Swimsuit Models Teach Airplane Safety on the Beach - Travel Destination Cook Islands The Cook Island tourism board has come out in support of Air New Zealand's controversial in-flight safety video featuring Sports Illustrated bikini models. The full version of the Safety in Paradise video was released by Air New Zealand today, after criticism over its "highly sexualised" content when behind-the-scenes footage was put out last week. Massey University lecturer and feminist commentator Deborah Russell said she objected to the use of "highly sexualised" images in a safety video. "My concern is that as a woman I get on a plane to go to a business meeting say - something serious - and I am confronted by women in bikinis in what are highly sexualised images," Russell said. "That jars. I want to be taken seriously but it seems that suddenly they are saying that my sexuality is all that matters about me." But Cook Islands Tourism Corporation general manager Graeme West said the video gave valuable exposure for the Cooks. "It's not just about the international models, although they definitely add glamour," West said. "The spectacular scenic shots of Aitutaki are also show stoppers. "Having Aitutaki - which is often described as 'heaven on earth' shown in all her beauty on Air New Zealand flights is fantastic." The video showed local men, women and children in a typically good-natured, good-humoured and tasteful Cook Islands manner, he said. Sport Illustrated models Chrissy Teigen, Ariel Meredith, Hannah Davis and Jessica Gomes all star in the video, and one of the original supermodels and three time Sports Illustrated cover girl Christie Brinkley, makes a cameo appearance. West said he hoped the video would remind people that Aitutaki, Rarotonga and the Cook Islands are a special and accessible South Pacific holiday destination for New Zealanders. Air NZ head of global brand development Jodi Williams said the behind-the-scenes video generated a lot of conversation around the world about the company's brand, and about the Cook Islands as a destination. "It's exciting for us to release the full video today and we hope it will encourage many viewers to consider a trip to the Cook Islands," she said. The video is the latest in a string of safety dramatisations to feature on the national carrier's aircraft and will be rolled out gradually on all routes from today, the 50th anniversary of the Florida-based magazine Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition. Sports Illustrated swimsuit editor MJ Day said the video was an "exciting component" of the magazine's anniversary celebrations. "Our partnership with Air New Zealand is brilliant in every way," Day said. "We were able to create a raucous safety video in the true spirit of SI Swimsuit and our Kiwi friends." Set in Cook Islands, the "Safety in Paradise" video stars four Sports Illustrated models sunning themselves in a beautiful beach location. One of the world's first supermodels, Christie Brinkley, who makes a pool-side appearance from Los Angeles where she is shown admiring her shirtless pool boy, describes it as "the world's most beautiful safety video". Cook Islands locals in traditional dress are shown paddling a canoe in tranquil waters past a bikini-clad model, and the video ends with the swimsuit models joining in a cultural dance. The airline released a behind-the-scenes preview last week and was met with criticism from feminist commentator Deborah Russell, who said she objected to the "highly sexualised" video. But Cook Islands Tourism Corporation's general manager Graeme West said he supported the video as it would give the tropical island international exposure. He said the video had been filmed in a tasteful, good-humoured manner. "It's not just about the international models, although they definitely add glamour. "forbes rich list" "London luxury shopping" billionaire millionaire Monaco "super rich" "private jet" yacht entertainment "luxs report" us usa America uk London "Donald trump" Dubai elite executive arab ceo forbes Europe vip money lil wayne travel "5 star hotel "super car" bugatti Lamborghini Ferrari Porsche private jet 2014 2015 monaco luxury "get rich" gambling investment Beverly Hills Malibu Miami "positive thinking" "super yacht" "mega yacht" "playboy mansion" "luxury lifestyle" mansion Sports illustrated swimsuit models cook island travel tourism video "The spectacular scenic shots of Aitutaki are also show-stoppers." As well as providing safety messages in an entertaining way, Air New Zealand hopes the video will encourage travel to the Cook Islands. In 2013 alone, the airline carried almost 200,000 people to the island from Auckland, Sydney and Los Angeles. The video coincides with Sports Illustrated's 50th anniversary, and will be rolled out across the airline's fleet from the end of February.

• published: 18 Feb 2014
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