The importance of people with backpacker insurance to the Australian economy has been highlighted at a conference urging the country not to turn its back on backpackers.
The Backpacker Tourism Advisory Council's national conference in Darwin has urged the industry and Australian authorities to do all they can to ensure young backpackers continue coming to the region during the global economic downturn, amid fears that more people may choose to stay at home instead of purchasing
worldwide travel insurance and heading off on globetrotting adventures.
"We earn about AU$26 billion [£12.8 billion] a year in foreign exchange through tourism," the council's managing director, Matthew Hingerty, told delegates.
He added: "Of that $3 billion comes from the backpacker industry."
Meanwhile, a new report has been launched that provides hints and tips for agents and tour operators on how to make money out of backpackers.
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