Backpackers in Australia Turns a New Leaf

Backpackers in Australia Turns a New Leaf

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May 27, 2011 – A rewarding transformation was seen among the backpackers in Australia as they display their enterprising habits.
Dr. Jeff Jarvis of the National Centre for Australian Studies at Monash University says about his research that a complete transformation in the structure of the backpacker market was seen and this change is due to the increase of working holiday makers.

Dr. Jarvis, during the 2011 Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Backpacker & Youth Industry Conference at Airlie Beach last week, stated that a dramatic increase in the number of working holiday makers with work visas Australia was being observed in the backpacker market and it has far exceeded the growth rates in the backpacker market, with British wanderers no longer leading the way.
A change in the shape of the mobility of backpackers was being observed, which were previously known as being free and easy, and travelers of no known destination.
A revolution of the entire backpacking model in Australia was seen, which was said to be shaped around travelers on long routes.
Now, backpackers with working Australia visa coming here are observed to stay in certain locations for an extended period of time for they are now working due to the high Australian dollar. Backpackers are now seen to stay in one place in order to work for a period of three or six months and are said to travel in a “hub and spoke pattern” where a backpacker travels to another location for a short time then go back to get another job.
The model of tourism developed years ago that primarily targeted the British market is now changing for new markets have emerged rather rapidly which is said to be driven by the Working Holiday Maker Visa (WHV).
Backpackers are now seen to spend more nights in places like the Gold Coast and other cities.
Dr. Jarvis said backpackers with temporary work visa in Australia are motivated to work in regional and remote areas due to the work visa to Australia changes that Australia introduced in 2005. However, modifications in the visa conditions are still needed such as increasing the age limit to 35 years, allowing multiple visas, and redefining the definition of work in order to keep pace with countries like Canada.