaign for Emirates Airlines and Dubai’s Expo 2020.
The star of Tourism Australia and the Marvel superhero movies appears to have ditched regular brand ambassadorial duties to promote travel overseas.
However, Emirates – the official airline partner for the world fair in Dubai – was quick to clarify that the promotional video had been filmed through a partnership in 2019 before the pandemic.
The 90-second video advert, directed by two-time Oscar winning director Robert Stromberg and fronted by the Thor actor is set in the Dubai Expo grounds, Burj Khalifa skyline and Jumeirah Beach Park.
The Emirate’s attractions are recreated with liberal use of CGI animation and set to the soundtrack of the 1971 musical, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic and the downturn of international travel, Hemsworth has been the face of Australian domestic tourism campaigns including Tourism Australia’s “Holiday at Home”.
So it is a volte-face for the God of Thunder to suddenly appear in adverts for overseas travel. Particularly, while there is a ban on Australian citizens flying internationally without prior exemption.
“In 2019, I partnered with Emirates and Expo 2020 Dubai to help bring awareness to what is a really important event for the world,” Hemsworth said in an Emirates press release.
“At Expo 2020 Dubai, the world will come together in the spirit of collaboration to provide real-life solutions that will benefit future generations. If you’re able to travel and you feel it’s safe, I sincerely hope you can make it.”
Last month The Sydney Morning Herald reported the Aussie actor had declined an offer to promote a national ad campaign for the Covid-19 vaccine.
Dubai Expo 2020
The Dubai Expo will open its doors to visitors on October 1 after a year-long delay.
The world village has expositions from 191 participating countries, including New Zealand and Australia.
The Australian Pavilion immerses visitors in the story of Australia’s diversity, taking them on a journey of Australia’s ingenuity and innovation through thousands of years – linking ancient Indigenous know-how to modern day discovery and invention.
In the Australia pavilion, the top floor hosts a strategic program of events and discussions aimed at strengthening networks, exploring trade and investment opportunities while there will also be live sporting events taking place, with cricket tournaments on an adjacent field.
The three-storey pavilion, which is 21-metres high, has an open forecourt and gathering space with a live-performance stage, where Australian-inspired food and beverages will be served.
In an interview with The National,Australian Commissioner General for Expo 2020 Dubai, Justin McGowan, said the delays caused by Covid-19 meant the Expo had taken on extra meaning, as countries looked to bounce back from the impact of the pandemic.
“This is the most anticipated expo of all time and the reasons for us to participate are all the more relevant given the impact we have all faced from the pandemic,” he said.
“There is a need for mutual social and economic recovery and to be able to do that we all need to work together.
“There’s going to be everything from cricket tournaments, touch football matches, as well as yoga and cross-fit sessions.”
Beyond a temporary village for geopolitics and diplomacy, Dubai hopes the World Fair will become an attraction for travellers passing through the hub.
While restrictions remain on who can fly into and out of the United Arab Emirates, Reuters reported Dubai hopes 25 million visitors will pass through the Expo between October and March 2022.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE’s Minister of State, called the delayed Expo “one of the greatest must-see events in the world”.
There will be a rolling program of international exhibitions and performances from around the world, with a special line-up featuring Six60.
“In addition to impressive marquee pavilions that immerse visitors in the themes of mobility, sustainability and opportunity, and 191 amazing country pavilions, there will also be an unforgettable celebration of music, art and culture,” she said.
More Coverage
As the official airline partner for the event, Emirates says passengers will be given complimentary access to the world village.
Travellers with a valid Emirates booking passing through Dubai from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 will be eligible to receive a free day pass.
Aldi makes bombshell announcement
The popular German retailer has just made an unexpected announcement that will leave Aussies both baffled and excited.
The world is watching this Sydney suburb
Sydney may be known as being part of the ‘nanny state’, but one corner of the city has been recognised as one of the coolest in the world.
Aussies fleeing city for small boom town
When it comes to choosing a spot for a long weekend, normally it’s a coin flip for country or coast. But this slice offers both in spades.