After a hard fought global contest involving more than 330,000 hopefuls from 196 countries, the first of the successful candidates in Tourism Australia’s ‘Best Jobs in the World’ begin arriving in Australia this week to take up their dream roles.
First to arrive is French online marketer, Elisa Detrez, who begins her job as Queensland’s Park Ranger on Wednesday 7 August.
Elisa will work alongside Queensland tourism operators and guides as part of a six-month itinerary incorporating an array of nature-based tourism experiences throughout the State’s World Heritage areas, national and marine parks.
The first week of August also sees the arrival of Irish dot.com entrepreneur, Allan Dixon to take up his position as Northern Territory’s Outback Adventurer. English costume designer, Richard Keam, clocks on at the end of the month as Western Australia’s Taste Master, followed in early September by Brazilian Roberto Seba, Victoria’s Lifestyle Photographer for the next six months.
Greg Snell (South Australia’s Wildlife Caretaker) and Andrew Smith (New South Wales’ Chief Funster) are due to start their jobs in December.
In addition to Tourism Australia’s original six ‘Best Jobs, American singer-song writer, Cameron Ernst, joins Virgin Australia as the airline’s new ‘High Flyer’ in August.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy said he didn’t expect any of the successful candidates to be disappointed with their new employment nor their working environment.
“This has been an extraordinary competition, and these are no ordinary jobs. Together, they capture the broad appeal of our country and demonstrate why there really is nothing like Australia.
“We wish these talented young people well as they embark on an extraordinary and unforgettable six month experience. During this time they’ll come face to face with our magnificent landscapes and scenery, unique nature and wildlife, cosmopolitan cities, amazing food and wine, and a lifestyle the envy of the world. And they’ll be getting paid for it.” Mr McEvoy said.
Mr McEvoy said that Tourism Australia’s ‘Best Jobs in the World’ competition has captured the imagination of the world and was part of a major international marketing push to promote tourism opportunities provided by Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program.
“In 2012, Working Holiday Makers contributed A$2.5 billion to the Australian economy, each spending on average in excess of A$13,000 during their stay. The exposure this youth campaign has already provided for our country has been incredible and I have little doubt that these Best Jobs winners will inspire a whole new generation of young people to visit, work and explore our country,” he said.
A recent Tourism Australia survey completed by nearly 15,000 of the 330,000 people who entered the global competition has revealed 72% plan to apply for an Australian working holiday visa and 39% are seriously considering taking a working holiday within the next six months.
Since the competition was launched, Tourism Australia’s working holiday maker Facebook page has more than trebled to close to half a million fans, with young people around the world actively seeking information about a working holiday in Australia.
The campaign is supported by Destination New South Wales, Tourism Northern Territory, Tourism Victoria, Tourism Western Australia, Tourism and Events Queensland and South Australian Tourism Commission.
In addition a number of key commercial partners are supporting the campaign, including Virgin Australia, STA Travel, Citibank, DELL, IKEA, Sony Music and Monster.com.
