Backpacker market booming
Whilst there is an ever increasing trend to take ‘stay-cations'- which are holidays at home or closer to home, the credit crunch hasn't been all doom and gloom for the tourism industry - whilst fewer people are booking luxury trips abroad -the budget backpacker market is booming...
The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has reported a huge increase in the number of backpackers from Europe heading over to sample life on the other side of the world.
This could be due to the fact that many young people are finding it increasingly tough to find jobs in the UK and are heading overseas to wait out the economic decline. Plus, the credit crunch looks so much more bearable in the sunshine.
ATEC Managing Director Matt Hingerty said, "The backpacker market is absolutely booming, we've seen visa applications up by 20 per cent out of Germany and Britain alone, and those figures are translating into business.
"Young people are saying there's no jobs, bugger it, I'm off, and the tourism industry is taking advantage of it," he added.
But, despite the rise in backpacker numbers, the tourism industry still looks set to decline this year. It plays a huge part in Australia's economy and, if it falls by as much as is predicted, the industry could lose out on around £500,000.
But Mr Hingerty says, "The industry is well-equipped to bounce back. We also know that when the economy lifts again tourists usually come back in a rush. There is optimism out there.
Guide to making the move down under
Foreign currency exchange brokers FC Exchange, has today launched an emigration guide providing advice and helpful hints and tips for those looking to move to Australia, available to download from the website.
‘Moving to the Land Down Under' is designed to highlight the necessities needed to move to Australia, as well as providing information on a range of issues, such as, permits and visas, finding employment, education, buying property, down to the basics, including the set up of utilities, telephone lines and internet.
Nick Fullerton, MD of FC Exchange said, "We wanted to try and dispel the myths around emigration and make it more of a simple process for those taking the plunge as it can be a very daunting process.
"Australia has always been a highly favoured destination for émigrés and now, the current financial climate in the UK means that we are seeing more and more people jump ship to a more favourable long-haul destination," he added.
According to the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship, over 30,000 people emigrated permanently to Australia from the UK in between 2007-2008, a three percent increase on 2006-2007, and this trend looks set to rapidly continue.
Mr Fullerton added, "With such a large number of people escaping to sunnier climes, it is imperative they make sure that everything is in order before leaving.
"The last thing people may think about is the local currency, but it is extremely beneficial to look into the best way to transfer your money abroad, or if you're looking to buy a house before you go, the best way to transfer payments abroad.
"Historically, GBP/AUD has been a strong pairing and it seems to be working in Sterling's favour at the moment."
The free emigration guide is available through FC Exchange by sending an email to Australia@fcexchange.co.uk or by telephoning 020 7989 0000
Picture by ash