(CNN) -- All of Australia was positively giddy when Oprah Winfrey came to visit last month, lavishing praise and attention on the country's many tourist hot spots.
Now, Australia may be counting on Winfrey's Midas touch more than expected, as it deals with a natural disaster that's prompted some travelers to cancel trips to parts of the country.
On Tuesday, U.S. television audiences will see the first of four shows Winfrey taped Down Under during an eight-day trip that took place in December.
But the happy images will be in stark contrast to the scenes of utter devastation that have been dominating the airwaves as the northeastern Australian state of Queensland struggles with a deadly flood crisis.
Worried tourism officials, who have noted that some travelers are shying away from destinations not impacted by the flooding, have high hopes for the Oprah Winfrey exposure.
"The timing of the shows couldn't be better and will send a clear message that Australian tourism remains open for business," said Kristen Malaby, a spokeswoman for Tourism Australia, in an e-mail.
"Every part of Australia will benefit from this project."
While parts of Queensland, in particular Brisbane and some regional cities and towns, have been flooded, most of the major tourism destinations in the state -- including Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts -- and all other major tourist destinations in other parts of Australia are unaffected, Malaby added.
Queensland tourism officials are also counting on a boost from Winfrey.
"Queensland is still a first-rate holiday destination and we'll see Queensland in the spotlight once again ... when Oprah's visit to Queensland and Australia is broadcast throughout the U.S.," said Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor in a statement.
Winfrey and more than 300 of her fans visited the Great Barrier Reef, went on a wine-tasting excursion to Hunter Valley, took in a scenic flight over the Australian outback, partied in the Royal Botanic Gardens, and trekked up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, adorned with a big 'O' in Winfrey's honor.
The visit ended with an exuberant appearance at the Sydney Opera House, which was renamed Oprah House for the occasion.
Viewers tuning in for the shows this week will be made aware of the disaster that began after Winfrey's visit.
"We have been monitoring the situation closely and do plan to acknowledge the floods as part of our broadcast," said Harpo spokesman Don Halcombe, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
The Australian government footed the almost $5 million bill for Winfrey and her guests, said Andrew McEvoy, managing director of Tourism Australia.
But for Australia -- a country that relies heavily on tourism -- the investment has paid off many times over in publicity.
International coverage of Winfrey's trip, from the time it was announced until last week, has totaled more than 3,000 stories, with an estimated value of just over $20 million, Malaby said.
Officials are especially happy about the exposure in the United States.
"The U.S. is the third largest source of visitors to Australia, generating billions of dollars each year," McEvoy said in a statement.
He called the airing of the Oprah episodes in the U.S. and the launch of the annual G'Day USA Australia Week -- an event designed to showcase Australian business in the U.S. -- the "biggest marketing push in to the U.S. market."
But it's Winfrey and her huge global audience that may make the biggest difference.
During Winfrey's career, many companies have cashed in on the "Oprah effect," which has boosted sales of whatever product she promotes.
Winfrey is in the midst of the farewell season of her show. Last year, she showed her gratitude to her audience by announcing the all-expenses-paid excursion to Australia.
The CNN Wire contributed to this report.
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