Tourism Queensland has generated $80 million in publicity through its Best Job in the World Campaign. Photo: Tourism Queensland.

By Angela Dorizas

Tourism Queensland has received the final applications to the Best Job in the World campaign and now faces the mammoth task of selecting one candidate for the role of Island Caretaker. More than 34,600 applications from 200 countries have been lodged since entries opened on 10 January.

The successful candidate will receive a $150,000 six-month contract and live-in accommodation on Hamilton Island. As the island caretaker, they will travel the islands of the Great Barrier Reef and report back to their global audience via a weekly blog, photo diary and video updates.

Job applications from all over the world flooded in on the final days of the campaign and Tourism Queensland was forced to increase its IT support to cope with the application overload.

Tourism Minister Desley Boyle described the three year global marketing strategy as a “worldwide phenomenon”.

"The response has absolutely blown us away and exceeded all esitmations of the global response we have received," Boyle told GovernmentNews.

"It’s safe to say that Tourism Queensland’s Best Job in the World is the most sought-after job in the world. In fact, one British newspaper said ‘Not since Willy Wonka and his Golden Tickets hidden in chocolate bars has something come along like this."

The $1.8 million campaign has already generated nearly $80 million in publicity and has raised the bar in tourism marketing.

"Tourism Queensland’s Best Job in the World campaign has set a new standard in creative tourism marketing," Boyle said.

"Any initiatives which ultimately bring more visitors to Australia and help protect tourism industry jobs should be encouraged."

Tourism Queensland received a number of "fantastically creative" applicants with a range of qualifications and experiences.

"With more than thirty-four and a half thousand applications, the applicants have come from more than 200 countries, all ages, walks of life and levels of experience," Boyle said.

"This is however a legitimate job vacancy with a rigorous selection process."

A number of celebrities applied for the dream PR opportunity, including Getaway New Zealand presenter Clarke Gayford; winner of US reality television series Amazing Race, Eric Sanchez; and Dean Martin’s son, Ricci Martin.

Tourism Queensland now faces the massive task of sorting through the 34,684 applicants and short-listing the top 50, which are to be announced on 2 March.

From the 50 applicants, 10 candidates will be selected and announced by Tourism Queensland and its international offices on 2 April.

The 10 finalists, along with one wild card candidate voted for by visitors to the Best Job in the Word website, will be flown to Hamilton Island for interviews. The successful candidate will be announced on 6 May.

For more information or to check out the applicants visit the campaign website.