The COVID pandemic has been tough on all industries, but none more so than Australian tourism.
Border closures, mandatory hotel quarantine and inflated flight prices have meant it is nigh impossible to get into the country – unless, of course, you’re an A-list celebrity.
And while the harshness of these measures has helped Australia keep COVID cases relatively under control (up until about two months ago at least), they have also provided rich fodder for Australian comedian Sam Tucker (known online as SAMTIME), who has come up with a fake tourism ad.
Tucker’s new video, titled ‘Australian Tourism Ad in 2021’, pokes fun at all the protocols that have been put in place.
With a handful of references to The Shawshank Redemption and throwaway lines like “three square meals a day”, it’s pretty clear the comedian is likening living in Australia to life in prison.
“After two weeks of good behaviour, you’ll be allowed outside to explore the wonderous nature you’ll find – within five kilometres of your house,” Tucker says, in a nod to the hotel quarantine system and current travel restrictions in NSW.
“Inmates, of course, should stay to their assigned cells. However, conjugal visits are allowed, provided you register your sexual partner with the love police,” he says, with a screenshot of a news article about Sydney’s ‘singles bubble’ on the screen.
There’s further references to the fines for infringing restrictions, curfews, mask mandates and even the economy (“Australia’s economy currently runs on an Epson”).
