STA Travel has launched a brand new range of stores targeting the growing number of backpackers planning trips to Australia.
The new stores come after new figures by the Australian government revealed that in the last 12 months around 606,000 backpackers visited Australia – a figure that is only set to grow in 2015/16.
The first of the new stores are located in Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns, to cater to this ever-growing market of travellers.
Called ‘Backpacker by STA’, the new concept stores offer the local neighbourhood ‘lowdown’ on the best hostels, activities and transport along with free Wi-Fi in a beautifully relaxed and chilled environment, to stay in touch with friends and family back home.
Run by travellers for travellers, the ‘Backpacker by STA Travel’ concept stores will act as the one stop travel shop for everything on the ground in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Asia.
STA Travel Australia’s Managing Director, Linda Addy, said research shows that because backpackers are often overlooked by the industry because they do not offer strong financial returns.
However, Addy says they spend around $53,000 each on accommodation, food, transport, tours and entertainment – making up 13 percent of the total tourism market in Australia.
“Backpacker stores are just one of facet of our commitment to the Backpacker market in Australia.”
Linda Addy, STA Travel Australia MD
More than 50 million visitor nights are spent in hostels in Australia, mostly along the Eastern seaboard, with STA Travel’s new Backpacker stores based in the thick of these Backpacker areas.
“Obviously Backpackers provide a huge boost to the economy within these areas where tourism is a main source of income,” she said.
“Backpacker stores will look to support local tour providers, hostels, hotels and transport providers.”