Backpackers see Australia as the Britain of South East Asia
Backpackers in Fiji
Young Australians have long used the United Kingdom as a base to work and explore Europe. Now, an increasing number of travellers are funding holidays to South East Asia and the wider Australasian region by working in Australia.
Research by Dr Jeff Jarvis and Dr Victoria Peel from the Graduate Tourism Program at the National Centre for Australian Studies at Monash University has shown the Working Holiday Maker Visa (WHV) is now a significant driving force in Australia's $3.2 billion backpacker industry.
Dr Jarvis said external influences, such as the high Australian dollar, have lead to Australia becoming an expensive destination.
"The need to work becomes more and more important in attracting backpackers and we have to strongly compete with other regional destinations to gain their custom during their non-working periods,” Dr Jarvis said.
“Australia is increasingly being seen as a base from which these visitors can earn money to fund their travel within Australia and in the wider region. The growth of budget airlines within the region means that the options for inter-regional mobility have increased.”
“Importantly, that short side trip on a budget airline to Fiji, Bali or Vietnam can be seen as a positive factor in attracting them here in the first place, as it ‘adds value’ to the Australian experience."
“Backpackers and Working Holiday Makers are two of the tourism industry’s highest yielding segments. Strategically, they travel to, and spend money in, more regions in Australia than other international visitors. Globally, there is increasingly competitive activity to attract them.”
Dr Jarvis said the global backpacking market was changing and modifications to visa conditions were necessary if Australia was to take advantage of the changes.
“With the global trend of taking extended career breaks increasing, the ‘youth traveller’ these days can be up to 35 years old. Typically, these travellers are looking for valuable international work experience and they want to bring their skills in design, information technology and finance to Australia, for a year. ” Dr Jarvis said.
“This change in the market needs to be addressed with modifications to the visa conditions, including increasing the age limit from 30 to 35 years old to match Canada, allowing multiple visas, and redefining the definition of ‘work’ that qualifies for a 12 month WHM visa extension.”
Dr Jarvis presented his research at the recent 2011 Australian Tourism Export Council Backpacker & Youth Industry Conference.