Backpacker hostel not viable due to dwindling numbers

HERVEY Bay’s tourism industry has taken a hit with the closure of a long-time backpackers’ hostel.

HERVEY Bay's tourism industry has taken a hit with the closure of a long-time backpackers' hostel.

Fraser Roving will close its doors on Tuesday after dwindling numbers made it unviable.

Owner John Hayes has been in Hervey Bay for 14 years and has operated the hostel for 10.

He cites a lack of marketing the region and backpackers visiting other areas as the main reasons for the closure.

"Mainly they're all going to Rainbow Beach which the council has known about for the last five years and hasn't done anything to stop it," he said.

"The way they're marketing it at the moment it's not directed at backpackers."

Fraser Roving had 20 vehicles and offered tourists a range of trips on Fraser Island.

But the final trip will come back today - and the "best hostel in Hervey Bay" will close.

Mr Hayes plans to sell the cars and the hostel.

"The way the real estate market around here is at the moment it's not looking good," he said.

He admits he hasn't a clue what he'll do next.

"We'll just tidy all this up."

And Mr Hayes says it's not just him looking to get out of the business - with other hostel owners in the area looking to sell.

"They're just waiting for someone to buy and they're out of it too," he said.

"That leaves two hostels left in Hervey Bay where there used to be 11."

Fraser Coast Mayor Gerard O'Connell said backpacking throughout Queensland had been under threat for several years.

"It really has to be a combined government, local and state," he said.

"I think we've got to look at marketing, not just to one sector.

"Our best tourism marketing needs to be spread across all sectors (events, sports and holiday)."