Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP)

Following the AGM on 7 November 2024, the BYTAP Annual Report for 2023-24 is now available online, telling of gradual recovery in the backpacker and youth tourism sector from the impact of the pandemic https://lnkd.in/ggW2hiqB

Congratulations to outgoing BYTAP Chairperson, Wendi Aylward, on being deservedly named as “Industry Legend of the Year 2024” at the Adventure Tourism Awards Australia & NZ! Wendi has been a stalwart for the industry for over two decades, forging solid partnerships between various stakeholders, and advocating tirelessly about the benefits that cultural exchange programs such as the Working Holiday Maker visa provide to host nations. Bravo Wendi - take a bow! #adventuretourism #culturalexchange #workingholidayvisa

BYTAP has submitted a comprehensive submission to the federal government’s Review of Regional Migration Settings - including some groundbreaking new research into the Regional Impacts of Working Holiday Makers that we co-commissioned with the Australian Tourism Export Council and National Farmers' Federation - read the full report here https://lnkd.in/gUKUQkmS

BYTAP’s submission to the Thrive 2030 strategy for the future direction of tourism in Australia can be read here https://lnkd.in/g8N5zb4Z

Working Holiday Maker Visa Update The long-awaited Review of Regional Migration Settings discussion paper was handed down on Friday with a raft of recommendations. Amongst the tourism industry it had been feared that the Federal Government might look to reduce Australia's Working Holiday Maker visa to just one year (without the option for a 2nd or 3rd year if specified work was undertaken e.g. in agriculture or tourism/hospitality in specified regional areas for certain periods). Due to strong advocacy across the country we are pleased to share that the Government is now not considering limiting the Working Holiday Maker visa to one year as this would significantly damage local economies in regional Australia. BYTAP is thankful to all those across Youth Tourism NSW, Adventure Queensland and Australian Tourism Export Council for their combined advocacy. Wendi Aylward Peta Zietsch Andrew Cowan Brendan McKenna Mark Baldwin George Josevski #workingholidayvisa #TourismAustralia https://lnkd.in/gwkRxipu

BYTAP, in conjunction with the Australian Tourism Export Council, is proud to announce the winner of the inaugural Tourism Australia Youth Sector ELITE Scholarship as Chloe Williams from Ultimate Adventure Travel Pty Ltd! Bede Fennell Wendi Aylward Kristy Malapa Peter Shelley #scholarship #Australia #youthtourism #backpacker #Workingholidayvisa https://lnkd.in/g9M3-8ky

BYTAP is concerned with the limited channels remaining for Working Holiday Makers to access regional short term farmwork, with the disbanding of The Harvest Trail Information Service https://lnkd.in/gnKyNmnj #workingholidayvisa

Applications extended to 30 May 2024 - hurry to get your stellar team member's in now!

BYTAP is thrilled to be partnering with Tourism Australia & Australian Tourism Export Council to offer a young emerging leader in the youth tourism sector an ELITE Scholarship to develop their skills, knowledge and network - applications close 24 May 2024! https://lnkd.in/dZ3vWCXi

BYTAP’s Chair, Wendi Aylward, was in Poland this week at the Work Experience Travel Market & International Au-pair Association Annual Conference, getting the latest updates on working holiday trends around the world, and spreading the word about opportunities in Australia! WETM-IAC IAPA - International Au Pair Association WYSTC - The World Youth & Student Travel Conference Patricia Brunner #workingholidayvisa