Backpackers unwanted in Qatar, says airline boss

THE boss of Qatar Airways is no stranger to trouble, and now he’s taken aim at “undesirable” backpacker tourists.

The backpacker tax may now be delayed as debate continues to rage over the move to slug working holiday-makers 32.5 cents in every dollar earned. Pic: Brendan Radke

THE unpopular backpacker tax has won surprise support from the boss of Qatar Airways who said governments should be free to decide what sort of tourist they wanted to attract.

As Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison hinted he may yet delay the slug on working holiday-makers due to take effect on July 1, Akbar Al Baker said backpackers were not wanted in Qatar.

Explaining why Doha would never be marketed in the same way as Dubai, Mr Al Baker said they simply didn’t want to attract backpackers.

Not wanted ... Qatar Airways’ CEO Akbar Al Baker says his country doesn’t want backpackers who just lie on the beach and spend very little. Pic: Stewart McLean.

CATTLE-CLASS CUSTOMERS

“We want to attract people of a higher standard,” said Mr Al Baker.

“We like to attract all kinds of tourists as long as they are there for relaxing times, want a unique experience, want to see the culture and are very keen on the arts side of tourism.

“Normally the backpackers are just there to lie on the beach and spend as little as possible.”

He said Australia’s decision to tax backpackers at a higher rate was a matter for the government.

“Each country has its own vision and plans, and each country is also free to attract the kind of people they want,” Mr Al Baker said.

High end escape? Qatar wants to attract a higher class of tourist. Pic: Brad Crouch

BACKPACKER TAX ‘BURDEN’

Tourism and agriculture groups yesterday expressed their disappointment that Tuesday night’s budget failed to repeal the “backpacker tax” due to take effect from July 1.

Under the plan, travellers on working holiday visas will pay 32.5 cents in every dollar they earn. Currently, backpackers can earn up to $18,000 tax-free and then pay 19 cents in the dollar.

The lack of action was particularly disappointing after Federal Tourism Minister Richard Colbeck announced to the Destination Australia conference in March, the measure was officially under review.

Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said the tax would “smash the number of people choosing Australia as a backpacking destination”.

“Working holiday backpackers are a crucial source of labour for tourist operators in remote and regional parts of Australia,” said Ms Osmond.

“These are businesses that are heavily influenced by seasonality and locations where it is extremely difficult to find local or permanent staff.”

Big spenders ... Qatar may not want backpackers but the Australian tourism industry says they are very valuable to the economy of regional communities. Pic: Brendan Radke

DELAY CONSIDERED

Treasurer Morrison yesterday told the National Press Club he may yet delay the implementation of the backpacker tax by up to a year because it was a “complicated issue”.

He previously said he didn’t want to be seen as offering “incentives” to Australian businesses to employ foreign workers.

Tourism Accommodation Australia Chair Martin Ferguson said regional areas would be the hardest hit by the loss of working holiday tax concessions, which encouraged travellers to visit out of the way places.

“The tax will be regressive for the tourism sector and could affect the viability of many regional and remote tourism businesses,” said Mr Ferguson.

Originally published as Backpackers unwanted in Qatar, says airline boss