30 September 2003PERTH - Australia is sending the captain of its world champion cricket team into bat for tourism.
Aussie skipper Steve Waugh has been appointed as Australian tourism ambassador to India, to boost awareness of Australia as a holiday destination.
"The great news for the tourism industry is that Steve Waugh will now not only be the face of Australian cricket but the face of Australian tourism," said tourism minister Joe 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."
Hockey said India was an emerging tourist market and Waugh's endorsements would help to raise the profile of Australia.