'Best Job' loser awarded ambassador role

A candidate who missed out on the so-called Best Job in the World has been awarded a consolation prize, becoming Queensland's Japanese "ambassador" to the Gold Coast.

Mieko Kobayashi was a finalist in Tourism Queensland's worldwide promotion but was pipped by Englishman Ben Southall, who is being paid $150,000 for six months' work promoting the Whitsundays.

But recognising the cult-like following the Tokyo receptionist had earned in Japan during her job campaign, Premier Anna Bligh on Monday awarded her an ambassador's role at a ceremony on the Gold Coast.

Ms Bligh noted several Japanese media organisations had followed Ms Kobayashi's weekend visit to the Gold Coast, where she fed dolphins, went wine-tasting and sailing, and took part in the Gold Coast Marathon.

"She is immensely popular in Japan and is well known by the media there, who are keen to cover her adventures," Ms Bligh said.

"With a natural enthusiasm for Queensland, Mieko's role will help strengthen our exposure in Japan and entice more Japanese visitors to Queensland, which will maintain the prosperity of our tourism industry and protect and create Queensland jobs."

Ms Kobayashi happily accepted the role, saying she hoped her "love and passion" for Queensland would entice more of her countrymen to visit Australia.

Japan remains a vital international market for Queensland, with 252,000 Japanese visitors spending $458 million in Queensland in the year to March 2009 and supporting 3,500 tourism jobs.

AAP