Mr Lawlor said the Backpacking Queensland initiative, which was supported by Tourism Queensland, would assist backpackers to navigate their way around the state during their travels.
“The guide is the first of its kind to be produced, and we hope it will become an essential that every backpacker travelling in Queensland will have in their back pocket,” Mr Lawlor said.
The 64-page guide features images and content to focus on the youth, student, backpacker and adventure market. It includes maps, descriptions and pictures of the many travel destinations in Queensland.
“It includes a range of interesting content for backpackers looking for Queensland experiences such as sight-seeing tours and entertainment and leisure activities,” Mr Lawlor said.
“As well as highlighting Queensland’s diversity and natural attractions, the guide provides information on accommodation and places to seek out temporary work to encourage more young travellers to spend their time visiting and working in Queensland.”
Mr Lawlor said the guide’s aim is to target all backpackers from all countries and would be readily available across Queensland, as well as through tourism offices internationally, and selected travel agencies which specialise in the Queensland market.
“60,000 copies have been printed and these will be distributed throughout hostels, airports and transport operators throughout Queensland and the southern states, plus through a range of additional channels such as English language schools in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
“Backpackers will be able to download a copy from the Backpacking Queensland website.www.backpackingqueensland.com.au”
Mr Lawlor said backpackers were some of Queensland’s most important travellers.
“Backpackers stay longer than traditional visitors, spend more money and travel more widely,” he said.
“They live and work in local communities and develop friendships which see them visiting again and again throughout their lives.”
Mr Lawlor said in the year ending December 2009, 370,000 backpackers visited Queensland mainly coming from United Kingdom, Europe, Korea and the USA.
“The amount that backpackers spend on their trips to Australia is also significant, in 2009 it totalled $3.5 billion. This represents a 10 per cent increase from the previous year,” he said.
