Backpackers who buy
worldwide travel insurance could offer a lifeline to the tourism industry in New Zealand as it feels the pressure of the global recession.
Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton said that backpackers aged between 18 and 30 have fewer financial commitments.
"We have identified youth as a sector of the market, rather than country, that is still showing signs of growing and if that is the case we want to make sure we get our fair share," he told the publication.
Mr Hickton added that a lack of jobs on a global scale is also adding to the wanderlust of youth travellers, many of whom could buy
gap year travel insurance before leaving home.
Over 190,000 backpackers visited New Zealand in the year leading up to March 2009, attracted to the far-flung location by bungee jumping, skydiving and sightseeing.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail has reported that a website entitled Where Are You Now? is helping backpackers all over the world to keep in touch.
The newspaper notes that there are now 15 million users registered with the site.
Downunder, experts for
great travel insurance when travelling to the land of the long white cloud.