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AI Sends Tourists on Tassie Goose Chase
ABC News
SKIPPED
Details
- Date Published
- 21 Jan 2026
- Priority Score
- 2
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 21 Jan 2026, 08:45 am
Authors (2)
Description
Have you ever wanted to visit Tasmania's hot springs?
Summary
The article examines a peculiar incident where tourists were misled by online information generated by an AI into visiting nonexistent hot springs in Tasmania. This case highlights the growing challenge of ensuring AI-generated content's accuracy and the potential for misinformation, which can have real-world impacts on communities. While the article does not directly address catastrophic AI risks, it underscores the importance of governance frameworks to prevent AI from misleading the public. The discussions with local stakeholders reflect concerns over the unchecked spread of incorrect AI-generated data, contributing to broader debates on AI policy and the need for regulation.
Body
Have you ever wanted to visit Tasmania's hot springs?According to one tourism website, they are a well-kept secret, but that might be because they have been dreamt up by artificial intelligence.At least one small Tasmanian town has seen an influx of unsuspecting visitors, in search of what really is an "unreal" tourism experience. More InformationFeatured: Kristy Probert, Weldborough Hotel Adjunct Professor Anne Hardy, Southern Cross University, and Destination Southern TasmaniaCreditsSamantha Donovan, PresenterAlexandra Humphries, ReporterImage DetailsAn advertisement on a website for a hot springs at Weldborough that doesn't exist.(Supplied: Tasmanian Tours)Program:More from PM Appears In Nats senators quit opposition frontbenchDuration: 25 minutes 43 seconds25m 6 itemsIn this episode1 of 6Three Nationals resign from frontbench Duration: 4 minutes 12 seconds4m 12s2 of 6Trump ratchets up Greenland tension Duration: 4 minutes 21 seconds4m 21s3 of 6Cultural burning gains insurer supportDuration: 3 minutes 4 seconds3m 4s4 of 6Paid FDV leave uptake 'very low'Duration: 3 minutes 43 seconds3m 43s5 of 6Beckham feud over family nameDuration: 4 minutes 16 seconds4m 16s6 of 6PlayingAI sends tourists on Tassie goose chaseDuration: 4 minutes 5 seconds4m 5s