Backpacking - an overview

  Backpacker Tourism Define

One of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry world-wide (Time Magazine, Dec 1995). Backpacker Tourism caters to a specific segment of the market, namely backpackers, by providing niche products specific to this market.

Backpackers Defined

The following criteria distinguish backpackers from other travellers:

• A preference for budget accommodation;
• An emphasis on meeting other travellers;
• An independently organised and flexible travel schedule;
• Longer rather than very brief holidays; and
• An emphasis on informal and participatory holiday activities.

Statistics

The Bureau of Tourism Research in Australia reports that 306 100 international backpackers visited Australia in 1997, with an average length of stay of 66 nights (compared with 23 nights for all visitors). According to the Bureau, backpackers' average expenditure was AUS$3909 in 1997 (compared with AUS$2889 per person for all visitors in 1997).
Backpackers are high-yield visitors despite relatively low average daily expenditures due to the fact that they stay for longer periods. Backpackers actually stay three times as long as other visitors and spend twice as much.

Drawing on the expert opinions of backpacker tourism specialists over 1998, the following statistics have been compiled:

• NUMBER OF BACKPACKERS (NATIONAL) : 200 000 per year
• % TOTAL FOREIGN VISITORS : APPROX. 20-25%
• AVERAGE DAILY EXPENDITURE : R235 per day
• AVERAGE STAY (DAYS) : 25 days
• TOTAL REVENUE : R1,3 BILLION
• TOTAL INVESTED IN SA : 100%

The diversity of experiences to be had in South Africa, not the least being our unique natural environment and cultural diversity, already provide South Africa with a strong competitive edge in attracting this type of traveller.

The Changing Profile

The profile of the backpacker is changing as we move into the new century with a greater number of traditionally "other visitors" now choosing to travel "backpacker style".

• The following characteristics are prevalent:
• Students
• Qualified Professionals (Aged 25 - 35)
• Budding Entrepreneurs
• Increased Disposable Income
• Travel with Email Addresses & Mobile Phones
• Higher Expectations
• Value for Money
• Look for Meaningful Intercultural & Social Experiences
• Concerned about Conservation & Sustainability
• Today's Backpackers are Tomorrow's Business and Leisure Tourists

The Benefits to South Africa
The following FACTS are true and vital for the future development of tourism in SA:

• Backpackers spread the benefits of tourism to regional and rural areas
• Backpackers support the informal sector within cities and towns and spend their money over a cross section of the economy
• There is a direct "cash-in-hand" benefit from backpacker tourism for the disadvantaged communities
• Backpackers are high-yield visitors despite relatively low average daily expenditure
• The backpacker tourism industry is involved in training and development from a "grass-root" level.