Australia still a popular destination for backpackers

Australia remains a popular destination for international backpackers according to new research released, Australian Tourist Commission (ATC), Managing Director, Ken Boundy said.

The latest report of "Backpackers Uncovered" research, conducted by TNT Magazine and Student Uni Travel, reveals that 93 per cent of backpackers surveyed indicated that visiting Australia was the main attraction of an extended trip. In addition, 95 per cent indicated they would recommend Australia as a 'must-see' backpacker destination to family and friends.

Mr Boundy said the research highlights the importance of the backpacker market to Australia's tourism industry and the need to provide first class tourism product for all types of travellers to Australia.

"Backpackers continue to be an important market for Australia and currently represent 10 per cent of all visitors to Australia," he said. "More importantly, the backpacker market offers a potentially high proportion of repeat visitors to Australia.

"Today's backpacker is tomorrow's planner of a family holiday or business traveller. The current research indicates that 74 per cent of backpackers surveyed intend to visit Australia again, with 36 per cent indicating they will definitely visit again in the next five years.

"Once backpackers have visited Australia they realise that the country offers a wide range of experiences and holidays for all types of travellers. We need to ensure that the experience we provide backpacking travellers is unique and exceeds expectations to ensure we can welcome them back to Australia with their family or friends in later years."

The ATC has a number of marketing initiatives promoting Australia to backpackers around the globe, particularly in the key markets of the UK, Germany and the US.

Mr Boundy said the research also reveals some interesting planning and travel behaviour trends in the backpacker segment.

"According to the findings, 44 per cent of backpackers are using the internet to plan and research their visit to Australia, while 14 per cent used the internet to book flights to the destination and 12 per cent use it to book  accommodation," he said.

"The level of internet use for booking travel highlights the growing importance of the medium to communicate to this segment.

"Backpackers are also making their travel bookings close to departure date with half purchasing their ticket to Australia within two months of visiting the destination. The trend towards booking travel online will see this trend  continue.

"Good news for the industry is that the majority of backpackers surveyed (62 per cent) plan on staying in Australia for six months or more, and over half intend to spend $8,000 or more during their stay.

"Another important trend is that while most backpackers visit Australia's east coast they continue to visit Australia's regional areas, with more than one third indicating they definitely intend to visit other states in Australia."

Other highlights of the study

- 9 in 10 surveyed were between 18-30 years, with an equal split of males and females

- 7 in 10 of those polled were travellers from Western Europe, with 41 per cent from the UK

- 46 per cent of backpackers travel alone

- Sydney is the main arrival port for backpackers visiting Australia, with 54 per cent of arrivals coming through the city, followed by Perth with 15 per cent of arrivals, Melbourne 13 per cent, Brisbane 9 per cent, Cairns 5 per cent, Darwin 3 per cent and Adelaide 1 per cent.