In January of this year, we made a blog post about the selection process for the Best Job in the World…..a unique marketing scheme to promote tourism in Queensland, Australia.  This contest asked for applications to serve as the caretaker of Hamilton Island, one of hundreds of beautiful islands on the famous Barrier Reef in Australia.  The lure of this six-month job assignment offered everything a care-free, adventurous person could want…..a great job assignment , all living and travel expenses paid, and a pretty good salary for the assignment.  As we reported, the applications came pouring in from all over the world.  With little surprise, video applications were submitted by over 34,000 applicants.  It seems that everyone wants the Best Job in the World.  Queensland Tourism Minister Desley Boyle reports that tourism staffers had a very difficult time reviewing the video applications and narrowing the list down to the top 50 finalists for the position.   It is now up to visitors to the efforts unique website to vote for the one individual best suited for the Best Job in the World.

Unfortunately, the popularity of this unique promotion is causing a few problems.  First, many of the videos submitted were not applications at all….just promotional plants from various commercial enterprises.  The sheer volume of the submitted videos caused last minute applicants to be completely shut out and unable to submit applications.   The strain on the internet site causes frequent downtime and voting is obviously impacted by this.  Despite the problems, the voting continues until March 24, 2009.  On that date the decision will be made;  someone will get the Best Job in the World.

Phil Ellis

www.divesports.com