‘Australia has everything … except you’: Heartwarming moment British grandparents find out they are the focus of emotional BA campaign to reunite expats

By Carol Driver for MailOnline

Published: 11:51 EST, 4 April 2014 | Updated: 15:18 EST, 4 April 2014

This is the moment two British grandparents find out they are the focus of a new global advertising campaign – which features their expat family in Australia.

Alec and Catherine Beattie were invited to a packed film screening by British Airways unaware it was a movie featuring their granddaughter who lives Down Under.

The emotional Visit Soon video, with the tag line ‘Australia has everything … except you’, shows the couple, from Surrey, as they are filmed reacting to the story of eight-year-old Esme Rowling, who lives in Bondi with her English parents.

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Shocked: Alec and Catherine Beattie are filmed watching the video of their granddaughter for the campaign

Expat spotlight: Esme tells the story of her life in Australia in the film - which focuses on her grandparents

Emotional: The film shows Esme drawing a picture for her grandparents - and they're reaction to watching it

The film details Esme’s life in Australia, the activities she enjoys doing, and how she misses her grandparents in England – and then jumps back to a cinema audience in the UK, where her grandparents are watching.

A surprised Alec and Catherine are the main focus of the two-minute movie, showing their reaction to finding out their granddaughter has the starring role.

The couple, from Surrey, who were invited by BA to attend a film event in London, are openly shocked, as they watch and listen as Esme tells her story about life in Australia.

Their granddaughter explains about what she enjoys doing – and the couple wipe away tears as they watch her draw a picture, writing the words, 'I miss grandma + granddad'.

Life in Bondi: The video shows Esme going about day-to-day life in Australia

City days: The video, which focuses on Esme, 8, is aimed at reuniting expats

Tear-jerker: Alec Beattie wipes away a tear as his wife smiles why they watch the video of their granddaughter

Released today, the Visit Soon marketing campaign is designed to reunite Brits living in Australia with friends and relatives back home.

The video is the second installment of the three-part feature about their family, which will now follow the grandparents’ trip to Australia to see their relatives – on complimentary tickets from the airline.

BA, which will be the only European carrier flying direct to Australia from May 2014, said it wanted to find a special way to reunite the one million expats living in Australia with people back in the UK.

Alec said: ‘I had absolutely no idea that my family in Sydney had been working with British Airways on this special event. We are overwhelmed and excited at the prospect of visiting Australia to spend time with them.’

Emotional campaign: The video, which features the Sydney Harbour Bridge, is aimed at reuniting expats

Riding the waves: Esme on her surf board as a voiceover explains how she misses her grandparents

Richard Tams, spokesman for British Airways, said: ‘We’ve designed a unique campaign to help British Airways’ customers create special and memorable moments with families and friends in Australia. We hope to reunite lots more people this year down under.’

Denise von Wald, spokesman for Tourism Australia, said: 'We know that a personal invitation, the promise of an emotional reunion, and the prospect of a more “local” holiday experience are critical triggers when it comes to getting relatives and friends living overseas to book Australia. 

‘Esme’s video really tugs at the heartstrings, showcasing the fantastic Aussie lifestyle and her wish to share it with her London based grandparents. 

‘We hope lots of families are inspired by her story to take advantage of BA’s special fare to make that trip Down Under.’