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Plan or No Plan? The Flexibility of Backpacker Travel in Australia

Carson, Dean B., Boyle, Alicia and Hoedlmaier, Astrid (2007). Plan or No Plan? The Flexibility of Backpacker Travel in Australia. In: McDonnell, Ian, Grabowski, Simone and March, Roger CAUTHE 2007. Conference of the Council for Australian University Tourism and Hospitality Education, Sydney, 11-14 February 2007.

Document type: Conference Paper
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IRMA ID 78669150xPUB3
Author Carson, Dean B.
Boyle, Alicia
Hoedlmaier, Astrid
Title Plan or No Plan? The Flexibility of Backpacker Travel in Australia
Conference Name CAUTHE 2007. Conference of the Council for Australian University Tourism and Hospitality Education
Conference Location Sydney
Conference Dates 11-14 February 2007
Conference Publication Title CAUTHE 2007 - Tourism: Past Achievements, Future Challenges
Editor McDonnell, Ian
Grabowski, Simone
March, Roger
Place of Publication Sydney, NSW
Publisher University of Technology, Sydney
Publication Year 2007
ISBN 9780646469980   (check CDU catalogue  open catalogue search in new window)
Start Page 298
End Page 307
Total Pages 10
Field of Research 1506 - Tourism
HERDC Category E1 - Conference Publication (DEST)
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to analyse flexibility of destination selection by international backpackers to Australia. Since 2000, there has been strong growth in the international backpacker market to Australia, but a decline in visits to South Australia, Northern Territory and parts of regional Western Australia. Understanding the influences on destination selection, and consequently visitor dispersal, may help identify strategies to address the decline in these areas while continuing the pattern of overall growth. A literature review identified eight characteristics of backpacker travel which influence destination selection and the flexibility of itineraries. A series of 13 focus groups was held with international backpackers in destinations across the Australian mainland. The results suggested that, while little pre-trip planning was undertaken, there was also relatively little dispersal from the 'anchor points' that were planned prior to arrival. There may be limited value in marginal destinations marketing to backpackers in-trip with better results expected from encouraging a commitment to visit before the traveller leaves home.
Description for Link Link to published version
URL http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=522115469240043;res=IELBUS
 
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Created: Fri, 12 Sep 2008, 08:35:25 CST by Administrator