INTERNATIONAL BACKPACKER ARRIVALS CONTINUE TO BOOM

International backpackers to Australia will grow at double the rate of average tourist arrivals to Australia over the next twelve months, Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) Managing Director John Morse said today.

Speaking at the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE), the country’s premier tourism trade event, Mr Morse said Australia was proving to be one of the hottest destinations for the globe-trotting youth market.

“International backpackers to Australia grew by 20 per cent in the twelve months to June 2000 and we expect this strong growth to continue over the next year.

“New Working Holiday Makers (WHM) visa arrangements for visitors from Denmark, Sweden and Norway, beginning in July 2001 will further boost the number of backpackers travelling down under.

“Europe is already the star performer in this sector with every two out of three backpackers arriving in Australia from the region.

“The Working Holiday Makers (WHM) scheme allows visitors to work while on holiday in Australia for up to 12 months and is critical to growing this sector.

“In the March 2001 quarter around 19,000 WHM visas have been issued, up 21 per cent compared to the same time last year.

“This follows a 14 per cent increase in 75,000 WHM visas issued during 2000, and we expect the number of visas to jump to 81,000 in 2001.

“The UK is the largest recipient of WHMs visas with around 39,225 visas issued last year. German travellers have shown similar enthusiasm for WHM visas, and we expect backpackers from Denmark, Sweden and Norway to follow suit. “

Tour Pacific, Sweden Managing Director, Lars Jonsson said the new visa arrangement would boost the number of arrivals from Sweden.

“Apart from the many young travellers who will flock to Australia, we also expect a spin-off effect with visiting relatives taking the opportunity to come to Australia to see their children during their year in Australia,” he said.

Mr Morse said Australia was a evolving as a must-see destination for the international backpacker market.

“Credibility and fissionability are key factors in capturing the youth travel market - and Australia rates extremely high on both factors,” Mr Morse said.

“Backpackers are also mindful of the cost of travelling, and Australia now offers great value for money for travellers, particularly for visitors from the UK and Europe.

Mr Morse said the ATC would continue to promote Australia as a destination providing a range of tourism experiences for backpackers.

“This market is attracted to Australia for our relaxed lifestyle as well as the opportunity to explore our country and the prospect of adventure,” Mr Morse said.

“The ATC’s campaign with STA travel in the United Kingdom late last year proved to be a hit with the youth market, with STA reporting a 30 per cent increase in sales following the campaign.

“The ATC will continue to promote Australia across Europe as a backpacker destination to ensure Australia retains its mantle as a popular backpacker destination.

“An investment in this market delivers both short and long term benefits, as many backpackers will return to Australia as tourists in years to come.

“These travellers were once considered as a small and insignificant market, however they are now proving to be big spending, widely travelled tourists and important for the future of our industry.”

Australia now has working holiday arrangements with 11 countries including Canada, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malta, Netherland, UK, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.