KEY POINTS:
SYDNEY - An online survey has flagged nine-year-old Bindi Irwin as the most popular candidate to be the new face of Australian tourism.
In the online tourism survey, people could choose between game show host Bert Newton, comediennes Kath and Kim, cricketer Shane Warne, Bindi Irwin or film portaloo worker "Kenny" .
Total Travel's Paul Fisher says 38 per cent of respondents picked the young Crocodile Hunter.
"Australians think that she's a fresh face, very genuine, she's obviously associated with all the good things I guess to do with the Australian environment," he said.
"She's certainly a very lively and likeable character as well."
But Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey says it is probably not appropriate for a child to be the face of the Australian industry.
"The roles that an ambassador is called upon really calls for an adult person in those roles but we are absolutely delighted to be able to be blessed to have Bindi coming along with her mum to a lot of our major tourism events," she said.
Bindi's mother Terri Irwin is already an ambassador for Australian tourism.
Newton received the least number of votes.
- RADIO AUSTRALIA