Gloom for sunshine state as backpackers fly south

IT is almost unthinkable: international backpackers are deserting the reef, rainforests and beaches of tropical Queensland for the grey skies and green rolling hills of Victoria.

While Queensland still attracts more backpackers than any other state, the latest figures from the Regional Tourism Activity Monitor show it has shed 10 per cent of its visitors since 2003, and Victoria has boosted its numbers through savvy marketing, major sporting events and the availability of fruit-picking jobs.

International Visitor Survey figures show that, between 1999 and 2004, Victoria gained more backpackers than any other state and boosted the number of nights they spend in the state by 12per cent.

From Gloom for sunshine state as backpackers fly south

Well, well, what do we have here? You mean to tell me that Queensland has been resting on her laurels for too long? Amazing. Melbourne and the rest of Victoria have been putting in a big push for the backpacker dollars while Queensland seems to have been content just waiting for the Japanese tourists and those who are willing to spend the big bucks on luxury tours and SCUBA diving lessons. People are always going to go to Queensland - it’s just nice that they’re spending time in other areas of the country as well.

By Court | Permalink

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