In rural and regional Australia, backpackers provide a seasonal workforce that keeps towns running in busy months, but impending changes to the visa scheme have some operators worried.
Outback business operators are worried about staffing shortages in the peak tourist season due to changes in visa requirements for some backpackers.
The “88 days” – as backpackers refer to the rite of passage – is a staple of the Australian experience and involves visitors spending time picking fruit and working in hospitality.
But backpackers on a UK passport will no longer be required to complete the 88 days — meaning they can essentially choose Bondi over Birdsville and potentially leave areas lacking crucial seasonal workforces.
Mr Heyes anticipates the relaxation of the program requirements will see even more UK backpackers come to Australia, but he is worried they will head straight for the coastal towns and miss the outback altogether.
“The 88-day program was really good in that it helped direct backpackers into regional Australia, where they would come not only for the work, but they would also spend their dollars there,” he said.
Outback Aussie Tours owner Alan Smith said there was a “huge reliance” on backpackers in Western Queensland.
The original article contains 552 words, the summary contains 171 words. Saved 69%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
This is the best summary I could come up with:
Outback business operators are worried about staffing shortages in the peak tourist season due to changes in visa requirements for some backpackers.
The “88 days” – as backpackers refer to the rite of passage – is a staple of the Australian experience and involves visitors spending time picking fruit and working in hospitality.
But backpackers on a UK passport will no longer be required to complete the 88 days — meaning they can essentially choose Bondi over Birdsville and potentially leave areas lacking crucial seasonal workforces.
Mr Heyes anticipates the relaxation of the program requirements will see even more UK backpackers come to Australia, but he is worried they will head straight for the coastal towns and miss the outback altogether.
“The 88-day program was really good in that it helped direct backpackers into regional Australia, where they would come not only for the work, but they would also spend their dollars there,” he said.
Outback Aussie Tours owner Alan Smith said there was a “huge reliance” on backpackers in Western Queensland.
The original article contains 552 words, the summary contains 171 words. Saved 69%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!