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Source: ONE News
Backpacking is now the saving grace of New Zealand tourism, backpackers say.
They made the claim in a statement promoting the first backpacker industry conference to be held in Auckland in mid-September.
The conference features speakers such as Prime Minister John Key, Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton and Tourism Industry Association chief executive Tim Cossar.
NZBackpack.com chairman Daniel Shields said today that although tourism had been hit by the world recession, backpacking seemed more resilient to economic conditions.
"Not only do these visitors come despite the recession, but they often return," said Shields.
"Backpacking is a seed market for New Zealand tourism. Today's backpacker is tomorrow's family holiday maker, and in a generation's time they return again as a grey gapper."
The conference is on September 17 and 18.
