The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) has launched a campaign to attract more working holidaymakers to Australia especially to support farmers and boost regional tourism.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator Simon Birmingham said Australia had a reputation as a top destination for working holidaymakers, but more could be done.
“Working holidaymakers are an essential part of Australia’s agricultural and tourism industries,” Senator Birmingham said.
“They’re absolutely critical to filling short-term workforce shortages in regional areas and they also inject over $3 billion into our economy each year.”
He said working holidaymakers who travelled to Australia, stayed longer, spent more and travelled further into regional areas than most other international visitors.
“They also importantly help fill seasonal roles, where farmers often struggle to source labour,” Senator Birmingham said.
“Whilst Australia is a highly desirable working holiday destination, research shows there are some barriers to travel, such as distance and a lack of understanding of the long-term benefits of a working holiday in Australia.”
He said the campaign, Australia Inc., was aimed at demonstrating how living and working in Australia would make young people stand out from the crowd when they returned home and benefit their long-term career and life goals.
Australia Inc. will run through the United Kingdom, France and Germany and target young people who have a high likelihood of considering overseas travel with temporary work.
