Applicants from 162 countries apply for The Best Job in the World

Would-be Island Caretakers from 162 countries have so far applied for Tourism Queensland’s “Best Job in the World” Tourism Minister Desley Boyle announced today.

Ms Boyle said more than 9000 applications had been received in just over two weeks since the global campaign was launched on January 11.

“More than 2.3 million people have visited the www.islandreefjob.com website and viewed over 14 million pages, making “The Best Job in the World” arguably one of the most successful tourism PR campaigns ever,” Ms Boyle said.

“We have been absolutely thrilled by the response which has seen people from Paris to Mongolia and Kazakhstan to Chile logging onto the website.

“They have been talking about it everywhere from online blog sites to local pubs, from work places to around the dinner table at night it has captivated the world.

“If imitation is a measure of success, it’s also been interesting to note that a couple of other destinations have since come out with similar ideas but I’m proud to say that Tourism Queensland was the first.”

Ms Boyle said the “Best Job in the World” offered the successful candidate the opportunity to spend six months exploring the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef and reporting back on their experiences.

The “Island Caretaker” will be based on Hamilton Island, will live in a luxury oceanfront villa and will explore the 600 Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, undertaking activities including snorkelling, diving, sailing and island-hopping.

He or she will be paid a salary of AUD $150,000 for the six months of the contract.

“Whether you are a sun-loving Aussie or someone from the Northern Hemisphere shivering in the midst of a severe winter, there are few people in the world that such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would not appeal to,” Ms Boyle said.

Ms Boyle urged candidates not to rush into lodging their application, but to take the time to make it a stand-out submission.

“With over 9000 applications already submitted just making it to the top 50 will be extremely tough,” she said.

“Applicants only have 60 seconds to stand out from the crowd so my advice is to be as innovative and creative as you can and take the time and prepare something great.

“We are looking for someone who stands out from the crowd – someone whose charisma shines through, who is creative, funny, outgoing and a great communicator.

“The Best Job in the World is all about finding that special someone who can connect with the destination and with their audience – not just about how professionally produced their video is.”

She said applicants also needed to make sure their submission addressed the fundamental requirements of the selection criteria.

“We have received hundreds of applications that have been disqualified for simple reasons such as exceeding the maximum 60 second limit or not addressing the primary question of why they think they are the best person for the job.

“While this is a tourism marketing campaign for Queensland, it is still a genuine position and if candidates don’t meet the basic selection criteria, as with any job, they won’t be considered.”

Ms Boyle said The Best Job in the World campaign would not be possible without support from the Queensland tourism industry, especially key sponsors Hamilton Island and Qantas Holidays.

Candidates have until February 22 to lodge their application.

For further information, including tips on preparing a video application, visit www.islandreefjob.com

Further information:
Minister’s office – 3225 1005 / 3224 2007
Tourism Queensland – 3535 5010


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