According to Yahoo! News the Queensland Australia government is offering one lucky winner that amazing opportunity. The Australian state run site Islandreefjob.com is offering internationally what it calls "the best job in the world" -- earning a top salary for lazing around a beautiful tropical island for six months.
The job pays 150,000 Australian dollars (105,000 US dollars) and includes free airfares from the winner's home country to Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland's state government announced on Tuesday.
In return the luck person selected as the "island caretaker" will be expected to stroll the white sandy beaches, snorkel the reef, take care of "a few minor tasks" and report to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates.
The successful applicant, who will stay rent-free in a three-bedroom beach home complete with plunge pool and golf buggy, must be a good swimmer, excellent communicator and be able to speak and write English.
"They'll also have to talk to media from time to time about what they're doing so they can't be too shy and they'll have to love the sea, the sun, the outdoors," said acting state Premier Paul Lucas. "The fact that they will be paid to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, snorkel and generally live the Queensland lifestyle makes this undoubtedly the best job in the world."
Lucas said the campaign was part of a drive to protect the state's 18 billion Australian dollar a year tourism industry during the tough economic climate caused by the global financial meltdown. "Traditional tourism advertising just doesn't cut it sometimes and we are thinking outside the box by launching this campaign."
Queensland Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said some people might question whether it was risky to let an unknown person become an unofficial tourism spokesperson for the state. "I think the biggest risk will be that the successful candidate won't want to go home at the end of the six months," she said. "This is a legitimate job which is open to anyone and everyone."
For those lucky enough to get through to the site you'll need can submit your application as well as a short 60 second video before February 22. Eleven shortlisted candidates will be flown to Hamilton Island in early May for the final selection process and the six month contract will commence on July 1.
Yes, this is a real job offer, and yes, it has everything to do with publicity. The "Best Job in the World" campaign is meant to "highlight the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef and showcase Australia's own unique Island experience to the global market," according to Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes.
The site is Islandreefjob.com is totally legitimate, even though you might not be able to reach it. It has been inundated with hits since the announcement was made. However you can find more information at the Tourism Queensland's site. According to Tourism Queensland the "Best Job in the World" promotion has received over 200k applications since the site went live. For more details read the full Tourism Queensland press release "New Reef tourism campaign offers 'best job in the world'"
**Update**
Check this post for all the updated information as well as the terms and conditions from the Islandreefjob.com site.
I can't even imagine the life that would follow an opportunity like this. I bet I would stay there beyond the time the job lasts. Problem is, I can't even access the site to find out what qualifications are required of me (even with my wireless internet connection, The site is still crashing).
ReplyDeleteI mistakenly thought there was a PDF application that needed to be filled out. That is not the case, it is in fact an online form that you must submit along with your video. I've created a new updated post with all the details as well as the terms and conditions.
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