Tourism Council WA survey shows employers looking forward to the return of backpackers

Western Australians want more international and interstate workers in Western Australia, particularly backpackers and international students, according to a poll commissioned by Tourism Council WA.

The poll revealed 68% of those surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the Western Australian Government should attract more international and interstate workers to the state, with 21% neutral and only 11% disagreeing.

Commenting on the findings, Tourism Council WA Chief Executive, Evan Hall stated "the poll shows Western Australians want workers attracted to the state, with community support strongest for backpackers and international students."

82% per cent of surveyed Western Australians agreed or strongly agreed that backpackers were an important source of workers for businesses and regions. 72% agreed or strongly agreed that international students and graduates were an important source of workers for the state's businesses and regions.

Hall went on to say "in peak periods like long weekends and school holidays, tourism is desperately short of backpackers and other seasonal staff to provide service for our influx of local and interstate tourism.

“Prior to COVID-19, WA attracted more than 50,000 Working Holiday Maker visa holders in 2019, according to Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey.

"With staff and skill shortages still hindering WA’s tourism recovery, the industry needs working holiday makers, such as backpackers, to fill the staffing gaps left by the pandemic.

“WA’s tourism industry is ready to rebuild, but staff shortages have significantly hindered the effort. Many tourism businesses are still unable to operate at full capacity, particularly during peak periods.

“Backpackers and international students form an integral part of creating a thriving tourism industry. As visitors, they stay longer and spend more, and as workers they participate in the casual, seasonal, and school holiday workforce needed by the tourism, hospitality, and events industries.”

Tourism Council Western Australia undertook this data collection using Ipsos’ DIY (Do-It-Yourself) self-serve platform, FastFacts.

The survey was of 800 respondents was conducted between 31st Augus and 6th September 2022.