Wednesday 10 October 2007

BACKPACKER TOURISM'S BIG DAY OUT
Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, today opened the Backpacker Organisation of Tasmania’s “Big Day Out”, saying backpackers were savvy travellers with an astute understanding of Tasmania’s tourism offerings.

Ms Wriedt said backpacker tourism played an important role in changing perceptions of Tasmania among people who have never visited.

“Even before they get here, backpackers know that Tasmania is more than a destination for nature activities such as bushwalking and camping,” Ms Wriedt said.

“They know this because they get first-hand recommendations through a vast network of other backpackers.

“The recommendations and opinions of backpackers have enormous reach and great credibility among their peers.

“At the same time, backpackers’ increasing spending power is giving them the opportunity to sample a greater diversity of tourism experiences.

“As they do so, they spread the word about Tasmania around the globe.”

According to Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey, backpackers are one of the highest-spending groups of international visitors to Australia.

Ms Wriedt said this assessment was supported by an 11.4 per cent rise in total backpacker expenditure in Tasmania in the 2006–2007 financial year.

“So as well as recognising the ability of backpackers to change the perception of others who have not yet experienced our beautiful State, Tasmanians may also need to reassess their idea of backpackers,” Ms Wriedt said.

“Far from being scruffy and short of cash, they are a profitable tourism sector with great potential.”
Ms Wriedt said the Tasmanian Government placed a high value on the benefits that visiting backpackers bring to the state.

“As well as sponsoring this year’s “Big Day Out”, Tourism Tasmania is helping the sector gain wide exposure by sponsoring the 2007 Golden Backpacker Awards at the Adventure Travel and Backpacker Industry Conference in Darling Harbour on 7 November,” Ms Wriedt said.

“This conference attracts more than 200 industry participants from Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere overseas.

“Immediately following that event, the Backpacker Organisation of Tasmania is participating in the 2007 Adventure Travel and Backpacker Expo, again supported by Tourism Tasmania.”

Ms Wriedt said the arrival of the budget carrier Tiger Airways in Launceston at the end of November would provide yet another boost to Tasmania’s backpacker market.

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au