'CU in the NT' not the world's worst tourism slogan

The Northern Territory's controversial promotional slogan isn't the only offender

The controversial guerilla tourism campaign from Australia's Northern Territory (ntofficial.com)

By now you’ve probably seen the “CU in the NT” tourism campaign for Australia’s Northern Territory. If not: yes, it’s real.

It is not, however, the work of the Northern Territory’s or Australia’s tourist board, but rather the “creative output” of independent group NT Official, which describes itself as “just some lovers of the top end, spreading love for our favourite territory!”

Or, perhaps more accurately, some people who thought up a funny slogan to sell T-shirts. Although a spokesman for the campaign has insisted: “‘CU in the NT’ is an independent underground campaign designed to bring attention to the unique Northern Territory as an ideal destination for the young or young at heart.” And sell some T-shirts.

Still, we sort of wish this was the work of Tourism NT, which has been at pains to make clear it is not affiliated with the controversial slogan. Then it could have joined The Independent’s “Questionable Tourism Slogan Hall of Fame”, which we proudly present to you below.

Fiji: “Fiji Me”

One should probably check what “to Fiji” means in the local parlance before entreating another to do so upon your person. Perhaps wisely, Tourism Fiji dropped this slogan in 2012, and replaced it with “Fiji: Where happiness finds you.” Nope, still not better.

Tourism Fiji's old slogan - not quite "CU in the NT", but close (Tourism Fiji)

Indonesia: “Admit It You Love It”

This one sounds a bit, shall we say, fruity. And not in a good way. Also suggests saying you love Indonesia is something one “admits”, like a mucky secret.

Colombia: “The Only Risk Is Wanting To Stay”

Note to countries plagued by civil war and the cocaine trade: when attempting to draw people here for their holidays, probably don’t make a big deal out of the risk. In fact, don’t mention the risk at all. And definitely don’t use the word “risk”.

Fargo, North Dakota: “Always Warm!”

Er, we’ve all seen the movie. It takes place in snow. Everyone looks freezing. Rumbled.

Jordan: “ExtraJORDANary”

Not an embarrassing relic of the past, but visible on billboards today, we particularly enjoy that Jordan’s tourist board thought their witty punnery perhaps a little subtle, and so rendered the name of their country in massive capitals lest we miss the point. Potentially took inspiration from another godawful pun-based slogan, “Incrediburgh.” Should have made that “IncrEDIBURGH” – only that would highlight that it doesn’t make sense.

Dubai: “Definitely Dubai”

In case you weren’t quite sure.

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