11 September 2008

Report shows UK still biggest backpacking market in Australia

The most recent report from Tourism Australia shows that in 2007 the most significant backpacking market came from Europe, whose travelling nationals made up over half the number of international backpackers in Australia.

British travellers comprised 21 per cent of the international backpacker market in Australia, while Germans and Americans accounted for 9 per cent.  Japan and Korea lead the Asian region, each accounting for six per cent of the backpacking market in Australia. 

Backpackers from New Zealand and Korea have made the strongest growth in numbers.  Since 2000, the number of backpackers in Australia from these two countries has increased by 11 per cent every year.

The report also showed that backpackers are more likely to travel for holiday purposes than non-backpacker travellers; however, the trend for backpackers travelling for employment and business reasons has increased considerably.  Since 2001, 20 per cent more backpackers travel Australia for purposes of employment and 12 per cent for reasons of business.

Anna Siggs-Webster, working holiday Division Manager from the Australian Visa Bureau, said "The volume of working holiday visa sales to Australia for 2008 has increased significantly from 2007, a trend that is expected to continue in coming years."

The Australian working holiday visa allows young travellers aged 18 to 30 years to work and travel the country for up to 12 months.  Conditions of the visa mean that visa holders cannot work for one employer for longer than six months.  Those who work in a specified occupation in regional Australia for three months or more are now also allowed to apply for a second working holiday visa.

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The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people apply for an Australia visa.

Article by Jessica Bird, Australian Visa Bureau.