The Manchester City and England forward was born in the Maverley district of Jamaica’s capital Kingston before moving to London aged five.
His appointment was announced this week by Jamaican minister of tourism Edmund Bartlett, who called Sterling an “exceptionally gifted young man” who “represented the very best of Jamaica”.
As an ambassador, Sterling will be the face of Jamaica in Europe and represent the destination and promote its tourism offering at various engagements.
The partnership is one of a number of initiatives to mark Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence in 2022.
Director of tourism, Donovan White, said the country’s tourism board recognised Sterling’s “global reach”.
Sterling said: “I’m proud to have been born in Jamaica and I can’t wait to spread the word about what a wonderful place it is.”