Backpackers stayed 440,000 nights in local Townsville hostels last year
International backpackers see Townsville as a city of opportunity set among a holiday destination.
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International backpackers see Townsville as a city of opportunity set among a holiday destination.
Latest figures from Tourism Research Australia show Townsville welcomed 61,000 international backpackers in the year to September 2019. A total of 440,000 nights were spent in local accommodation by the 61,000 visitors.
Reef Lodge Backpackers owner of 18 years, Dean Nixon-Harding, said the backpacker industry in Townsville had picked up.
“All our figures are up since January last year,” he said. “Australia is a safe port of call, particularly for most Europeans because they are coming to a country where English is their second language and the Australian dollar down so far is a big factor.”
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Mr Nixon-Harding said many backpackers were surprised with the local attractions.
“A lot of people say they didn’t realise Townsville was so big and that we have so much to offer,” he said.
“They love to see the koalas and go for a walk to The Forts and atop Castle Hill and some go to Mount Stuart and they all love The Strand.”
New Zealand backpacker Johane Roos has been living in Townsville for the past eight months on a working holiday visa.
She has been staying at Reef Lodge Backpackers while working at The Ville Resort-Casino as a housekeeper.
Ms Roos said she loved the diversity of Townsville.
“I am not a fan of too bigger towns because I grew up on a farm but I like that (Townsville) still has the open spaces and there is a lot to see and do here and it is good for adventurers,” she said. “I am so happy to be living here, I love it.”
Cian Howarth arrived from New Zealand three weeks ago on a gap year and will backpack around Australia.
Mr Howarth will work at The Ville Resort-Casino stocking the bar for the next six months and said he thought Townsville was a “nice area”.
“I get to go to Magnetic Island whenever I feel like it and I can’t wait to go diving and I love Castle Hill and I am going to make sure I do all sorts when I am here,” he said.
Townsville Enterprise tourism and events director Lisa Woolfe said Townsville was a golden destination for backpackers.
“This market is an important part of our tourism economy, particularly for our regional communities,” she said. “Traditionally, this type of traveller is seeking nature-based adventure experiences such as snorkelling, diving, hiking, and chasing waterfalls, which Townsville and North Queensland offers aplenty.”
Originally published as Backpackers stayed 440,000 nights in local Townsville hostels last year