Chris Hemsworth explains why he and Elsa Pataky are raising their kids in Australia

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Chris Hemsworth has been declared the global ambassador for Tourism Australia's latest ad campaign, which will focus on the country's aquatic and coastal experiences.

Hemsworth, 32, is known for his work in the films In the Heart of the Sea, Vacation, Rush, Marvel's The Avengers and Thor. He has been married to Spanish actress Elsa Pataky since 2010 and they have three young children. Hemsworth moved his family from Los Angeles to his native Australia last year.

"Chris truly embodies the Australian way of life and his love of his home country, with all its natural beauty, makes him an ideal ambassador," Tourism Australia Managing Director John O'Sullivan said in a statement Thursday. "From learning how to surf on Phillip Island, fishing with his brothers in the Northern Territory and family beach holidays, Chris has grown up in Australia in and around water and his own personal experiences bring a truly authentic and influential Australian voice to our campaign."

"In Australia, you're surrounded by the most incredible natural beauty. Being in the water or near to it is a way of life for us," Hemsworth added. "It wasn't a hard decision to move back to Australia because this part of the world is such a special place. This is the place I want my kids to grow up -- that's the world I want them to be part of. I'm really looking forward to launching this new campaign in New York and sharing with the rest of the world just how amazing this country really is."