Tourism New Zealand has found a new way of promoting this country as a destination – hosting two episodes of US hit TV show The Bachelor.

The reality show, now in its 13th season on the ABC network, was filmed in parts of Northland and Queenstown as part of Tourism New Zealand’s International Media Programme

It’s the latest in a string of media productions that have been latched on to for tourism promotion in recent years, the most notable being movie trilogy Lord of the Rings.

The star of The Bachelor, Jason Mesnick, has given a glowing tribute to New Zealand, which he calls the most beautiful country he has ever seen.

“The people were so kind and generous and that is a huge part of the entire experience. But the beauty of Queenstown is unmatchable anywhere.”

Asked if he would recommend New Zealand, he says, “New Zealand is ‘the’ place that must be on your list.”

Plenty of viewers witnessed the beauty Mr Mesnick described – the first of the two episodes screened on February 16 in the US to an audience of 12.5 million people.

Visits to Tourism New Zealand’s US website more than doubled the day after the episode aired, jumping from 3458 to 7277.

And the second episode filmed in New Zealand, which screens tonight US time, could attract an even better rating than the first one, because it is also the season finale.

This new promotion comes at a time when the tourism industry, is struggling – short term visitor arrivals were down 4% in January from the same month last year.

The importance of the industry, which is estimated to employ about 10% of the total New Zealand workforce, is emphasised by Prime Minister John Key also being Tourism Minister.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton says money can’t buy the kind of exposure Mr Mesnick has given New Zealand.

“With a massive media industry, the US is a tough market to get our message across in – but the messages from Jason Mesnick have reached a huge audience in the US and beyond.

“The programme itself has helped create ‘a buzz’ around New Zealand as a destination profiling our stunning landscapes and the experiences many US travellers would be unaware they could have here.

“Tourism New Zealand is expecting some big challenges in the US this year due to the economic situation but we see it as an opportunity to come out in a stronger position than we went in. This kind of high-profile activity will help us achieve that.”

Tourism New Zealand will also launch a fresh take on its 100% Pure New Zealand advertising campaign in the US following the last episode of The Bachelor from March 9.