Hostel owners in Taranaki, New Zealand have revealed that they are as busy as ever, with backpackers still keen to explore the region in spite of the tough economic conditions.
Just recently, several tourist operators on the country's North Island reported a slight drop in visitor numbers when compared to this time last year, with this slowdown predicted to carry on well into 2009.
However, this decline seems to be limited to the upper echelons of the travel sector, as budget travellers, still able to take advantage of cheap air fares and
online travel insurance deals, are still flocking Down Under in search of adventure.
According to one local hostel owner, Taranaki's lively festival scene is a major draw for backpackers.
"We're really busy from January through to March, especially March with Womad and Americana," Carole Herbert, of Shoestring Backpackers in New Plymouth, told Taranaki Daily News.
"We could have twice as many beds and still not have enough."
Given that New Zealand's two islands are famed for adventure sports, getting
backpacker travel insurance is a must for anyone opting to head to the country for a Gap Year.
