TORONTO — For Tourism Tobago, it’s a chance to increase visibility and promote the island as a premier vacation destination. For one lucky individual, it’s the chance to live in paradise for 60 days.

Dubbed ‘The Island Connoisseur’, Tourism Tobago’s largest marketing initiative in Canada this year is a nation-wide contest that will see one winner live on the island and participate in island activities for two months, all while sharing his or her experiences via social media. Launched on Jan. 13 with MKTG inc., the program is open to all Canadians 18-plus, including travel agents in search of ‘the job of a lifetime’.

From now through April, a marketing blitz will include coverage on social media and television as well as in trade publications and trade shows. In April, a panel of travel experts will vet the top 10 candidates, who will then be posted online at 60daysinparadise.com. The Canadian public will vote for their favourite ‘Connoisseur’, who will then fly to Tobago on July 2 and live on the island until Aug. 30.

During his or her tenure, the winner will stay at a variety of hotels and villas, dine at various restaurants, meet the locals and participate in activities like turtle watching, stand up paddle boarding, diving, mountain biking and snorkelling. The winner, who will earn a total of $30,000, will have the sole responsibility of promoting the destination and sharing his or her experiences on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Vine.

The ideal candidate will be outgoing, in good physical condition and well versed in social media. Entrants need to provide a short bio and a 30-second video explaining why they would be the ideal Tobago Island Connoisseur.

“Even though the contest is open to Canadians only, there are no boundaries in social media,” said Tony Vlismas, President & CEO of MKTG inc. “With The Island Connoisseur program, there’ll be a worldwide audience.”

For more information on how to apply, visit 60daysinparadise.com.