Key to speak at inaugural Backpacker Industry Conference
Prime Minister John Key will speak on the importance of the backpacker market for New Zealand’s tourism industry at the inaugural Backpacker Industry Conference.
The conference, which is being convened by AUT’s New Zealand Tourism Research Institute (NZTRI) and NZBackpack.com, will attract operators from all sectors of the tourism industry.
Speakers will discuss issues affecting the tourism sector in 2009, including the impacts of the global economic crisis, the changing profile of visitors to the country, utilizing web 2.0 and social networking sites, and government support for the sector.
Mr Key will be joined as a speaker by Tourism New Zealand CEO George Hickton, New Zealand Tourism Industry Association Chief Executive Tim Cossar, Anne Murphy of Hiking NZ, CEO for the Youth Hostel Association (NSW) Julian Ledger, Geoff Penrose of Qualmark, and Dan Roberts of Xebidy Social Web Design.
NZTRI Director Simon Milne says the backpacking industry is evolving, and the tourism industry needs to adapt to keep up with what’s happening world wide.
“Nationally, the tourism industry is facing challenging times. Yet, the backpacker sector is more resilient than others. In the current economic climate, while many older travellers are choosing to holiday close to home, backpackers seem less affected by the economic crisis and are continuing to travel long haul to New Zealand”.
Milne says the conference is this kind of activity which keeps people informed of developments, and encourages growth in the industry.
“The backpacker sector is a barometer for the entire tourism industry. Backpackers are often the first group of tourists to explore a region. Where backpackers go, the rest of the industry will follow.”
Backpacker Industry Conference
Thursday 17-Friday 18 September
AUT University
www.backpackerconference.org.nz