Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Tourism Council WA survey shows employers looking forward to the return of backpackers

Tourism Council WA survey shows employers looking forward to the return of backpackers
October 2, 2022

Western Australians want more international and interstate workers in Western Australia, particularly backpackers and international students, according to a poll commissioned by Tourism Council WA.

The poll revealed 68% of those surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the Western Australian Government should attract more international and interstate workers to the state, with 21% neutral and only 11% disagreeing.

Commenting on the findings, Tourism Council WA Chief Executive, Evan Hall stated "the poll shows Western Australians want workers attracted to the state, with community support strongest for backpackers and international students."

82% per cent of surveyed Western Australians agreed or strongly agreed that backpackers were an important source of workers for businesses and regions. 72% agreed or strongly agreed that international students and graduates were an important source of workers for the state's businesses and regions.

Hall went on to say "in peak periods like long weekends and school holidays, tourism is desperately short of backpackers and other seasonal staff to provide service for our influx of local and interstate tourism.

“Prior to COVID-19, WA attracted more than 50,000 Working Holiday Maker visa holders in 2019, according to Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey.

"With staff and skill shortages still hindering WA’s tourism recovery, the industry needs working holiday makers, such as backpackers, to fill the staffing gaps left by the pandemic.

“WA’s tourism industry is ready to rebuild, but staff shortages have significantly hindered the effort. Many tourism businesses are still unable to operate at full capacity, particularly during peak periods.

“Backpackers and international students form an integral part of creating a thriving tourism industry. As visitors, they stay longer and spend more, and as workers they participate in the casual, seasonal, and school holiday workforce needed by the tourism, hospitality, and events industries.”

Tourism Council Western Australia undertook this data collection using Ipsos’ DIY (Do-It-Yourself) self-serve platform, FastFacts.

The survey was of 800 respondents was conducted between 31st Augus and 6th September 2022.

Related Articles

30th September 2022 - Western Australian Government to introduce laws banning thugs from entertainment precincts

27th September 2022 - ATEC spotlights need to focus on tourism’s trade imbalance

21st September 2022 - Trial proposed for swimming with seals off Western Australian coastline

13th September 2022 - 56 kilometre section of Western Australia’s Wiilman Bilya trail and pedestrian bridge now open

9th September 2022 - Tourism WA launches new global tourism brand

2nd September 2022 - ATEC calls for changes to Working Holiday Makers visa criteria to meet tourism’s unskilled labour shortage

28th August 2022 - Former Federal Tourism Minister reveals why she fired Scott Morrison

23rd August 2022 - New funding boost to develop tourism and hospitality skills in Western Australia

1st August 2022 - Streamlined audit process to benefit selected nature-based tourism in Western Australia

14th June 2022 - Margaret River certified as first ECO Destination in Western Australia

12th October 2021 - Tourism WA appoints former Perth Airport executive as its new Managing Director

7th October 2021 - WTTC research reveals global loss of 62 million tourism jobs

27th September 2021 - Tourism Council WA launches campaign encouraging vaccinations for summer peak

29th August 2020 - Tourism Council WA says AFL and events can save jobs

11th May 2020 - Tourism Council WA welcomes tourism recovery guidelines

29th January 2020 - Tourism Council WA happy with Western Australia’s best summer but fears challenges ahead

9th January 2019 - Tourism Council WA calls for growth fund to stop industry job losses

2nd December 2016 - Federal Parliament finally agrees 15% backpacker tax

7th May 2016 - Tourism industry disappointed by backpacker tax retention


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Intelligenz Solutions

Intelligenz provides Leisure Management Software for managing all your Program Registrations, Facility Bookings, Membership Sales and POS Transactions; including detailed Reporting, automated…

read more

Access / Billing / Finance / Marketing / Technology

 
 

Myzone

Email for trade enquiries: Enquiriesapac@myzone.org  Customer support desk - Click Myzone support or go to ‘help’ on myzone app to access live support. Myzone® is the leading…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 

TPEC Pool Enclosures

TPEC Pool Enclosures provide a large range of premium commercial and residential retractable swimming pool, spa and terrace enclosures throughout Australia, servicing residential, local government…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 

AlphaFit

AUSTRALIAN MADE. FIT FOR PURPOSE. Based on the Gold Coast, AlphaFit is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Australian gym equipment specifically for the commercial, strength and conditioning,…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Fun Wheels Pty Ltd

Fun Wheels Pty Ltd are the premium dealer in Australasia for the Dutch company BERG’s commercial and domestic products. Our flagship product is their revolutionary pedal go-kart – the…

read more

Attractions / Tourism / Venues

 
 

Anti Wave Global

Anti Wave Global is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave Global is proud of its long and tested…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Sport

 
 

Links Modular Solutions

Links Modular Solutions was a leading provider of high-quality, innovative software solutions for aquatic and recreation facilities. Links Modular Solutions is now part of Xplor Technologies.

read more

Access / Billing / Finance / Fitness / Technology

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business