Australia worries over dropping number of backpackers as it competes with a cheaper Asia
Skift Take
Backpackers, assumed to be budget travelers, have historically contributed generously to Australia’s tourism industry. But its strong dollar and hotels packed with mining and other industrial workers are giving the roughing-it set reason to go elsewhere.
Australia's backpacker tourism industry is facing the biggest crisis in its history, with many tour operators struggling to survive following big falls in young travellers.
The number of people staying in hostels has fallen by nearly seven per cent over the past two years, down from 593,000 per year in March 2010.
Up Next
Hotels
How Data Quality Issues Impact Global Hospitality Operations
There are wide discrepancies in data quality for hotel transactions across global regions, with the largest occurring in Asia-Pacific. Because hotels and agencies need to harness data quality to thrive, they must take a more nuanced regional approach to monitoring potential issues.
Sponsored 
Hotels
Oyo Brings European Vacation Rental Brand DanCenter to India
DanCenter's success in India will serve as a test of Oyo’s ability to adapt a global brand to local market dynamics. If it works, expect more global vacation rental players to follow suit.
Podcasts
IHG Buys Ruby, UK Green Fuel Dilemma and AmexGBT-CWT Merger
On today’s pod, we talk about IHG’s new acquisition, UK airlines’ fuel problem, and a nearing business travel mega merger.
Online Travel
Inside MakeMyTrip's 'Travel Superapp' Strategy. Is it Doable?
The real challenge for MakeMyTrip isn’t just building an end-to-end travel company — it’s making sure the experience is actually seamless. Can it truly integrate flights, hotels, ground transport, and everything else into one frictionless journey? That’s the test that will define its success or failure.
Tourism
Florida Dominates U.S. Spring Break Travel Plans as Costs Rise
Most U.S. travelers are looking for warm weather and affordable destinations during this year's spring break, and the Sunshine State tops the list of destinations in a new forecast.