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The Backpacker Youth and Adventure Tourism Association (BYATA) and Hospitality New Zealand have joined forces to push for stronger action to attract Working Holiday Visa travellers to New Zealand, and to support the businesses that depend on them.
WHV travellers play a dual role in New Zealand’s economy, as a vital workforce for hospitality, tourism and other sectors, and as valued customers for backpacker accommodation, adventure tourism operators, and regional businesses.
Research commissioned by BYATA and Visa Consulting & Analytics shows WHV travellers support more than 1.2 local jobs per visitor, and that each dollar spent by youth visitors generates $1.40 in regional economic activity, underlining their importance as both customers and workers.
Together, the two organisations will campaign for Tourism New Zealand to launch a targeted marketing effort in Australia and other key markets, while also advocating for supportive government policies to strengthen the WHV pipeline.
BYATA chair Haydn Marriner, says WHV travellers are essential to the success of youth and adventure tourism.
“WHV travellers don’t just pass through New Zealand, they live here, work here, and travel widely while they’re here. They’re a key part of our backpacker sector, adventure operators, and regional tourism businesses. Without them, many youth-focused operators would struggle to survive.
“That’s why BYATA is stepping up to partner with Hospitality NZ on this campaign. Our sector understands the motivations, behaviours, and needs of WHV travellers better than anyone. We believe Tourism NZ should make this market a priority if we want to sustain regional tourism and keep our industry vibrant.”
Hospitality NZ’s head of communications and advocacy Sam MacKinnon says the hospitality sector relies heavily on WHV holders.
“WHV travellers are behind the bar, in the kitchen, and serving in our cafés, and they’re also sitting at the tables as customers. Our industry thrives with them – they are both the people who keep the doors open and the people filling the seats.
“By partnering with BYATA, we’re making it clear there is one united industry voice encouraging Tourism NZ to invest in a strong, sustained campaign to bring more of these young people here.”
BYATA and Hospitality NZ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that commits both organisations to:
- Joint advocacy to government for improved WHV policy settings and support.
- Collaborative campaigns that highlight the economic and cultural contributions of WHV travellers.
- Stronger industry engagement, ensuring members are actively involved in shaping solutions.
“BYATA and Hospitality New Zealand will continue to stand together to ensure WHV travellers are welcomed, supported, and celebrated as a critical part of New Zealand’s tourism future,” say Haydn and Sam.
