Working while travelling: Tourism development opportunities for agricultural regions

While the backpacker visitor has received increasing attention over the past several decades, the notion of backpackers who work during their travels, despite some exceptions, has not been considered in such detail. Therefore, this paper examines the concept of the working backpacker and considers the opportunities this market subset can offer rural and regional areas. Utilising an Australian case study where 234 working backpacker visitors were surveyed; a preliminary analysis of this market is presented as well as the identification of possible implications and opportunities for rural and regional areas, particularly where agriculture dominates the local economic base. The study found that working backpackers, although visiting the area solely for employment purposes, still stimulate demand for tourism products and activities that showcase local assets and culture. Coupled with the fact that working backpackers often stay in these regions for a considerable length of time, the research shows that there is an opportunity for regional and rural areas is to capitalise on this opportunity and expand the economic base by value adding to the working backpackers’ experience through the provision of simple services and activities that backpackers can participate in during their leisure time. It is suggested that such efforts can generate significant economic opportunities for the region through tourism