Backpackers continue to choose Australia to travel.
Backpackers are being hailed as “the saviour of Australia’s tourism industry” (The Australian) as a recent survey discovered an increase in the number of backpackers arriving – and more importantly spending – in Australia.
A survey by Tourism Research Australia investigating international visitors show an increase of 2% in young travellers and between them they spent around $3.5 billion – a welcome boost to the Australian tourist industry which has been struggling with falling visitors due to the global recession.
In fact, Australia has done much better than the rest of the world when it comes to tourism because whilst visitor numbers are down on previous years, this year has seen a slight rise of 0.2%. In the global market the Middle East has been worst hit by falling tourism, with visitors down 6%, European tourism fell by 5% and Asia Pacific down 2%.
Still the largest number of tourists, 46%, were travelling to Australia to visit friends and family. New Zealand provided the largest number of visitors followed by the UK, the US and China.
However Australia faces some stiff competition from the US in the near future. The US government is set to pour $220 million into its own tourism marketing campaign. Previously the US tourist industry has supported itself, but with Washington now providing the funding, any forthcoming advertising campaign from America will prove to be huge and could rival Australia in the promotional stakes.
But for now, Australia remains a popular destination for backpackers, perhaps because of the myriad of opportunities Australia provides. Many young people are now choosing to apply for a temporary working visa that allows them to work in Australia for up to a year, thereby funding their travelling adventure. And what an adventure Australia is! From the ravishing beauty of the Northern Territory to the almost other-wordly landscape of the Painted Desert in South Australia.
Australian cities are ever popular amongst students and backpackers for their energy and vibrancy. After all, what could be better than to experience city life that is superbly located on some of the best beaches in the world? Our guide to backpacking around Australia gives you tips and hints on making the most of your visit.
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