Taiwanese candidate hot favourite for 'best job in the world'

Melbourne, May 1 (ANI): As Tourism Queenland's 'best job in the world' campaign enters its final stage, Taiwan's wild card entry Clare Wang has been touted as the winner of Great Barrier Reef's much-publicised caretaker job.

An interpreter by profession, Wang made it to the competition by securing more than 150,000 votes from across the world last month.

According to betting agency PinnacleSports.com, Wang has emerged as the hot favourite among all the contestants.

Simon Noble from PinnacleSports says punters clearly feel Wang's appeal in China and Taiwan - two hugely important and growing markets for tourism in Australia - justify supporting her at odds of 5/2, reports Australian Associated Press.

The final selected candidates will travel to Hamilton Island on May 3 - in the Whitsunday island group about 900km north of Brisbane - to spend a few days working their dream job under the gaze of selectors before the winner is announced on May 6.

However, tourism officials could yet add a final twist to what has been one of the world's most colourful global marketing ventures of modern times.

"After seeing the organisers move the goalposts once already when naming 16 finalists instead of 11, it wouldn't surprise us to see more than one winner being named to double the exposure for Tourism Queensland," said Noble.

The six-month stint will require the successful applicant to explore neighbouring islands, swim, snorkel, discover wildlife, and the locals on a 150,000 dollars contract. (ANI)