KEY POINTS:
LOS ANGELES - Terri Irwin has been appointed a tourism ambassador for Australia.
At a press conference in Los Angeles today, Australia's Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey announced the wife of the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, would take up the role.
There was speculation Terri's daughter, Bindi, would also become an ambassador and perhaps the new face of promoting tourism in Australia, relegating swimsuit model Lara Bingle.
The speculation was denied by Bailey earlier this week.
"Terri is a fantastic ambassador for Australia," Bailey said.
"She is well liked by Americans and is keen to share her love of Australian wildlife and conservation.
"Most importantly, Terri is an American talking to Americans about her love for Australia."
The announcement was made as part of the G'Day USA: Australia Week festival currently being held in Los Angeles and New York to promote Australian tourism, film, business, food and wine to Americans.
- AAP
