Did you know? There were 2.3 million youth visitors to Australia in 2018, with a total spend of $20 billion*.
Australia is a bucket-list destination, with millions of tourists visiting every year in search of the picture-perfect sand of Whitehaven beach, the glistening oceans of the Great Barrier Reef and the bright lights of its modern cities.
But with the recent devastation caused by bushfires, the country needs tourist support more than ever and Youth Travellers are the key to helping Australia recover.
The youth market contributes 25% of all visitors to Australia, and a staggering 46% of all visitor spend**. Young travellers are also well known for their direct spending habits in small communities, resilience to disasters, and their desire to live like locals.
Sam Willan, General Manager of StudentUniverse, said, “Students and youth travellers are less likely to cancel their travel plans because of environmental disasters compared to other travellers. Young people travelling to Australia are often embarking on once-in-a-lifetime experiences—including backpacking adventures, Gap Years and semesters abroad — and therefore wish to continue with their travel plans.
“Australia has always been one of StudentUniverse’s most searched for and booked country for young people looking to travel, and it remains our mission to encourage visitors to experience the country, in a safe and responsible manner, throughout 2020.”
Tourism Australia is already playing its part in the country’s recovery, including the launch of an interactive map identifying impacted areas, as well as a regular update on impacted areas. The tourism body has encouraged all travellers to seek information prior to departure.
For those making plans to visit Australia this year, StudentUniverse, the world’s leading booking site for students and young people, has compiled travel suggestions for the unaffected areas in the country.
1. Magnetic Island, Queensland
A twenty-minute ferry ride from the city of Townsville, Magnetic Island is known for its topless barbie cars, snorkelling adventures and relaxed beach-side cars. Whether you take one of the island’s scenic walks, spend an afternoon at Bungalow Bay Koala Sanctuary or laze on the beach, this north Queensland island is a slice of paradise.
2. Melbourne, Victoria
From hot air balloon tours at dawn, to the city’s gastronomic delights, Melbourne is loved by young people for its status as the country’s culture capital. Known for its trendy vibe, and hand-crafted coffee culture, the city is also the gateway to the iconic Great Ocean Road – a staple on many bucket lists around the world.
3. Barossa Valley, South Australia
Visit an internationally renowned wine region in the Barossa Valley, where you can meet with winemakers, sample the award-winning wines, and embrace the picturesque scenes around you. For the foodies amongst us, the area is also a hotspot for local, gourmet produce.
4. Fremantle, Western Australia
Fremantle boasts one of the countries most loved market experiences. The Fremantle Markets are home to 150 local stalls, selling everything from food to fashion. With its friendly crowds, knowledgeable stall holders, vibrant atmosphere and high-quality stock, it’s a must visit.
5. Darwin, Northern Territory
Get up close and personal with the world’s largest display of Australia reptiles, from feeding baby crocodiles to holding snakes, at Crocosaurus Cove. For the daredevils amongst us, you can dive with crocodiles – in a cage of course!
For more information travel opportunities to Australia, please visit: https://www.studentuniverse.co.uk/student-travel/australia
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Notes to Editors
*Figures taken from Australian Tourism Statistics 2019: https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/travel-insurance/research/tourism-statistics.html
**Figures taken from Tourism Australia: The Youth Sector http://www.tourism.australia.com/en/markets-and-stats/industry-sectors/youth.html
For further press information, please contact:
Baillie Horwood
Rooster. We are pr.®
T: +44 (0)7833 490003
E: [email protected]
About StudentUniverse:
StudentUniverse is the world’s leading travel booking site for students and youth. Through negotiations with a network of global partners, StudentUniverse offers discounted pricing and terms on flights.
StudentUniverse launched in the UK in 2013 and was acquired by Flight Centre Travel Group in 2015. StudentUniverse is headquartered in Boston with offices in London, Toronto, New York, Brisbane and the Philippines.
StudentUniverse believes that travel is essential to a modern education. Millions of students use the service every year.
For more information go to www.studentuniverse.co.uk
