Hosted by New Zealand Tourism Research Institute and travel advice website NZBackpack.com, the event will examine how the sector has responded to the global economic crisis and ask what more can be done to promote the country, such as increased use of social networking sites.
The institute's director Simon Milne said backpacking travellers are generally less affected by the recession: "In the current economic climate, while many older travellers are choosing to holiday close to home, backpackers seem less affected by the economic crisis and are continuing to travel long haul to New Zealand."
In addition, by exploring off the beaten track, they often set trends for new destinations: "Backpackers are often the first group of tourists to explore a region. Where backpackers go, the rest of the industry will follow."
Meanwhile, those travellers pining for Sydney can become a fan of the Aussie city on Facebook for a chance to win a week-long trip, complete with surfing lessons and accommodation.
Downunder, experts for
great travel insurance when travelling to the land of the long white cloud.
