ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/19/2003 29 September 2003
Steve Waugh named Australia's "Tourism Ambassador" to India
Australian cricketing legend Steve Waugh has been appointed Australia's "Tourism Ambassador" to India, to boost awareness of Australia as a holiday destination.
Australia's Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Mr Joe Hockey, announced the appointment at the Sydney Cricket Ground today (29 September).
"Cricket is the top sport in India, and as one of the greatest cricket players ever and captain of the Australian team, Steve has achieved celebrity status in this country," said Mr Hockey.
"In India his popularity extends well beyond the cricket pitch. Steve is well recognised for both his sporting prowess and his compassion and active work for charities. He is inextricably linked to Australia, and encapsulates much of what is admired in the Australian personality."
Steve Waugh joins swimming star Ian Thorpe, celebrity model Megan Gale, and world champion surfer Layne Beachley as the Australian Tourism Commission's Tourism Ambassadors.
Steve Waugh said he was delighted to be working with the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) to raise the profile of Australia as a holiday destination in India.
"For close to two decades I have represented Australia in cricket," said Mr Waugh.
"It is a great honour to now be chosen to also represent Australia as a Tourism Ambassador in India.
"Cricket has provided me the opportunity to travel to the world visiting many different countries, but for me Australia is the greatest place on earth to take a holiday.
"I look forward to the opportunity to encourage Indian travellers to enjoy the range of holiday experiences Australia has to offer. I have visited India on many times, including the cricket tours and I have a strong affinity with the country ? so the appointment is particularly important."
Steve Waugh will feature in promotions aimed at encouraging Indian travellers to holiday in Australia. Australia has seen a dramatic jump in the number of visitors from India over the past decade, with the number of visitors a year increasing from less than 10,000 to more than 45,000.
For more information or images, contact: Rakhi Khanna or Sohil Bahamania, Australian Tourist Commission Representatives, Corporate Voice/Weber Shandwick Public Relations, Mumbai, Tel: (022) 2281 5357/59/ 2202 2293.