Rihanna has been made an ambassador for her homeland of Barbados after signing a multi-year deal with the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) to promote her native island as a tourist destination.

The 'Man Down' singer has joined forces with Barbados’s tourist board to encourage people to experience the "spirit and warmth" of her country.

Rihanna said: "Barbados is a place like no other and one of the reasons for this is the spirit and national pride of our people.

“I want each and every visitor to this beautiful island to experience what makes this destination different from all others and that is the spirit and warmth of my fellow Barbadians."

The singer will begin her work as ambassador by bringing her world tour to the city of Bridgetown in August.

The Barbados Tourism Authority said in a statement: "We are proud to announce that musical sensation and social phenomenon Rihanna has partnered with the Barbados Tourism Authority as an exclusive promotional partner for three years.

Celebrate this amazing announcement today by joining us on August 5 as she brings her 'Loud' tour to Bridgetown, Barbados, her homeland."