Tourism Australia has appointed a new advertising agency and announced exciting new plans to promote the country - including teaming up with a major Hollywood studio and working with one of Australia’s best known film directors.

Agency DDB Worldwide will take on all print and online advertising promoting holidays in Australia on Tourism Australia’s behalf.

Baz Luhrmann (director of Strictly Ballroom and Romeo + Juliet) will produce and direct TV and cinema adverts, happily coinciding with the release of his latest film, called Australia, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

A £24 million promotional deal for Tourism Australia has also been made with Twentieth Century Fox.

Australia holidays will also be marketed on social networking sites, such as Bebo and Myspace.